In New York State, carrying a handgun in public requires a valid pistol license (often called a concealed carry license). Since September 2022, the law was tightened further. Now anyone applying for or renewing a license to carry concealed must complete an 18-hour safety training course (16 hours classroom, 2 hours live-fire).

 

NYS 18-Hour CCW Course: Overview and Purpose

 

The NYS 18-hour CCW course is the officially mandated training for New York pistol-permit applicants. Its purpose is to ensure carriers know gun safety and laws. The course is offered by DCJS-authorized instructors at local ranges or clubs. It covers basic and defensive handgun handling, state and federal gun laws, and the ethics of use of force.

 

Topics range from general safety rules (loading, muzzle control, holstering) to NY-specific rules on concealed carry and restricted locations. The goal is dual: legal compliance and competence. In other words, without this training you cannot complete a pistol permit application or renewal. Instructors must follow the statewide curriculum.

 

Course Components: Classroom, Live Fire, and Exam

 

The NY 18-hour CCW course breaks down into three main parts:

 

16 Hours Classroom Instruction

 

This usually occurs over two full days (8 hrs each day) or several weeknights. Topics include, general firearm safety, safe handling and storage, pistol fundamentals, NYS/federal gun law, concealment methods, situational awareness, conflict de-escalation, and the laws on use of force.

 

In practice, expect instruction on gun function (firing, cleaning, and maintenance), proper holster use, and what locations are legally “off-limits” for guns (like schools or certain government buildings). Qualified instructors lead lectures, demonstrations, videos, and group discussions to ensure everyone understands the material.

 

Written Exam

 

After the classroom sessions, students take a test on the curriculum. In New York this is a closed-book exam covering all the topics. Providers typically require 80% or higher to pass. Failure usually means re-testing or retaking portions of the class. Passing the exam is mandatory before moving on to live-fire training.

 

2 Hours Live-fire Training

 

The final 2 hours are spent at a firing range under direct supervision. Here you practice actual shooting exercises. The instructor will guide safe draw-and-fire drills, starting from the holster, drawing, aiming, firing, and re-holstering safely. Emphasis is on marksmanship fundamentals and range safety.  

 

Eligibility Requirements

 

To take the 18-hour CCW course and apply for a carry license in Syracuse (Onondaga County), you must meet standard New York requirements:

 

Age: You must be at least 21 years old. There are no NY pistol licenses for those under 21, except very limited cases like active law enforcement.

 

Residency: You need to be a resident of the county in which you apply. For Syracuse-area applicants, that means living in Onondaga County (or another county, in which case you apply to that county’s clerk or sheriff).

 

Background: You must pass state and federal background checks. This includes fingerprinting (for the FBI/NICS check) and a thorough review of your criminal record. Felony convictions, serious misdemeanor convictions, certain domestic violence offenses, and mental health adjudications will disqualify you.

 

Training: You must complete the 18-hour course itself. New York law now makes this training mandatory for all new or renewing concealed carry applicants.

 

References and Interview: In Onondaga County and statewide, you must provide several personal references and undergo an interview. The county sheriff will also conduct an interview covering your reasons for wanting a permit.

 

Application and Registration Process (Syracuse/Onondaga)

 

Once you finish the 18-hour course, you will formally apply for your pistol license. Here are the key steps:

 

Complete Application Package: Download or pick up the NYS pistol license application from the Sheriff’s website or office. Fill it out in ink without signing it yet.

 

Schedule Appointment: Call the Onondaga Pistol License Unit to book an appointment. The office will then hold your entire packet until your appointment date. You will not get your application back if you cancel and the application fee is non-refundable.

 

Submit Documents: At your appointment, bring everything with you. The appointment is when you officially turn in the paperwork and sign the forms. The Sheriff’s staff will review everything with you, verify your ID, and formally accept the application.

Fingerprinting: You must get fingerprinted and photographed.

