Sec. 29.03.02.05. Training Requirement

A. Except as provided in §B of this regulation, a person applying to obtain or renew a handgun permit shall complete a Handgun Permit Training Course and submit a Handgun Permit Training Certificate issued by a Qualified Handgun Instructor. The submission of the Handgun Permit Training Certificate shall constitute proof that the applicant satisfactorily completed a Handgun Permit Training Course.

B. An applicant does not need to complete a Handgun Permit Training Course if the applicant:

(1) Is a law enforcement officer or has retired in good standing from service with a law enforcement agency of the United States, the State, or any local law enforcement agency in the State;

(2) Is an active member, retired member, or honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard;

(3) Is a Qualified Handgun Instructor in accordance with COMAR 29.03.01.37; or

(4) Has satisfactorily completed a firearms training course approved by the Secretary as an exemption from the Handgun Permit Training Course.

C. A Handgun Permit Training Course shall consist of a minimum of 16 hours of instruction by a Qualified Handgun Instructor for initial applicants or eight hours of instruction by a Qualified Handgun Instructor for renewal applicants, and shall include the following minimum curricula.

(1) State Firearm Law. Overview of the State firearm laws, including discussion of what constitutes a regulated firearm, how to properly purchase or transfer a firearm, where allowed to carry or transport a firearm, when necessary to possess a carry permit, and who is prohibited from possessing firearms.

(2) Home Firearm Safety. Overview of handgun and firearm safety in the home, including discussion of access to minors, locking and storing of firearms, and use of safety devices, such as secure lock boxes.

(3) Handgun Mechanisms and Operation. Overview of the proper operation and safe handling of a handgun, including cleaning and maintenance, the loading and unloading of ammunition, and the differences between revolvers and semi-automatic handguns, as well as training in nomenclature, sight alignment, position shooting, dry-firing, and range practice.

(4) Proficiency and Use Demonstration. Overview of handgun and firearm safety on the range, off the range, and while transporting or on duty. Orientation that demonstrates the applicant’s proficiency in the operation and use of a firearm, including a shooting component in which the applicant fires live ammunition and obtains a qualifying score of 70 percent as prescribed by the Secretary. Instruction on safety shall be integrated into every phase of the training.

(a) Except as provided in §C(4)(b) of this regulation, the shooting component shall be at least 25 rounds and an applicant may not be required to fire in excess of 15 yards from the target during qualifications.

(b) For designated security personnel, the shooting component shall be conducted on a practical police course as approved by the Secretary. The shooting component shall be at least 50 rounds and an applicant may not be required to fire in excess of 25 yards during qualifications.