At AAO, we are proud to be an authorized CCW instructor for the San Rafael Police Department, offering Resident & Non-Resident, New & Renewal training — in-person or online.

📜 San Rafael, the oldest city in Marin County, has a proud heritage of community protection dating back to the early 1800s. Today, that tradition continues as families, business owners, and residents work together to keep our community safe.

🤝 Our close partnership with the San Rafael PD ensures every course meets — and exceeds — California state standards. We focus on responsible firearm ownership, situational awareness, and real-world skills to help protect what matters most: your family and your future.

🎓 Whether you’re new to CCW or renewing your permit, AAO delivers training with professionalism, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the safety of the San Rafael community.

At AAO, our instructors bring unmatched experience and a commitment to respectful, real-world California CCW training — without the drill sergeant attitude. We combine law enforcement expertise, civilian defensive carry knowledge, and California CCW permit compliance to deliver the gold standard in Bay Area concealed carry instruction.

🔵 Two active law enforcement firearms instructors — bringing current, on-the-job tactical expertise to every concealed carry class.

Whom are California DOJ-certified CCW instructor's.

🟢 One retired Law Enforcement Range Master — 24 years of service, ensuring precision firearms training and range safety at the highest level. Who is a California DOJ-certified CCW instructor.

🟣 Four female CCW instructors — including one recently retired after 25 years in law enforcement, providing diverse perspectives and relatable coaching for concealed carry students.

Whom are California DOJ-certified CCW instructor's

🟠 Lead Instructor — Long-time California DOJ-certified CCW instructor, passionate about responsible carry, situational awareness, and public safety.

🔴 Red Dot Optics Experts — Every instructor is a certified Red Dot Optics instructor, with two holding POST-certified Red Dot Instructor credentials for advanced handgun optics training.

🟡 CRPA Train-the-Trainer Credentials — Two instructors certified to train other firearms instructors, ensuring AAO’s methods meet the highest professional CCW training standards.

🟤 Certified Stop the Bleed Instructors — Every member of our team is trained to teach lifesaving trauma care, preparing students to defend life — and save it.

At AAO, we are deeply committed to your CCW training, your safety, and your success. Whether you’re new to concealed carry, seeking a CCW renewal course, or looking for advanced firearms skills, our team delivers professional, personalized instruction that goes beyond state requirements — serving students across the San Francisco Bay Area and beyond.

At AAO, we deliver a unique and highly effective training experience that’s unmatched in the CCW community. Our approach emphasizes professionalism, teamwork, and individualized coaching — NEVER “boot-camp” intimidation tactics.

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

• ⭐ Proven Expertise – Every AAO instructor has completed Train-the-Trainer programs, with several certified through the Academy Instructor Certification Course (AICC).
   
• ⭐ Exceptional Standards – Our instructors must have at least 4,400 hours of combined classroom and range experience before joining our team.
   
• ⭐ Small Class Ratios – With a student-to-instructor ratio of less than 3:1, you’ll receive unmatched personal attention and real-time feedback.
   
• ⭐ Comprehensive Coaching – Our instructors stay by your side during live-fire qualifications, offering hands-on corrections and encouragement.
   

 DOJ & SB2 Compliant ✅

Our CCW training gives you the skills, knowledge, and confidence to protect yourself and your loved ones — legally and responsibly. We combine core training topics with hands-on instruction so you can carry with confidence.

• 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
   

Why it matters: These skills aren’t just for passing a test — they’re for keeping your family safe every day.
 

1. Firearm Safety
    
2. Pistol Nomenclature & Selecting a Defensive Pistol
    
3. Ammunition Knowledge & Defensive Ammunition Selection
    
4. Basic Defensive Pistol Skills & Shooting Techniques
    
5. Drawing from Concealment
    
6. Loading & Stoppage Remediation
    
7. Mindset, Responding to an Attack & the Aftermath
    
8. Carry Modes & Pistol Concealment
    
9. Firearm Cleaning & Maintenance
    
10. Safe Firearm Storage
     
11. Legal Transport & Securing Firearms in Vehicles
     
12. Where CCW Holders May Carry in California
     
13. Permissible Use of a Firearm
     
14. Lethal Force in Self-Defense — Legal Boundaries
     
15. Mental Health & Available Resources (1 Hour)
     
16. Written Exam
     
17. Live-Fire Drills

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

• 📒 Notebook & pen
   
• 🪑 Comfortable camping or lawn chair (for lecture portion)
   

• 🧢 Hat
   
• 🕶️ Safety glasses and sunglasses
   
• 🎧 Hearing protection (we will conduct a hearing test prior to live-fire qualifications)
   
• 🔋 Extra batteries for your electronic ear protection or optic
   

• 🍎 Snacks & plenty of water or other hydrating beverages
   
• 🥪 Lunch (no available food vendor within 30 mins of your live-fire qualification location)
   
• 🌞 Sunscreen
   
• 👟 Comfortable, closed-toe shoes (no open-toe footwear allowed)
   
• 👕 Appropriate shirt (no low-cut shirts for safety reasons)
   

• 🚫 Leave all egos at home
   
• 🤝 Bring an open mind and a great attitude — they’re your best training tools 

🌟 Flexible Scheduling — No Problem! 🌟
At AAO, we know life can be busy — that’s why we offer flexible training options to fit your schedule.

💻 Online Courses – Complete your training at your convenience with our convenient online training at 👉 CaliforniaCCWCourses.com. Learn at your own pace, on your own time. 👉 

🏫 In-Person Classes – Need flexibility? No problem! Let us know your availability, and we’ll work with you to ensure you get your full 16 hours of training without added stress.

✅ Your training should work for you — not the other way around.

At AAO, the price you see is the final price — no extra charges, no hidden fees. Whether you’re taking our new issue or renewal CCW course, you can trust that the cost is exactly what’s listed.

💳 We gladly accept all forms of payment for your convenience.

💪 AAO is committed to keeping training accessible — we haven’t raised our prices in the past three years, and we have no plans to raise them in the near future.

At AAO, we’re more than just an instructor team — we’re your partners in learning. Whether you have a complex question or the simplest one, we’re always here to help.

Your success is our mission, and we’re committed to supporting you before, during, and after your training. 💪🔒

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