NEW ISSUE CCW 16-HOUR IN PERSON COURSE

At AAO, we are dedicated to delivering the very best in CCW course training throughout the Bay Area and Northern California. Our 16-hour, in-person California Department of Justice (DOJ) and SB2-compliant course combines real-world instruction, professional coaching, and live-fire range qualification designed to help you carry safely, confidently, and responsibly.

We proudly serve all of the Bay Area and surrounding regions, including:
El Dorado, Lassen, Solano, Napa, Marin, San Francisco, San Mateo, Sacramento, Alameda, Contra Costa, Yolo, Placer, Siskiyou, San Benito, Lake, counties, along with the cities of Napa, Novato, San Rafael, Belvedere, Tiburon, Alameda, Sausalito, Mill Valley and San Francisco.

Whether you’re a first-time CCW applicant, completing a renewal course, or looking to advance your firearms skills, AAO provides a professional, respectful, and real-world training environment built on decades of experience.

🔵 Two Active Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors
Bringing current, on-the-job tactical expertise to every CCW class. Both are California DOJ-certified.

🟢 One Retired Law Enforcement Range Master (24 Years of Service)
Ensuring precision firearms training and top-tier range safety. DOJ-certified CCW instructor.

🟣 Four Female CCW Instructors
Including a retired officer with 25 years of service, offering diverse perspectives and relatable coaching. All DOJ-certified.

🟠 Lead Instructor
Long-time DOJ-certified CCW instructor focused on responsible carry, situational awareness, and public safety.

🔴 Red Dot Optics Experts
Every instructor certified, with two holding POST Red Dot credentials for advanced optics training.

🟡 CRPA Train-the-Trainer Certified
Two instructors qualified to train other firearms instructors, maintaining the highest professional CCW standards.

🟤 Stop the Bleed Certified
Every instructor trained in trauma care — preparing students not only to defend life but to save it.

At AAO, we take pride in offering a professional, supportive, and student-centered learning environment. Our training emphasizes:

• Professionalism — No boot-camp intimidation tactics
   
• Teamwork — Learn alongside like-minded individuals
   
• Confidence & Safety — From classroom to live-fire qualification
   

From your first step into the classroom to your final round on the range, our team is dedicated to your growth, confidence, and safety.

 ⭐ Proven Expertise – Every AAO instructor has completed advanced Train-the-Trainer programs, with several certified through the Academy Instructor Certification Course (AICC).
⭐ Exceptional Standards – Each instructor brings over 4,400 combined classroom and range hours of training experience.
⭐ Small Class Ratios – Our 3:1 student-to-instructor ratio ensures personal attention and hands-on guidance.
⭐ Comprehensive Coaching – During live-fire qualifications, instructors stay with you on the line, providing real-time corrections and encouragement. 

DOJ & SB2 Compliant ✅

Our 16-hour CCW training gives you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to protect yourself and your loved ones — legally, ethically, and responsibly.
We blend core classroom learning with hands-on range instruction so you can carry with competence and confidence in any situation.

• California Penal Codes & Legal Responsibilities
   
• Situational Awareness & Conflict Avoidance
   
• Mental Health Awareness & Emotional Preparedness
   
• Firearm Safety & Medical Briefings
   
• Firearm Nomenclature, Grip, Stance & Target Acquisition
   
• Drawing from a Holster & Pre-Qualification Drills

• We cover gear, apparel, belts, holsters and more!

• Dry fire drills to keep you in practice when getting to range is not an option.
   

Why it matters: These skills aren’t just for passing a test — they’re designed to keep you and your family safe every day.

Classroom & Lecture Modules

• Firearm Safety
   
• Pistol Nomenclature & Selecting a Defensive Pistol
   
• Ammunition Knowledge & Defensive Ammunition Selection
   
• Basic Defensive Pistol Skills & Shooting Techniques
   
• Drawing from Concealment
   
• Loading & Stoppage Remediation
   
• Mindset, Responding to an Attack & the Aftermath
   
• Carry Modes & Pistol Concealment
   
• Firearm Cleaning & Maintenance
   
• Safe Firearm Storage
   
• Legal Transport & Securing Firearms in Vehicles
   
• Where CCW Holders May Carry in California
   
• Permissible Use of a Firearm
   
• Lethal Force in Self-Defense Legal Boundaries
   
• Mental Health & Available Resources (1 Hour)
   

Examination & Range Qualification

• Written Exam
   
• Live-Fire Drills

 When you train with AAO, you’re not just completing a requirement — you’re building the skills, mindset, and confidence to carry lawfully, effectively, and responsibly.
Our goal is to prepare you not only to pass but to perform and protect with integrity and confidence. 

To ensure a safe, comfortable, and productive training experience, please bring the following:

• Notebook & Pen
   
• Comfortable Chair (for lecture portions)

• Hat
   
• Safety Glasses and Sunglasses
   
• Hearing Protection (hearing test conducted before live-fire)
   
• Extra Batteries (for ear protection or optics)
   

• Snacks & Plenty of Water
   
• Lunch (no vendors nearby)
   
• Sunscreen
   
• Comfortable Closed-Toe Shoes
   
• Appropriate Shirt (no low-cut tops for safety reasons)
   

• Leave Egos at Home
   
• Bring an Open Mind and a Great Attitude
   

At AAO, the price you see is the price you pay — no hidden fees, no surprises.
Whether you’re completing a New Issue or Renewal CCW Course, you can trust that the cost listed is final.

💳 We accept all forms of payment.
💪 AAO is committed to keeping training accessible — we haven’t raised our prices in three years, and we have no plans to increase them in the near future.

 Serving all of the Bay Area and Northern California, including Sonoma, Napa, Marin, San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Yolo, Lake, San Benito, Siskiyou, Placer, Solano, El Dorado, and Lassen Counties — and the cities of Napa, Novato, San Rafael, Belvedere, Tiburon, Alameda, Sausalito, and San Francisco.