Berkeley Police Department CCW Training — Initial and Renewal
📍United Sportsmen, 4700 Evora Rd, Concord, CA
📞 (707) 863-1064
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Approved by the Berkeley Police Department
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Instructors — retired FBI and Deputy District Attorney
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Classes held weekly
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Thousands trained
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"Red Dot"and Low Light Training
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Advanced pistol, rifle, and shotgun
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No hidden fees; qualify with up to 3 pistols
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Private classes are available
INITIAL CCW
Your 16-hour Initial CCW training is completed across two 8-hour classes (CCW Foundations and Basic Pistol) taught by our DOJ-certified instructors. For your convenience, classes can be taken in any order and don't need to be completed in the same week.
1) CCW Foundations: 8 hours covering California self-defense law, safe storage, legal carry requirements, shooting fundamentals, firearm safety rules, mental health, and a live-fire qualification. ($275)
Step 1: Book a CCW Foundations Class →
AND
2) Basic Pistol: 8 hours focused on pistol fundamentals: grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, malfunction clearing, and accuracy drills. Ideal for new and intermediate shooters alike. ($275)
Step 2: Book a Basic Pistol Class →
CCW RENEWAL
Paladin's DOJ-certified instructors bring professional-level expertise to your CCW renewal with two options for the required 8-hour training class.
1) CCW Foundations: The standard path — 6 hours of classroom instruction covering self-defense law, transport and storage, and mental health, and 2 hours of live-fire qualification. ($275)
Book a CCW Foundations Class →
OR
2) Premium Renewal: More shooting, less talking. The 8 hours includes the state-mandated requirements and also one of Paladin's 4-hour mini-courses (close-quarters, low-light, concealed carry applications, and more). Ideal for permit holders who want to level up, not just check a box. You must have completed Paladin's Basic Pistol to be eligible. ($300)
QUALIFICATION COURSE
Target: COCOSO-1
Stages:
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2 yard line: Draw & fire 5, ready position, fire 5
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5 yard line: Draw & fire 5, ready position, fire 5
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7 yard line: Draw & fire 5, ready position, fire 5
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15 yard line: Draw & fire 5, ready position, fire 5
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25 yard line: Draw & fire 5, ready position, fire 5
Total: 50 rounds
Passing Score: 175/250 (70%) in torso only
SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS
For Initial CCWs: applicants should wait until the background check is complete before completing training classes
Renewals: begin the renewal process no earlier than 90 days before your expiration date. Complete training and submit your application in a timely manner to avoid a break in your CCW license
Upload all class certificates to the Berkeley PD Permitium Website →
"Professional, well-organized, informative, and engaging from start to finish. I walked away feeling far more confident and prepared. One of the best instructional experiences I've had in any setting."
-Neema
"The instructors are clearly passionate about what they do. They break down techniques into digestible steps and provide personalized feedback — whether you're a beginner or refining advanced skills."
-Alexander
"Dan's FBI background, Barry's use-of-force law expertise, and Louie's world-class competitive shooting create an instructional team you simply can't find anywhere else."
-Brian