FAQ

Questions from Fresno applicants

Does this course work for Fresno County residents?

Yes. The course is the California DOJ-compliant curriculum used statewide, including by applicants filing with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office and the Fresno Police Department. It is also approved for Alameda, Alpine, Humboldt, Kings, Lassen, Madera, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Plumas, Riverside, Sacramento, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Siskiyou, Stanislaus, Tehama, Tulare, and Tuolumne counties.

Can non-residents take it?

Yes, Non-Resident applications are accepted in most counties. Non-residents also commonly bundle the Arizona and Utah permits for maximum nationwide reciprocity. We have a page dedicated to each county on this website. Click the COUNTIES tab in the top right and select the county you are interested in and read the details.

How long is the course?

The initial course is the full 16 hours required for first-time applicants. The renewal course is the shorter 8-hour refresher required at renewal time.

Is the live-fire portion included?

No. California requires a live-fire qualification administered in person. This online course covers the classroom instruction portion, and your certificate documents it. Our Concierge Services can assist registered students with locating live-fire instructors nationwide. We do not publish a list for public use.

How soon do I get my certificate?

Your certificate is issued as soon as you complete the course and pass the final review, so you can attach it to your application packet right away.

What is the discount code for?

Our links already include a discounted partner code, so the $50 discount is applied automatically at checkout. Just use the buttons on this site.

Do I need to be a member of a certain group to apply?

No. As of January 1, 2026 Membership in an organization is no longer required to apply for a California Non-Resident CCW Permit.