Colorado 4 Hour vs 12 Hour Firearms Safety Course | Pueblo Colorado
Colorado 4 Hour vs 12 Hour Firearms Safety Course:
Which One Will You Need?
One of the biggest questions about Colorado’s new Specified Semiautomatic Firearm (SSF) program is simple:
Will you need the 4 hour course or the 12 hour course?
The answer may depend on your Hunter Education status and eligibility pathway.
Colorado 4 Hour vs 12 Hour Firearms Safety Course
Colorado’s new firearms safety program creates two possible training paths.
Some students may qualify for a shorter course, while others may need the extended training option.
As implementation continues, always verify current requirements before registering.
For a complete overview of the program, see:
Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearm Program
Can Hunter Education Qualify You for the 4-Hour Colorado SSF Course?
Yes. If you have qualifying Hunter Education, you may be eligible
to take Colorado’s 4-hour Basic Firearms Safety Course instead of the 12-hour
Extended Course required for applicants without Hunter Education.
This can also apply to qualifying Hunter Education completed outside Colorado.
Colorado Parks and Wildlife requires out-of-state Hunter Education credentials
to be verified and entered into the CPW system before they can be used for the
4-hour SB25-003 training pathway.
Don’t Have Hunter Education?
Some Hunter Education programs from other states can be completed online.
If the resulting Hunter Education credential is accepted and verified by Colorado
Parks and Wildlife, it may qualify you for the 4-hour course.
Important: Have Gun Will Train Colorado does not determine whether
a Hunter Education credential qualifies. Verification and acceptance are handled
by Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Students should have their Hunter Education
credential verified by CPW before registering for the 4-hour course.
Questions about which SB25-003 course you need?
Call Have Gun Will Train Colorado at 719-821-3958.
The 4 Hour Firearms Safety Course
Current guidance indicates students with qualifying Hunter Education credentials may use the shorter training pathway.
- Approximately 4 hours
- Hunter Education pathway
- No live-fire qualification
- Written testing required
- Minimum passing score expected: 90%
- Certified instructors only
Students should verify eligibility before registering.
The 12 Hour Firearms Safety Course
Students without a qualifying Hunter Education course may need the extended course.
- 12 hours total instruction
- Multiple training days
- No live-fire qualification
- Written examination required
- Minimum passing score expected: 90%
- Certified instructor required
Quick Comparison
| Topic | 4 Hour Course | 12 Hour Course |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter Education | Expected pathway | Generally no Hunter Education |
| Training Time | 4 Hours | 12 Hours |
| Live Fire | No Live Fire | No Live Fire |
| Written Test | Yes | Yes |
| Passing Score | 90% | 90% |
Common Questions
Will Hunter Education completely replace the process?
No.
Current guidance suggests Hunter Education may reduce training requirements but does not eliminate the process.
Can I choose the shorter course if I do not have Hunter Education?
Current understanding suggests no.
Students without qualifying Hunter Education will require the extended pathway.
Will I need to shoot?
Current implementation suggests no live-fire qualification requirement.
Related Articles
Colorado Firearms Safety Courses Coming Soon
Have Gun Will Train Colorado has obtained instructor certification for the Colorado Firearms Safety Program.
Training schedules and class announcements will be added as implementation continues.
Rick Sindeband
Have Gun Will Train Colorado
719-821-3958
