Become an Instructor, School or Approved Online Class

You will need to submit the following:

• Completed Application for State Certified Handgun Instructor
• Instructor Fee: $25.00 for certification for a period of three (3) years

-  Fees can be paid using check or money order made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS).

• Copy of Handgun Instructor Qualifications/Certificate
• Out-of-state applicants who wish to become a licensed instructor in Tennessee must provide a copy of their adult criminal history from their state of residency. 

Mail all applications, documents and payments to the following address:

Tennessee Department of Safety
Handgun Safety School/Instructor
P.O. Box 23710
Nashville, TN 37202

Applicants may call (615) 687-2303 with any questions about the Handgun Safety School and Instructor material.
 

You will need to submit the following:

• Completed Application for State Certified Training School
  
• Safety School Fee: $50.00 for certification for a period of one (1) year, based on insurance.
  

-  Fees can be paid using check or money order made payable to the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security (TDOSHS).

• Insurance Certificate
  
• County and Municipal Ordinances Pertaining to Private Handgun Ranges.
  
• Permission Letter Form from property owner is required if applicant does not own classroom or range.
  
• Zoning Approval Form

Mail all applications, documents and payments to the following address:

Tennessee Department of Safety
Handgun Safety School/Instructor
P.O. Box 23710
Nashville, TN 37202

Applicants may call (615) 687-2303 with any questions about the Handgun Safety School and Instructor material.

T.C.A. §39-17-1366 and PUBLIC CHAPTER NO. 479

How to apply to become a concealed handgun carry permit third party vendor online (CCP) class:

1.   Complete an application to become an online Concealed Handgun Carry Permit third party vendor class/instructor.

2.   Submit by email both your application and a copy of your handgun instructor certification document to ccpclass.submissions@tn.gov.

3.   Submissions will be reviewed in the order they are received. Once your submission is assigned for review, you will receive an email from an inspector confirming your application is being processed.

4.   If approved, a registration number will be assigned to your class and an email will be sent to you signifying your official acceptance as a Tennessee third party vendor online Concealed Carry Permit (CCP) class/instructor.

5.   If denied, you will receive an email explaining the reason(s) for denial and the steps needed for approval.

6.   Your class name, instructor’s name, student name, assigned state registration number, and date of class will be required on all successful online CCP class certificates.

7.   Approved online classes will be reviewed annually for content compliance and subsequent legal updates.

CCP Online Class Minimum Standards:

Curriculum submissions for the Online Concealed Carry Permit Class must cover the topics described in Public Chapter 479. Eight distinct instructional topics are mandatory for approved CCP Class presentations. The BASIC EIGHT (8) topics are as follows;

1.   Conveys BASIC Firearms Safety Rules.

2.   Conveys BASIC Handgun Features (Nomenclature).

3.   Conveys BASIC Handgun Uses and Techniques.

4.   Conveys BASIC Handgun Knowledge and Skills for Safe Handling.

5.   Conveys BASIC Safe Storage of Firearm and Ammunition.

6.   Conveys BASIC Safe Transportation and Safe Storage Methods In Vehicles.

7.   Conveys BASIC Safe Handgun Cleaning Instruction.

8.   Conveys BASIC Current Tennessee Law on Carrying Handguns.

In addition to the BASIC (8), all CCP Class submissions must be at least ninety (90) minutes in length,

Must provide an online Test/Quiz to confirm competency of course,

And must provide a printable certificate of successful class completion.

Military and Law Enforcement instructor certifications may also be accepted.