Colorado Firearms Safety Program
Colorado Specified Semiautomatic Firearms Safety Course
Complete the appropriate Colorado firearms-safety course required for eligible purchases or transfers of specified semiautomatic firearms beginning August 1, 2026.
Understand the Requirement Before Registering
Colorado’s Firearms Safety Program establishes a specific process for people seeking to purchase or receive certain covered semiautomatic firearms. A student cannot simply select a class, attend, and assume that the course will satisfy the law.
Before Taking the Course
- Apply for a firearms safety course eligibility card
- Complete the required name-based background check
- Pay applicable government processing and program fees
- Receive authorization to enroll in the appropriate course
- Use a sheriff-verified Colorado firearms-safety instructor
The Instructor Determines Course Placement
The verified instructor reviews the student’s status through Colorado’s Firearms Safety System and confirms whether the student is eligible for the Basic Course or must complete the Extended Course.
A student should not register based solely on personal assumptions about prior experience, a concealed-handgun permit, military experience, or another firearms class.
What Is a Specified Semiautomatic Firearm?
The Colorado requirement applies to the statutory category called a “specified semiautomatic firearm.” It does not apply merely because a firearm is described generally as semiautomatic.
Covered Rifle or Shotgun Category
A semiautomatic rifle or shotgun that uses a detachable ammunition magazine, subject to the complete statutory definition, exclusions, and exceptions.
Covered Handgun Category
A gas-operated semiautomatic handgun that uses a detachable ammunition magazine, subject to the complete statutory definition, exclusions, and exceptions.
Basic and Extended Course Options
Basic Firearms Safety Course
Minimum 4 HoursThe Basic Course generally applies when the student has qualifying Colorado Parks and Wildlife hunter-education credentials or other qualifying Firearms Safety Program history verified through the official system.
Hunter education alone does not independently satisfy the specified semiautomatic firearm training requirement. The authorized student must also complete the applicable Basic Course.
Extended Firearms Safety Course
12 Hours Over 2+ DaysThe Extended Course generally applies when the student has not completed qualifying hunter education or another qualifying Firearms Safety Program course.
Colorado requires the 12 hours of instruction to be delivered on at least two different days.
Required Course Subjects
Colorado’s Firearms Safety Program curriculum combines technical firearm-safety instruction with storage, legal, behavioral-health, victim-awareness, and responsible-ownership subjects.
Firearm Safety and Operation
- Safe handling of covered semiautomatic firearms
- Ammunition and magazine safety
- Loading, unloading, and firearm-status verification
- Firearm controls and operating systems
- Common malfunctions and safe response
- Maintenance and inspection considerations
- Safe transportation practices
Storage and Unauthorized Access
- Child safety and unauthorized-access prevention
- Safe firearm-storage methods
- Locks, safes, storage devices, and access controls
- Vehicle-storage limitations and risks
- Household planning and responsible access
- Theft prevention and reporting considerations
- Storage based on individual circumstances
Behavioral Health and Legal Intervention
- Firearm deaths associated with mental illness
- Suicide-risk awareness
- Voluntary temporary firearm-storage considerations
- Colorado extreme risk protection orders
- Recognizing warning behavior
- Connecting people with appropriate assistance
Victim Awareness and Responsibility
- Consequences of negligent and unlawful firearm use
- Impact on victims, families, witnesses, and communities
- Responsible ownership and decision-making
- Preventing avoidable firearm injury and death
- Ethical and practical consequences of unsafe conduct
Course Examination and Completion
Attend the Entire Course
Students must complete the required in-person instructional hours for the course authorized through the state system.
Complete the Final Examination
Students must complete the required final examination and achieve a score of at least 90 percent.
State Record Entry
The verified instructor enters the student’s completion information into the Colorado Firearms Safety System within the required period.
The Colorado Process
Apply
Apply through the appropriate sheriff for the firearms course eligibility card.
Receive Eligibility
Complete the background-check and eligibility process required before enrolling.
Confirm Course
Contact a verified instructor who confirms whether the Basic or Extended Course applies.
Complete Training
Attend all required in-person instruction and achieve at least 90 percent on the final examination.
Complete Transaction
Follow all separate dealer, transfer, background-check, waiting- period, identification, and legal requirements.
Pricing and Enrollment
Basic Course
4-Hour CoursePricing, location, materials, and available dates will be displayed with each scheduled course.
Enrollment is limited to students whose eligibility records authorize the Basic Course.
Extended Course
12-Hour CourseThe Extended Course is scheduled over at least two days. Pricing, daily schedule, location, materials, and course requirements will be displayed with each course offering.
What Students Should Bring
Required Information
- Government-issued photo identification
- Valid firearms course eligibility information
- Any state-issued or sheriff-issued course documentation
- Verified hunter-education information, when applicable
- Registration and payment confirmation
Classroom Preparation
- Note-taking materials
- Water, meals, and personal comfort items
- Comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on exercises
- Any accessibility request submitted in advance
- Required course materials identified before class
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the requirement apply to every semiautomatic firearm?
No. The law applies to the statutory category of specified semiautomatic firearms. Coverage depends on the firearm’s design and the complete statutory definition, exclusions, and exceptions.
Can I register directly for the course?
You must first complete Colorado’s required eligibility process. The verified instructor then confirms whether you are authorized for the Basic or Extended Course.
Does a concealed handgun permit replace this course?
No. Colorado Parks and Wildlife states that concealed-carry training and CHP background checks are not reciprocal with the Firearms Safety Program.
Does hunter education satisfy the requirement by itself?
No. A qualifying CPW hunter-education record may make a student eligible for the four-hour Basic Course, but hunter education alone does not satisfy the specified semiautomatic firearm course requirement.
How long is the Extended Course?
The Extended Course requires 12 hours of in-person instruction delivered on at least two different days.
What score is required to pass?
Students must achieve a minimum score of 90 percent on the required final examination.
Does completing the course guarantee that I can buy the firearm?
No. Course completion is only one part of the legal process. Separate age, identification, eligibility, dealer, transfer, waiting-period, background-check, and other legal requirements still apply.
Does the course authorize me to possess or carry a firearm?
No. The course does not independently establish that a person may lawfully purchase, possess, transport, carry, transfer, or use any particular firearm.
How long does the course remain valid?
CPW states that Firearms Safety Program course completion expires after five years. Additional training may then be required before a later covered purchase or transfer.
Complete the Right Course for Your Eligibility
Begin with the Colorado eligibility process. Once your course status is available, Active Save-A-Life Training can confirm whether you need the Basic or Extended Firearms Safety Course.