Train for Concealed Carry with Willapa Firearms Training
Are you considering carrying a concealed pistol for personal defense? The decision to carry a firearm for self-defense is a significant one, demanding not only proficiency but also a deep understanding of safety, legal responsibilities, and mindset. The National Rifle Association (NRA) Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) course provides the foundational knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for responsible concealed carry. While the NRA’s curriculum is exceptional, training with Willapa Firearms Training (WFT) offers an unparalleled experience that goes above and beyond, ensuring you gain the most from your CCW education.
What is the NRA CCW Course?
The NRA CCW course is designed for all individuals, regardless of previous shooting experience or NRA affiliation. It is an instructor-led course that provides direct instruction from an NRA-certified instructor from beginning to end, combining classroom learning with practical range time. The course goal is to teach the basic knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary to carry a concealed pistol for personal defense.

The comprehensive curriculum covers vital topics, including:
- Firearm Safety (Mandatory): Emphasizing the NRA’s Three Rules for Safe Gun Handling, understanding the primary causes of firearm accidents, and proper firearm parts and function. You’ll learn how to safely unload different action types, understand ammunition components, and practice safe storage of firearms at home.
- Defensive Pistol Skills: This section focuses on fundamental shooting techniques for self-defense, including drawing from concealment safely and efficiently, loading and stoppage remediation, and techniques for shooting effectively from various positions or while moving. Live-fire training includes a nationally standardized shooting qualification.
- Mindset and Legal Aspects: Developing a defensive mindset, understanding how to respond to an attack, and the crucial steps and legal considerations following a self-defense incident. You’ll explore different carry modes and pistol concealment options, as well as key state-specific laws related to concealed carry and self-defense.
- Other Important Topics: Guidance on selecting a pistol for self-defense, practical firearm cleaning, and encouragement for continued practice through sport shooting and training activities.
Upon successful completion, students take an NRA CCW Student Examination and receive a course completion certificate bearing the signature of the NRA Secretary and their NRA Certified Instructor. While not a requirement, it is recommended that students have previously taken the NRA Basics of Pistol Shooting Class and/or the Personal Protection Inside the Home Class to build a strong foundation.

Why Train for Your NRA CCW with Willapa Firearms Training?
At Willapa Firearms Training, we believe that while the NRA CCW course content is truly wonderful, the quality of your instruction and training environment significantly enhances your learning experience. Here’s what sets WFT apart:
- Unrivaled Experience: Our team brings years of practical experience to the classroom and range, offering insights and real-world scenarios that go beyond the textbook.
- More Than One Training Counselor: Unlike many facilities, WFT boasts multiple NRA Training Counselors on staff. This diverse expertise ensures a well-rounded and in-depth understanding of the material, providing you with varied perspectives and a richer learning environment.
- Variety of Instructors: Our staff comprises a variety of certified instructors, each with unique teaching styles and strengths. This allows us to cater to different learning preferences and ensure every student receives personalized attention and effective guidance.
- Private Range Access: Train in a comfortable and focused environment on our private shooting range. This eliminates distractions and allows for dedicated, uninterrupted practice, crucial for developing critical defensive pistol skills.
- Private Classroom: Our private classroom provides a conducive learning space where you can engage with the material and instructors without external interruptions.
- Personalized Attention: With our dedicated facilities and staff, we can offer more personalized instruction, addressing individual questions and helping you refine your skills at your own pace.
- Training Pistols Available: Owning a firearm is not required for our courses. We provide training pistols for you to use. If you have your own pistol, we encourage you to bring it to become more comfortable and proficient with your personal firearm.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Our next NRA CCW class is open for registration! The fee is non-refundable and non-transferable. Additional course information will be sent to you as the course date approaches. After registering, please watch for an email from SQUARE for billing.
Sign up for Willapa Firearms Training’s next NRA CCW class HERE
Becoming an NRA CCW Instructor
For those passionate about firearms safety and education, becoming an NRA CCW Instructor is a rewarding path. To qualify, you must be a current Certified Pistol Instructor (or the now obsolete Advanced Certified Pistol Instructor). This certification is not available to Apprentice or Assistant Pistol Instructors, and a Law Enforcement Division Handgun Instructor certification is not a substitute.
The NRA Instructor CCW course may be presented in three parts: Basic Instructor Training, discipline-specific instructor training, and Live-Fire Range instructor training. Instructor Candidates will demonstrate organizational and teaching skills through practical exercises and must pass a written instructor certification examination. Additionally, candidates must pass the CCW Instructor Level shooting qualification Course of Fire. The course focuses on developing the knowledge, skills, and attitude necessary for Instructor Candidates to teach carrying and using a concealed pistol ethically, responsibly, and with confidence. This course is exclusively conducted by NRA Certified CCW Training Counselors.
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Visit our website at www.willapafirearmstraining.com to learn more about our courses and philosophy. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates, tips, and class schedules!