CHAPTER 13. Training Requirement for Concealed Handgun Carry License Rules

13.0 Training requirements upon initial application

(a) A person shall, prior to submitting an initial application for a concealed handgun carry license, successfully complete a Division approved firearm safety training program. The training must be conducted and attested to by a registered Firearms Safety Training Instructor as defined in these Rules. The program shall consist of a minimum of five (5) hours of instruction on the following topics:

(1) Administrative matters, including the application process and explanation of criteria for passing the course; (2) Avoiding victimization;

(3) Laws regarding use of a handgun;

(4) Arkansas Concealed Handgun Carry Licensing laws and Rules;

(5) Encounters with law enforcement;

(6) Inspection of the handgun;

(7) Types of handguns;

(8) Ammunition;

(9) Cleaning and storage of a handgun;

(10) Carrying “concealed;”

(11) Classroom preparation for range instruction. (b) The required training for an initial license may be completed at any time within six (6) months prior to the Division’s receipt of a properly completed application packet. (c) The applicant must successfully demonstrate proficiency with the use of a handgun on the firing range by “live-fire.” (d) An instructor may not provide his or her own training certification for his or her own Arkansas concealed handgun carry license initial application. (e) A valid, current firearm safety training instructor registration issued by the Division may be substituted as the training requirement for an initial concealed handgun carry license.

Rule 13.3 Training Requirements for Enhanced License (a) The program shall consist of approximately eight (8) hours instruction – five to six (5-6) hours in-class and a maximum two (2) hours of range qualification. The Division may provide instructors with an example Syllabus for Enhanced Training to be used as a guide for its instruction.

The following topics must be covered in detail as part of the in-class instruction for enhanced training:

(1) ACA §§ 5-73-101 to 325 and all significant changes to these chapters as they occur;

(2) The terms of an Enhanced License, including the rights and responsibilities of an Enhanced License holder and all locations where the carry of concealed firearms remains prohibited;

(3) Self-Defense under Arkansas law, the use of deadly physical force, the subchapter of Arkansas Code on “Justification” (ACA §§ 5-2-601 to -622), and the potential criminal penalties that may be imposed when the use of deadly physical force is not justified;

(4) Techniques for weapon retention;

(5) General civil liability for personal injury or property damage resulting from use of a firearm;

(6) Emergent situations in public locations, including the proper response to law enforcement and the duty to avoid injury to innocent bystanders;

(7) Issues related to campus carry, to include, but not be limited to: (A) Responsibility of the licensee to know and obey the campus’s weapons policies; (B) Distinction between “possession” of a firearm, which is permissible, and “storage” which is not permissible; and (C) Requirement to carry concealed and potential penalties for violation;

(8) Other considerations for expanded carry, to include, but not be limited to:

(A) Dangers of carrying or deploying a firearm in proximity to hazardous materials;

(B) Possible ramifications of alcohol use while in possession of a firearm;

and (C) Identification as an Enhanced License holder in contact with law enforcement. The Division may provide instructors with an example Syllabus for Enhanced Training to be used as a guide for its instruction. (b) A new applicant for a concealed handgun carry license or a current licensee may apply to the Division to receive an Enhanced License. The enhanced training must be conducted and attested to by a registered Firearms Safety Training Instructor as defined in these Rules.

To qualify for the Enhanced License: (1) A new applicant must successfully complete the Division approved initial training requirements for licensure in ASP CHCL Rule 13.0 and the Division approved enhanced firearm safety training program. (2) A current licensee must successfully complete the Division approved enhanced firearm safety training program. (c) The required training for an Enhanced License may be completed at any time within six (6) months prior to the Division’s receipt of an application for an Enhanced License, but such enhanced training is not required to be renewed. (d) The applicant must complete a live-fire proficiency qualification and obtain a score of 35/50 or 70% overall.

The instructor may permit the applicant to fire the course three (3) times. If the applicant fails to obtain the required score after three (3) attempts at shooting the course, the instructor must wait ninety (90) days prior to allowing the applicant attempt completion of the live-fire proficiency qualification again. The fundamentals of the live-fire course are as follows:

(1) Stage 1: 3 yard line – 20 Rounds (A) 5 shots fired in a “one shot exercise” – 2 seconds allowed for each shot; (B) 10 shots fired in a “two shot exercise” – 3 seconds allowed for each 2 shot sequence; (C) 5 shots fired in 10 seconds;

(2) Stage 2: 7 yard line – 20 rounds (A) 5 shots fired in 10 seconds (B) 5 shots fired in 2 stages: (i) 2 shots fired in 4 seconds; (ii) 3 shots fired in 6 seconds; (C) 5 shots fired in a “one shot exercise” – 3 seconds allowed for each shot; (D) 5 shots fired in 15 seconds;

(3) Stage 3: 15 yard line – 10 rounds (A) 5 shots fired in 2 stages: (i) 2 shots fired in 6 seconds; A (ii) 3 shots fired in 9 seconds; (B) 5 shots fired in 15 seconds;

(4) All shooting is from the “ready” position;

(5) The target utilized will be a B-27 target. The shooter will be scored “hit” or “miss.”

A successful hit will be scored if the round fired cuts the line of the 7 ring or is within the 7 ring of the B-27 target.