FAQ
CCW
Frequently Asked Questions For
Carrying a Concealed Weapon Permit Classes.
Police Science Institute open during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Yes, Police Science Institute has remained open during this time. We are taking all the right precautions to keep everyone safe and we are limiting our capacity in each of the classes.
Are your classes in person or online?
All our classes are currently in person with limited capacity. We do not offer online classes at this time.
What has changed during the Covid-19 Pandemic at Police Science Institute?
One major change Police Science Institute has made is CCW Classes are no longer walk-ins. In order to attend a renewal CCW class initial CCW class, Utah CCW, Women’s Basic Handgun Training & CCW class you will have to book a class online and pre-pay in order to secure your spot.
Ear and Eye Protection
We no longer provide ear and eye protection as loaners. You will need to provide your own. Prescription glasses are okay. If need to purchase eye or ear protection The Range Pistol Club next door does have various affordable options.
Refunds
Do to demand and space availability we do not offer refunds at this time for any of our CCW classes. We do however offer a credit to a future class or a ONE Time option to reschedule your missed class. Call us or email us to reschedule for a future class (559) 276-9800
Where do I check-in for my class?
Check-in for your class at the front desk at The Police Science Institute under the name the payment was made 30 minutes early. If you paid for more than one person, there will be a plus one added to your reservation. All firearms must be unloaded and ready for verification.
What type of documents do I need to bring in to my CCW renewal or initial class?
For renewals please bring in your CCW permit/s and California DL/ID. The only document you can pre-fill out is the gun info page, you can find it here,
http://policescience.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/CCW-PERMIT-FORM_w_vaifyrev5.docx.pdf
If you do now have a printer do not worry about it we will have it in class, where you can fill it out. We use this form to create your CCW completion certificate.
How much ammunition do I need for my shooting qualification test?
For initials and renewals excluding initials for the City (Fresno Police Department) you will need 50 rounds, a combined total. For example if you have four firearms listed you will need to split the 50 rounds among all four firearms. Every firearm has to pass a shooting test or else we cannot list it on your CCW completion certificate. The Fresno Police Department requires a 100 round combined total for those applying as a first time initial application. If you need to purchase ammunition from The Range Pistol Club, give them a call (559) 277-9800 to confirm they have your caliber in-stock. The only prohibited ammunition in the indoor range is steel ammunition.
Do I need to bring all my firearms to my CCW class?
Yes, no exceptions for both renewals and initials you must bring in all your firearms you want listed on your permit. Every gun must pass a shooting test. It is also a good time to remove or add any new firearms you want listed. This also applies to Madera County renewals. In the past they were allowed to shoot their qualification test with one semi-automatic and one revolvers. That has changed for Madera County as of early 2020.
What do I bring to my Utah CCW Class?
For the Utah CCW class you just need to bring yourself. Utah does not require a shooting test. You will receive the Utah application, and training material from the instructor. We will conduct your ink prints the day of your class. If you would like to get a head start, you will need a passport picture. The passport picture will need to be mailed with your application to Utah. Utah will process your application within 6 weeks. The Utah CCW permit is valid for five years.
What states honor the Utah CCW permit?
We recommend anyone looking to obtain the Utah CCW permit or has it issued already to view the reciprocity map, it frequently updates. Here is the map we refer everyone to, https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/ccw_reciprocity_map/ut-gun-laws/
I don’t have a computer or a mobile device that will allow me to book a class?
Police Science Institute has a computer in the lobby area that can be used to book a class. The person must have a credit/debit card to pay online. The online booking system allows us to maintain inventory so classes don’t get overbooked. If you do not have a credit/debit card stop by The Police Science Institute during business hours and we will assist you on booking the next available class that has an opening.
I see the class dates available online but it won’t let me book it?
If you are not able pay for the class you have selected, that means the class has sold out. You will see a sold out banner. If you see anything else come up, give us a call the link may be broken (559) 276-9800.
Women’s Basic Handgun Training & CCW classes?
The Women’s Basic Handgun Training & CCW classes are in demand and sell out very fast. To keep up with the demand we have added extra classes each month. This class is available to 15 ladies per class. This class is great for first time shooters. We often get calls asking us if this would be the right class for someone who has never touched a firearm. The answer is yes, there is a lot of first time shooters who have never touched a firearm or own one in this class. This is actually the only CCW class where a women can attend without a firearm. They do have an option to bring their husband’s firearm if they are legally married. The student (women) in this class will have up to a year to purchase a firearm if they do not own one. They can schedule their shooting test for their CCW completion certified by emailing us or calling us to check when we have an instructor available for their shooting test. There will be no additional fees for this service. This class is taught by two female instructors based on their schedule availability. The class will also be assisted by approved CCW instructors.
How do I know if I am registered for a class? Will I get I reminder?
