New Mexico Concealed Carry Handgun (CCH) Training – Course Description

The New Mexico Concealed Carry Handgun (CCH) Course provides citizens with the knowledge, skills, and legal understanding required to safely carry a concealed handgun in the State of New Mexico. This state‑mandated training meets all requirements established by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety (NMDPS) for initial licensing, biennial refresher training, and quadrennial renewal.

Initial 15‑Hour Concealed Carry Certification

The full certification course is designed for new applicants and includes:

• Firearms Safety Fundamentals Safe handling, storage, transportation, and range protocols.

• Legal Responsibilities & Use of Force New Mexico statutes, justifiable force, prohibited locations, interaction with law enforcement, and civil/criminal liability.

• Marksmanship & Defensive Shooting Skills Grip, stance, sight alignment, trigger control, recoil management, and defensive accuracy.

• Live‑Fire Qualification State‑required qualification with both a semi‑automatic pistol and a revolver (if the student wishes to carry both). Includes day and low‑light shooting, reloads, and malfunction clearing.

• Situational Awareness & Threat Avoidance Pre‑attack indicators, de‑escalation, and responsible decision‑making.

Upon successful completion, students receive the NMDPS‑approved certificate required to apply for their New Mexico Concealed Carry License.

 

2‑Year NM Concealed Carry Refresher (Biennial Training)

New Mexico requires all license holders to complete a refresher course every 2 years to maintain active status. This course includes:

• Review of current NM concealed carry laws and any legislative updates

• Reinforcement of safe handling and defensive shooting principles

• Live‑fire proficiency demonstration with the handgun(s) the licensee carries

• Documentation for submission to NMDPS

This is a short, focused course designed to keep licensees current, competent, and compliant.

 

4‑Year NM Concealed Carry Renewal (Quadrennial Training)

Every 4 years, license holders must complete a renewal course before submitting their renewal application. This course includes:

• Comprehensive review of legal responsibilities, use‑of‑force standards, and prohibited carry locations

• Updated instruction on situational awareness, threat recognition, and responsible carry practices

• Live‑fire qualification meeting NMDPS standards

• Completion of renewal paperwork and guidance on the submission process

Successful completion provides the required documentation for renewing a New Mexico Concealed Carry License.