Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does the class cost?
A: We charge $40 per person and have a five student minimum, though we try to form up classes of at least six. A husband and wife taking the class together cost $60. We can take cash, check, Visa, or MasterCard.
Q: Why do you have a five student minimum?
A: Time and travel make teaching smaller classes not cost effective. If you want to take a course and don't know any others who would join a class, let us know and we’ll watch for a class you can join. If you can host a class and are OK with having others join the class, please let us know how many other students you could handle.
Q: Why do you give a discount for married couples?
A: There are several significant advantages to having your spouse get a permit at the same time you do, even if he or she never intends to carry a firearm. You both learn about:
- Utah and US laws,
- safe storage requirements and options,
- what and how to teach children and other occupants of your home about firearm safety.
A: We teach wherever you want in Utah valley or SLC valley, usually in the home of one of the participants. The owner of the home or building must give permission to have the course taught on premises and for us to bring firearms into the class. Best time for the course is 9:00a-2:30p on Saturdays, which includes a 1/2 hour lunch break and a couple of 10 minute breaks. If you need the class to be taught on weekday evenings, we'll ask that we break the class up across two consecutive evenings starting at 7:00p (teaching the entire class in one evening leaves me wiped out the next day).
Q: How long does the course take?
A: Expect the course to take about five hours, including 30 minutes for lunch and a couple of 10 minute breaks.
Q: What is taught in the course?
A: You will learn about topics such as safe handling of firearms, Utah and US law, handgun storage, and shooting fundamentals (e.g., grip, stance, trigger-pull, and so on). We teach using the Mandatory Minimum Training Curriculum for Concealed Firearm Permit Instructors as required by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI).
Q: What do I leave the course with?
A: In addition to your newfound confidence given your increased knowledge and skill
Q: Do I have to get my picture taken?
A. Yes, you must submit a passport style photo with the application. Note you can’t wear a hat for the photo, unless for religious purposes (and BYU or U of U logo’d hats don’t count).
Q: Who can get a Utah Concealed Firearm Permit?
A: The CFP application on the BCI page at spells out the requirements for obtaining a permit. You do not have to be a Utah resident to get the permit. If you are wondering if something in your past might keep you from getting the permit, give BCI a call at 801-965-4445 and ask them about it. BCI is pretty good at giving you a clear picture as to your eligibility.
Q: How do I apply for the permit?
A: There is a $60.00 application fee paid to the state which includes the FBI charges for the fingerprint search ($65.00 if you are not a Utah resident). You need to provide a "blue" fingerprint card, a passport-type photo with your name on the back, and a photocopy of your driver license. You can fill out the form before class if you like.
We do fingerprints and the passport photo as part of the class. You will have to prove your identity when you are fingerprinted. At the end of the course, I fill out the section of the application showing you have obtained the Weapon Familiarity Certification. You can send the application by mail, or deliver in person to:
| Utah Department of Public Safety Bureau of Criminal Identification 3888 West 5400 South Salt Lake City UT 84129 801-965-4445 |
Q: Why do *you* carry a gun?
A: Dave says “because I can't carry a cop."
Q: Do I have to send in the application quick?
A: You have one year from the date of the course to send in the application. If you don't get it in during that time, you'll need to retake the course. And yes... we have had people retake the course ‘cause they didn’t get the application sent in time (the record is three). If you overshoot the application deadline, you can retake the course for free.
Q: What about pistol training?
A: We highly recommend you get training. If you are looking for more intensive firearms training, we recommend you take a look at Front Sight near Las Vegas. The four-day defensive handgun course is excellent and you can find certificates for the course on sale on the Web (might take a bit of hunting). There are also various firearms courses taught at local gun ranges that will teach you the basics and beyond.
We can provide personalized instruction by appointment at the rate of $30/hour.
Q: I heard about a Student Survey... what is that?
A: There is a student survey you can fill out about the class and instructor(s) at the BCI Website. We encourage anyone who has taken a class from us, or from any other instructor for that matter, to take the short survey. BCI really does care about improving the whole CFP process and they would love to hear from you.
Q: What do I need to bring to the class?
A: An alert mind, your driver license, and cash, check, or credit card for the class fee.
Q: I cut my finger and it hasn't healed yet; does that mess up the fingerprints.
A: Yes it does. You should wait until the cut has healed before getting your fingerprints done. You can still take the course, of course.
Q: I want to host a class—what do I need to do?
A: Send an e-mail to utahcfp@gmail.com to work out a time and place. You will be asked if you are OK with having other prospective students invited to the class. The best arrangement for teaching small classes is at a table. For larger classes, a table for the instructor and chairs for the students works fine.
Q: Will we be handling real guns in the class?
A: Yes. Remember, no live ammunition is allowed in the area while the class is going on.
Q: Can I bring my own gun?
A: Yes, but we will personally verify it has no ammunition in it -- remember, no live ammunition is allowed in the area while the class is going on. Let us know if you are planning to bring your firearm. Once in a while, we've used student's firearms for the gun cleaning portion of the class. ;)