THERE ARE NO REMINDERS FOR INITIALS, RENEWALS AND UTAH CLASSES. If you were charged/paid for the class through your debit/credit card you are definitely registered for a class. If you provided your email during the check-out you will see a confirmation page after your check-out from Police Science Institute with general instructions. A payment receipt of your class will be emailed to you by PayPal if you provided your email. Please arrive 30 minutes early for your class.
Why is The Range Pistol Club referring me to Police Science Institute for my CCW Class?
The Range and Police Science Institute are a combined business with the same owner. Police Science Institute is the educational portion and The Range Pistol Club is the retail. Police Science Institute is the building next door to The Range Pistol Club. The Range does not offer the CCW classes and you cannot book a class on their website. It can only be booked on www.policescience.com.
I missed my class what can I do next?
Due to the demand in classes we will not be offering refunds at this time. Our staff will be able to reschedule you ONE time for the next available date. Email us or give us a call (559) 276-9800. We will honor this service within six months of your class payment.
Can I be added to a waitlist?
There is no wait list in place for our classes. If we have no shows or cancellations we leave the class as is.
Can I use someone else’s firearm if I don’t own a firearm to take an initial CCW Class?
You cannot use someone else’s gun unless you are both legally married. Married couples are the only ones who can use each other’s firearms on their CCW Permit.
Will Police Science Institute give me my CCW Permit after the class?
No, we only provide the state required training for you to apply for your permit. The state required training is 8 hours. The application process, background check and interview is handled by the agency in your county or city. You can determine your county or city by your address. The agencies will either be the Sheriff’s Department or Police Department in your area. Most have their application online or a paper application that you can typically download online or pick up from the agency. If you have more questions about this email us we can help you determine who you can apply with.
I just purchased a new firearm how do I get that added to my CCW Permit?
In order to get a new firearm added to your CCW permit you must shoot 50 rounds with a CCW instructor. After your qualification you will receive a certificate with your new gun information. You will then submit that to the issuing agency to get your CCW permit modified. Doing a CCW add-on is not a walk-in service you must first call us (559) 276-9800 and make an appointment. The shooting qualification and certificate fee is $20.00. If you are a Range Member this service is free.
How many rounds is my shooting qualification?
Initial/first time students will have to shoot 50 rounds for the County or 100 rounds for the City of Fresno Police Department. The rounds are a combined total not for individual firearms. Most Agencies allow up to four firearms. The Fresno County Sheriff’s Department allows unlimited firearms listed on your CCW permit. Renewals have to shoot 50 rounds a combined total, not per
individual firearm. No steel ammunition is allowed in the indoor range.
How many yards is my shooting qualification?
Shooting qualifications are 3,5 and 7 yards.
What if I fail my shooting test?
If you fail your shooting qualification test instructors will typically recommend for you to book a private lesson or get practice shooting time at the range. You will not need to retake the class or pay again. You will have to return to complete your shooting test within 30 days of your class date.
Is there a written test I have to take?
There is no written test for the CCW Class. The only test is the shooting qualification.
What if I don’t have a computer to submit my CCW application or know how use a computer, can Police Science Institute or The Range submit my application for me?
We unfortunately do not have the extra personnel to provide this service. From start to finish the application can take anywhere from 30-45 mins per person. We recommend those who are not computer literate to find help from family members or friends. The scanning part and uploading tends to be the part where people have the most trouble. Mobile devices can be very usual for this part. Taking images of your required documents and emailing them to your email. You will then save the attachment to your computer or iPad to upload to your application without needing an actual scanner.
How old do I have to be to apply for my CCW permit?
You must be 21 years of age to apply for a CCW permit. You must also be 21 years of age to purchase a firearm.
What is the difference from the co-ed CCW class and the Women’s Basic Training & CCW class?
The difference between the regular co-ed CCW class and the Women’s CCW and Basic Training class is the women’s class includes basic handgun training, we allow women with no experience, and women who don’t own a firearm attend this class. The women’s class is prices is higher at $130 vs $95. We do provide more then one instructor for that class. The Women’s CCW class is also taught by women. The co-ed class is for those who already own a firearm and do not need basic handgun training.
How do I book a private lesson?
Lessons are booked directly with an instructor call Police Science Institute and we will give you an instructor’s contact information. The private lesson does take place at The Police Science Institute indoor private range. Private lesson rate is $50.00 an hour. Private lessons can range from basic training to more advance skills.
How long is my CCW certificate good?
As of today we do not have a written statement by any of the CCW issuing agency of when the certificate expires. We recommend to anyone taking our classes for initials to apply for their CCW permit within 6 months of their certificate being issued. Most agencies will not accept a renewal unless it is within 30 days from the expiration date. You can always take the class a few months early but do not submit your renewal until it is within the 30 day time frame.
If you have any more questions not mentioned here and not related to background checks,
email jessica@policescience.com