 

Processing Time: New York law gives the Sheriff up to six months to approve or deny your application. You will be notified by mail of the decision. In practice, Onondaga often turns around applications in 4–5 months. Throughout the process, follow the Sheriff’s instructions carefully. Make sure all forms are properly signed by you and by each reference within 6 months of your appointment.

 

Benefits of Taking the CCW Course

 

Even beyond the legal requirement, the 18-hour course offers real benefits:

 

Legal Compliance: First and foremost, it lets you apply for the Syracuse-area pistol permit. The course certificate is required documentation for the licensing process. Without it, you cannot complete your application or renewal.

 

Safety and Proficiency: The course deeply reinforces firearm safety. You will learn or review fundamental handling skills under expert guidance. Instructors cover not only the mechanics of shooting but also how to safely store and transport your weapon.

 

Knowledge of the Law: You will gain a solid understanding of NY gun laws, which are complex. Knowing exactly where you can and cannot carry, what constitutes legal use of force in NY, and how to interact with police are all covered.

 

Community and Resources: Attending a class connects you with instructors and fellow gun owners. Many courses (like those by Lions Pride or Rochester Personal Defense) offer additional training and support beyond the basics. For example, completing the NYS course often comes with NRA or state certificates that may help if you train out of state or apply for other permits.

 

Insurance and Reciprocity: Holding a NY-DCJS training certificate can sometimes help with liability insurance (USCCA membership discounts, etc.) or serve as evidence of training if you move to a state with reciprocity. The course also covers defensive mindset and scenario planning, which are valuable for responsible self-defense.

 

Peace of Mind: Simply put, finishing the course means you have earned the responsibility to carry. You leave better prepared to handle a firearm safely under real-world stress.

 

Lions Pride Training Group

Lions Pride Training Group is a Central New York firearms training provider and a division of Rochester Personal Defense, LLC. Lions Pride have a strong presence in the Syracuse area. They are DCJS-authorized and appear on local instructor lists.

Lions Pride offers a range of classes for civilian and law-enforcement students. The centerpiece is the NYS 18-Hour Concealed Carry Course, which meets all state requirements for a pistol permit.

They also provide other handgun training, such as basic pistol safety courses, NRA Certified courses as well as women’s-only and private sessions. All instructors are experienced and NRA/USCCA certified

 

Lions Pride’s curriculum covers exactly the DCJS-required topics (safety, law, shooting skills) in a logical, scenario-based way. They maintain small class sizes (often 10–15 students) to ensure individual attention.

 

How to Choose a Training Provider

 

Not all CCW courses are identical. Here are tips to pick the best fit:

 

Certification and Approval: Ensure the instructor is DCJS-authorized for NY CCW training. An instructor should also carry NRA or similar certifications.

 

Curriculum Coverage: Compare course outlines. The class must cover all mandated topics (safety rules, state/federal laws, use-of-force, etc.). Ask if it follows NY’s minimum standards (16hr classroom + 2hr live fire). Reputable providers will give a curriculum breakdown.

 

Class Size and Format: Smaller classes (10–15 students) often allow more hands-on coaching. Check if the schedule is convenient (weekend vs. weeknights) and how long each day runs.

 

Cost and Inclusions: Lower price may mean “bring your own gear.” Higher-priced courses may include rentals, targets, and snacks. Ask if the price includes the NRA/NY completion certificates or any extra charges.

 

Reviews and Reputation: Look for online reviews or personal recommendations. Many students share experiences in forums or on the trainers’ websites. Note comments on the instructors’ clarity, professionalism, and fairness of testing. A provider with consistently positive feedback (especially on safety and respect) is a good sign.

 

Location and Convenience: Choose a range close to you, or one where dates fit your schedule.

 

By following these steps and relying on the information above, you will be well-prepared for New York’s CCW process. Completing the 18-hour Pistol permit course Syracuse NY requirement and submitting a complete application are the keys to legally carrying a concealed firearm in the Syracuse area.