If you live in Central New York and want a concealed carry license, there is one step you cannot skip: the state mandated training course. Since New York changed its carry laws in 2022, every new applicant must complete 18 hours of approved instruction before applying. For many people in Onondaga and Oswego counties, that requirement raises a lot of questions. How long is it? What happens on each day? What if I have never fired a handgun?

This guide answers those questions. It explains what to expect from an 18HR NYS CCW course in Syracuse NY, how the classroom and range portions work, what is usually included, and how to make sure you walk out with your certificate.

Why the Course Is Required

New York's Concealed Carry Improvement Act took effect in 2022, following the Supreme Court's decision in New York State Rifle and Pistol Association v. Bruen. The law requires new carry applicants to complete 16 hours of classroom instruction and 2 hours of live fire training, then pass a written exam with a score of at least 80 percent and a live fire proficiency qualification.

The certificate you earn becomes part of your county application. Without it, a carry application cannot move forward. That makes the 18HR NYS CCW course Syracuse NY residents complete the first real milestone on the path to carrying legally in Central New York.

Day One: The Classroom

The classroom portion covers a large amount of material. A well structured course typically includes:

●      The application process, required paperwork, and license recertification

●      New York and federal handgun laws, including carry and transport rules

●      Sensitive and restricted locations where carrying is prohibited

●      Safe storage requirements at home and in vehicles

●      Handgun parts and operation, ammunition, cleaning, and general firearm safety

●      Holster options and the concealed carry mindset

●      Situational awareness and conflict de escalation

●      What to do during a law enforcement encounter while carrying

●      New York law on the use of deadly physical force

●      Suicide awareness and prevention

Good instructors keep the material engaging with real examples and plenty of time for questions. The classroom portion is also where you prepare for the written exam, so take notes and ask about anything that is unclear.

Day Two: The Range

The live fire portion puts the classroom material into practice. Under close supervision, you will work on shooting fundamentals like grip, stance, sight alignment, and trigger control, then complete the official New York State shooting qualification. Instructors watch for safe handling at every step, including loading, unloading, and keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

Many people signing up for an 18HR NYS CCW course Syracuse NY instructors teach worry about this part more than anything else. In practice, a patient instructor and a manageable training handgun make a huge difference.

What Is Included at LionsPride Training Group

LionsPride Training Group, a division of Rochester Personal Defense, runs its 18HR NYS CCW course Syracuse NY students attend with first time shooters in mind. Course listings note that tuition covers classroom materials, eye and ear protection, use of a .22 caliber training handgun, ammunition, range fees, and the certificate. That means you do not need to own a handgun to take the class, which is especially helpful since many applicants cannot buy a handgun until they are licensed.

Some sessions have been held at the Fayetteville Manlius Outdoors Club in Manlius, with others serving the Oswego area. Check the course calendar for current dates, locations, and pricing. Students are generally asked to bring their own lunch, snacks, and water.

Who Teaches the Course

LionsPride was founded by David Jenkins, a USCCA and NRA Certified Instructor and Training Counselor who also leads Rochester Personal Defense. The Syracuse area team includes instructors such as CJ Polacek, John Tobin, Eric Stephens, and Matt Underwood, who serves as senior instructor and training coordinator. The group has trained private citizens and law enforcement since 2005, and its instructors hold NRA and USCCA credentials.

Passing the Written Exam and Qualification

To earn your certificate from any 18HR NYS CCW course in Syracuse NY, you must pass both assessments:

●      Written exam. A minimum score of 80 percent is required. Pay attention to the sections on deadly physical force, sensitive locations, and storage, since they are detailed.

●      Live fire qualification. You must demonstrate safe handling and accuracy at the required distances. Listen carefully to range commands and take your time.

Both days are required. Missing either one means you will not receive a certificate, so plan your schedule carefully.

Who Can Take the Course

Anyone planning to apply for a New York carry license should take the course, as long as they are legally eligible. People with disqualifying histories, such as certain felony or domestic violence convictions, are not eligible to attend or apply. You must be at least 21 to apply for a carry license in New York.

Current license holders outside New York City, Westchester, Suffolk, and Nassau counties generally do not need the course unless they are applying for a new carry license. If you are unsure whether it applies to you, call before registering.

How to Prepare

●      Clear your schedule for both full days.

●      Read through your county's application so you know what will be required.

●      Start thinking about character references early.

●      Get a good night's sleep before each day.

●      Bring food and water so you can stay focused.

●      Write down your questions in advance.

After You Earn Your Certificate

With your certificate in hand, you can complete and submit your county application. LionsPride has offered students a free session to review their application before submission, which can help you avoid common mistakes that delay processing. Once licensed, plan on continued practice and consider additional training to build skills beyond the minimum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need my own handgun for the 18HR NYS CCW course in Syracuse NY?

Not with LionsPride. Course listings note that a .22 training handgun and ammunition are included in tuition.

Is the certificate accepted in Onondaga County?

LionsPride notes its certificate is accepted in many counties, including Onondaga, Oswego, and Monroe, as well as the five boroughs of New York City.

Can I attend only one day?

No. Both the classroom day and the range day are required to receive the certificate.

What score do I need on the written test?

A minimum of 80 percent is required to pass.

Reserve Your Seat

The state course is your first real step toward carrying legally and responsibly in Central New York. To sign up for an 18HR NYS CCW course in Syracuse NY taught by experienced instructors, call LionsPride Training Group at 315 303 8131 or register through the course calendar on the LionsPride website.