Final Defense Institute

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Civilian Courses

Concealed Carry

We at Final Defense Institute take a unique approach to concealed carry training. This approach separates our curriculum from the rest.

  • Each instructor brings real world operational experience to your course.
  • Each instructor at Final Defense Institute has been involved in verified high-level justified use of force incident(s).
  • Each instructor has been working, training, employing, teaching and carrying a firearm most, if not all, of their adult life.
  • Each instructor will provide high quality opened minded firearms instruction regardless of your experience.
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Our authorized Illinois concealed carry training courses exceed all, if not most in the state. Why?

  • After the 8th hour, of a 16-hour course, we move the classroom outdoors to a private live-fire range.

  • You will receive “hands-on” training while still satisfying the state mandated training requirements.

  • You will expend on average between 250 – 300 of ammunition.

  • You will train and certify with the firearm you wish to carry on the street.

  • You will prepare in the environment you will most likely will defend your life or the life of another, the outdoors.

Additional topics include, but are not limited to;

Methods concealment

Pistol draw from concealment

Movement

Verbalization

Tactical reloads

Malfunction
clearance drills

Self aid

It’s not a matter of IF it happens, but WHEN.

“When” it happens how prepared will you be? Start your training today. The time is now.

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STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED
TO BRING THE FOLLOWING EQUIPMENT TO CLASS:

  • Semi-automatic pistol or revolver*

  • 3 magazines*

  • 250-300 rounds of quality ammunition*

  • Eye and Ear Protection*

  • Holster (shoulder holsters are NOT permitted)*

  • Magazine Pouches*

  • Concealment clothing (t-shirt, light jacket, vest or coat)*

  • Clothing suitable for range activity – all live-fire training is outdoors

  • Lunch and water/juice.

*$30.00 rental fee for students in need of any of the listed equipment requirements. Ammunition will be at our cost, approximately $80.00 extra. Use the drop down to clarify your equipment needs.

CCL Registration

The authorized Illinois State Concealed Carry training curriculum in 16, 8 and 3-hours (renewal) are designed to demonstrate the complexities associated with being a legally armed civilian and the heighten sense of responsibility one has undertaken. The training course consists of classroom and live-fire private range training.

For students who have already successfully completed prior training through a State of Illinois approved curriculum click the button below for credit hours. You will be required to show proof of prior credit at time of registration with Final Defense Institute.

Credit Hours

The 16-hour training course will cover the following topics:

(Pursuant to 430 Illinois Compiled Statute 66/25)

  • Firearms Safety – a minimum of 1-hour
  • Basic Principles of Marksmanship – minimum of 1-hour
  • Care, Cleaning, Loading and Unloading of a Concealable Firearm – a minimum of 1-hour
  • All applicable State and Federal laws relating to the ownership, storage, carry and transportation of a firearm and the appropriate and lawful interaction with law enforcement while transporting or carrying a concealed firearm – a minimum of 2-hours and
  • Weapon Handling – a minimum of 1-hour.

The 8-hour training course will, at a minimum, cover the following topics

(Pursuant to 430 Illinois Compiled Statute 66/25)

  • All applicable State and Federal laws relating to the ownership, storage, carry and transportation of a firearm and the appropriate and lawful interaction with law enforcement while transporting or carrying a concealed firearm – a minimum of 2-hours and
  • Weapon Handling – a minimum of 1-hour.

The 3-hour licensure renewal course will, at a minimum, cover the following topics

(Pursuant to 430 Illinois Compiled Statute 66/25)

2-hours to cover;

  • Any updates to Illinois or federal firearms laws governing concealed carry in Illinois;
  • Updates in the Criminal Code and
  • Appropriate and lawful interaction with law enforcement while transporting or carrying a concealed firearm; and

1-hour minimum live-fire range training;

  • ​Culminating with the required 30 round qualification course using the B-27 silhouette target.
  • 10 rounds from 5 yards
  • 10 rounds from 7 yards
  • 10 rounds from 10 yards

(At time of application with the Illinois State Police)

  • 16 hours of Concealed Carry firearms training provided by an ISP approved Instructor from Final Defense Institute.
  • Electronic Copy of your training certificate(s) provided by Final Defense Institute. You will be required to upload your electronic certificate during the application process with the Illinois State Police.
  • An Illinois State Police User ID and Password that you create at time of application.
  • A Valid Driver’s License or State Identification card.
  • A valid FOID card unless in the process of getting a valid FOID card.
  • A head and shoulder electronic photograph taken within the last 30 days.
  • Be able to provide the last ten years of residency.
  • Fingerprints – Electronic fingerprints will expedite your application! Specify to the Live Scan vendor that your fingerprint application is for the Concealed Carry application (ORI = IL920707Z, Purpose Code = CCW).

NOTE: Applicants will be assigned a transaction control number (TCN) at the time of fingerprinting and will be required to retain that TCN to complete the application.

For a list of approved fingerprint vendors please click here.

$150.00 payable with a credit card or electronic check to the Illinois State Police at time of application.

(At time of application with the Illinois State Police)

In accordance with 430 ILCS 66/40 (b), out of state residents may be eligible for an Illinois Concealed Carry License if your state meets the definition of substantially similar as established by rule. See 20 Il. Admin. Code 1231.10. Currently, the states identified below have been determined to have laws related to firearm ownership, possession, and carrying that are substantially similar to the requirements to obtain a license under Illinois’ law; and, therefore, may apply for an Concealed Carry License. This list will be updated as additional states are identified as substantially similar.

Hawaii, New Mexico, South Carolina, Virginia

Further Information concerning the regulations for non-resident applications can be found at 20 Il. Admin. Code 1231.110.

Other requirements if your state meets the substantially similarly definition:

  • 16 hours of Concealed Carry firearms training provided by an ISP approved Instructor from Final Defense Institute.
  • An electronic copy of a valid concealed carry license from my home state.
  • Electronic Copy of your training certificate(s) provided by Final Defense Institute. You will be required to upload your electronic certificate during the application process with the Illinois State Police.
  • A head and shoulder electronic photograph taken within the last 30 days.
  • An Illinois State Police User ID and password
  • A Valid Driver’s License or State Identification card.
  • Be able to provide the last ten years of residency.
  • A notarized affidavit documenting the applicant’s eligibility under both state and federal laws, the understanding of the laws pertaining to possession and transport of firearms, acknowledgment the applicant is subject to the jurisdiction of the Illinois State Police and the Illinois courts and that the applicant meets the mental health standards in Illinois to obtain a firearm.
  • $300.00 payable with a credit card or electronic check to the Illinois State Police at time of application.