Eligibility

Prerequisites for All Courses

Concealed Handgun License (CHL) Eligibility Requirement

As the courses generally dovetail with state CHL programs, an applicant who is disqualified from getting or keeping a CHL permit cannot qualify for any course. To ensure eligibility for the CHL permit, the qualifications are checked to the level practicable. The body responsible for CHL testing governs for purposes of granting or denying a CHL, however.

1. NCIC check of past ten year’s locales
   
2. Verification of U.S. citizenship
   
3. Paperwork verification

Reference Check Requirement

Applicants must submit three local references who know them well and are available by phone. Only one reference can be a family member; an employer is recommended. References are interviewed without disclosing the nature of the program (“a social program he/she has applied to join”).

Criminal Background Check

State requirements prohibit anyone with a felony conviction or certain misdemeanor convictions from applying for a concealed handgun license. Our Safer Community (OSC) must follow those requirements. Additionally, we check for other disqualifying data such as gang affiliations and illegal drug use. Prospective participants who are illegal drug users, associate with gang members, are under protective or restraining orders, or have recent juvenile convictions are not eligible to attend OSC courses.

Medical Checks

Recognizing that the courses place modest physical and psychological burdens on participants, and that the training involves an element of risk to other participants and instructors, participants must meet the following minimum physical standards:

1. Corrected eyesight 20/20 (glasses and contacts must be worn if needed)
   
2. Able to stand and walk normally without assistance or appliance (including cane)
   
3. Hear normally without requiring an appliance (hearing aid)

Courses for people with mobility and hearing disabilities are planned for the future. The requirements given here are for participants in the general, unrestricted courses.

Age Requirement

Participants must be at least 21 years of age. If the applicant is under 25 years of age, the application must include the juvenile history report. A request for juvenile records is included in the application packet, along with instructions for obtaining a certified copy and a waiver for OSC to have the records.

Prerequisites for Seminars

Seminars are open to graduates of Our Safer Community courses, so long as the graduates are still properly licensed to carry a concealed firearm.

Requests to attend seminars are made through the contact form by requesting a seat at a particular seminar. Give the seminar's name, date, and location in your request.