Instructor Certification

In order to qualify for consideration, a prospective concealed carry instructor must hold "Specialized Instructor Certification B Firearms" issued by the Commission or hold "Firearms Instructor Certification" in Personal Protection, Basic Pistol, or Police Firearms issued by the National Rifle Association. The "Specialized Firearms Instructor Training Course" is offered by the North Carolina Justice Academy (NCJA). In addition, the prospective instructor must have successfully completed the course entitled "Laws Governing Concealed Handgun and Use of Deadly Force" administered by the NCJA.

Once eligible for consideration, the prospective instructor must complete the application form, attach a copy of the actual instructor certification certificate from the Commission or the NRA, a copy of the certificate showing successful completion of the course "Laws Governing Concealed Handgun and Use of Deadly Force," a copy of the course material the prospective instructor intends to teach or the course outline for prior approved courses, and the application fee of $50.00 in the form of a certified check. If the prospective instructor wishes to order student certificates immediately, he or she should indicate the number of certificates on the application form and include payment in the form of a certified check. The Commission, through the Criminal Justice Standards Division of the North Carolina Department of Justice, will review the qualifications submitted by the prospective instructor and review the course material. The Criminal Justice Standards Division will mail the prospective instructor a certification letter once certification as an instructor and approval of the submitted course material is completed.

Instructors are required by law to renew their instructor certifications and their course materials annually. Instructors must complete the Instructor Renewal Form, attach a copy of the current instructor certification from the Commission or the NRA, a copy of the course material used in teaching the class or a copy of the outline if no changes have been made to the material since the material was approved, and the $50.00 renewal fee in the form of a certified check. The Criminal Justice Standards Division will mail the instructor an approval letter once the renewal process is completed.

Instructors may re-order student certificates at any time utilizing the Certificate Re-Order Form. Certificates are available in multiples of 25 at a cost of $1.00 per certificate. The instructor must complete all questions on the re-order form and attach a certified check in the exact amount. Please do not add sales tax to the amount. Instructors should re-order student certificates at least two weeks prior to the date they will need the certificates. Certificates are not available to instructors on a last minute basis. The unavailability of certificates on a last minute basis is due to the fact that each individual certificate issued to an instructor must be logged into the concealed carry database by serial number under the instructor's account. In addition, each individual student certificate must be signed by the Director of the Criminal Justice Standards Division and by the Chairman of the Commission. Finally, each individual certificate must be hand stamped with the Commission's seal. The Criminal Justice Standards Division will make every effort to comply with an emergency re-order request.