At AAO, our instructors deliver respectful, real-world California CCW training without the drill sergeant attitude. With decades of combined law enforcement and civilian defensive carry experience, we provide the gold standard in California CCW permit instruction for students across Sonoma County, Napa County, and surrounding communities.

• 🔵 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 to teach lifesaving trauma care, preparing students not only to defend life but to save it.
   

We proudly serve CCW students from across Sonoma County, and surrounding areas, including:

Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Cloverdale, Healdsburg, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Sonoma, Windsor, Sebastopol, Bodega Bay, Geyserville, Boyes Hot Springs, Lakeville, Larkfield-Wikiup, Penngrove, Duncans Mills, Camp Meeker, Occidental, Monte Rio, Glen Ellen, Forestville, Bodega, Agua Caliente, Annapolis, Cazadero, Fulton, Graton, 

👉 Whether you’re a first-time ccw applicant, seeking a ccw renewal course, or looking to advance your firearms skills, AAO provides professional, personalized CCW instruction that goes beyond state requirements.

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.
  
   

 Our CCW Program

 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

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.

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

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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