No. Many of our courses are designed for beginners and do not require you to own a firearm. For courses that involve live‑fire training, rental firearms may be available and ammunition can typically be purchased at the range.
Yes. Many of our students are first‑time firearm owners or individuals with little to no prior experience. Our instructors focus on safety, clear instruction, and building confidence.
Classroom training is conducted at our San Diego training facility, while live‑fire portions of certain courses are conducted at approved partner ranges in the San Diego and Riverside areas.
Students will receive a confirmation email before their class. Depending on the course you may need a government‑issued ID, your firearm (if applicable), ammunition (if applicable), and eye and ear protection for range training.
Yes. Private instruction may be available for individuals, couples, families, or small groups. Contact us for availability and scheduling.
Our training programs include California CCW training and renewal, BSIS security guard certification courses, beginner firearm training, Firearm Safety Certificate preparation, BYRNA non‑lethal self‑defense training, and firearm safety courses for parents and families.
Courses can be booked directly through our website. Simply select your course and choose the available date that works best for you. You can also give us a call/ text at 760-670-9272.
Yes. Our instructors have real‑world experience in security operations and firearms training, providing practical instruction focused on safety, responsibility, and professional standards.
To be eligible for the BSIS Exposed Firearm Permit in California, you must:
– Possess a valid and current BSIS Guard Card
– Pass a psychological evaluation administered by PSI
– Complete a BSIS Firearm Permit training course
– Submit fingerprints via Live Scan using the Firearm Live scan form.
For more information regarding the exposed firearm permit, please visit https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/fire_fact.shtml
Yes. All applicants must undergo and pass a psychological evaluation conducted by PSI before applying for the firearm permit.
To schedule your appointment, please follow the following link:
For additional information on the BSIS psychological assessment, you can download the Firearms Assessment sheet at https://bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/fa_information_bulletin.pdf
You must complete the BSIS- specific Live Scan for the Firearm Permit using the appropriate form from BSIS. You can select the link and download the form below:
Please complete all basic information on the form and take it to a live scan center to obtain your electronic fingerprints. For a list of providers in San Diego County, please click on the following link: https://oag.ca.gov/fingerprints/locations?county=San%20Diego
For a list of providers in Riverside County, please click on the following link:
All Applicants must:
– Be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
– Reside or work in the county of application
– Be at least 21 years old
– Complete required firearms training
– Pass a background check
Learn more from your local sheriff office here:
San Diego County Applicants:
San Diego County Sheriff
Riverside County Applicants:
There’s no limit. Your course fee covers qualification with two firearms, and it’s $40 for each additional firearm.
Yes. If you are applying for a California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permit, most issuing agencies , including the San Diego and Riverside County Sheriffs — require a Live Scan fingerprint background check as part of your application process. However, this step is handled directly through the sheriff’s department, not through Focal Point Academy.
Here’s how it works:
Not part of training: Live Scan is not required to attend our CCW training courses, but it is required when you apply for a CCW permit with your sheriff’s office.
Agency-specific: Each county has its own Live Scan procedure, fees, and submission forms.
Yes, you may request a California Personal Firearms Eligibility Check (PFEC) by submitting a (PFEC) application, pdf to the Department of Justice. For more information about how to request a PFEC, please refer to the PFEC FAQ. Applications are also available through your local firearms dealer. Please be advised that a PFEC does not include a Federal NICS check. Therefore, you may still be prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm even though you receive a PFEC response indicating you are eligible to own or possess firearms.
You must:
– Complete an 8-hour “Power to Arrest” training
– Submit a BSIS Guard Card application
– Complete a BSIS-approved Live Scan
Visit https://www.bsis.ca.gov/forms_pubs/guard_fact.shtml for more information and eligibility criteria.
Yes. Each requires its own BSIS-specific Live Scan form:
You may work as a guard for up to 120 days with a pending application, as long as your Live Scan has been submitted and you’re enrolled in continuing education. Your employer must keep documentation.
It depends. BSIS reviews applications on a case-by-case basis. Certain felonies or violent misdemeanors may disqualify you. You are required to disclose all convictions during the application.
Absolutely. This course is built for beginners. You’ll learn firearm safety, handling, shooting stance, grip, and more—step by step.
Ammunition for the course is available for purchase at the range. Firearm use, range time, targets, and eye protection. Iron Sights typically sells 50 rounds for approximately $30, though prices are set by the range and may vary. Students are more than welcome to bring their own factory ammunition if they prefer.
The Firearm Safety Certificate is required to buy or transfer firearms in California.
Yes, we’ll help you prepare and offer the test on-site after the course.
A standard California Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) license is typically valid for up to two years from the date of issuance or renewal. Always confirm with your issuing agency. For more information, please visit: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/ccwlicfaqs
Most issuing agencies allow renewal within approximately 90 days before your permit expires. It is recommended to begin the renewal process early to avoid any lapse. Find more here: San Diego County Sheriff: https://www.sdsheriff.gov/i-want-to/get-a-permit-or-license/regulatory-licenses-and-fees/concealed-weapons-license/renewing-your-ccw
Riverside County Sheriff: https://riversideca.permitium.com/ccw/start
If your permit expires and you do not renew within the allowed timeframe, you may be required to restart the process as a new applicant depending on the issuing authority. More information can be found here: https://www.sdsheriff.gov/i-want-to/get-a-permit-or-license/regulatory-licenses-and-fees/concealed-weapons-license/renewing-your-ccw
California law requires a minimum 8‑hour training course for CCW renewals, which includes firearms safety instruction and a live‑fire qualification.
Yes. Renewal students must demonstrate safe handling and shooting proficiency with each firearm they wish to list on their permit.
Some issuing agencies restrict modifications during the renewal window. For example, San Diego County notes you cannot modify your CCW within the 90-day renewal window. More information can be foud here: https://www.sdsheriff.gov/i-want-to/get-a-permit-or-license/regulatory-licenses-and-fees/concealed-weapons-license/renewing-your-ccw
A BYRNA launcher is a CO₂‑powered non‑lethal self‑defense device designed to fire kinetic or chemical irritant projectiles for personal protection.
No. In most jurisdictions, BYRNA launchers are considered non‑firearm self‑defense tools and generally do not require a firearm license. Always verify local regulations.
Students will learn safe handling and operation of the BYRNA launcher, responsible use of force considerations, situational awareness, and proper storage and maintenance.
Students typically have the opportunity to practice deploying the BYRNA launcher in a controlled training environment.
This course is ideal for individuals seeking a non‑lethal self‑defense option or those interested in learning about alternative personal protection tools.
This course is designed for parents, grandparents, guardians, and anyone with children in a home where firearms are present.
No. This course focuses on safety education and responsible storage practices rather than live‑fire training.
Topics include the four universal rules of firearm safety, safe storage practices, how to talk to children about firearms, and what to do if a child encounters a firearm.
Education helps prevent accidents and teaches both adults and children how to safely respond if they encounter a firearm.
Yes. We cover safe storage options and safety practices for homes with children and other at-risk individuals. For more information, please visit the California DOJ: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/tips
No. This course is valuable for anyone wanting to understand firearm safety, regardless of whether they currently own a firearm.
