Not for most courses. 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 are available for every course except CCW, and ammunition can typically be purchased at the range. CCW applicants must qualify with the firearms listed on their CCW application with the sheriff’s department, which your instructor reviews before qualification.
Yes. Many of our students are first‑time firearm owners or individuals with little to no prior experience. Your instructor focuses on safety, clear instruction and building confidence.
Classroom training takes place at our Vista facility, and live‑fire training takes place at Iron Sights Shooting Range in Oceanside.
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 less‑lethal self‑defense training, and personal safety courses for individuals 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 or text us at 760-670-9272.
Yes. Your instructor, Sam Yador, holds California DOJ CCW Instructor #838, BSIS firearm instructor TIF 2241 and baton instructor TIB 1847, NRA Pistol Instructor #187173998 and FSC Instructor #27273, and has 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:
Hold a valid BSIS Guard Card, or have a guard card application pending with BSIS (you may apply for both at once after completing all required courses)
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:
Bureau Of Security & Investigative Services, Request For Live Scan Service: Security Guard W/Firearm
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’s 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 $25 for each additional firearm qualified during your course. Adding a firearm to a license you already hold is a separate CCW Add a Firearm Qualification: $60 for the first firearm and $25 for each additional one.
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 the 8-hour BSIS guard card training: 3 hours of Power to Arrest and 5 hours of Appropriate Use of Force
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:
California allows some applicants to start work while a Guard Card application is pending, but only under specific conditions, such as a submitted application and Live Scan and completed initial training. Rules change, so confirm with BSIS and your employer before you work.
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 found 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 less‑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 less‑lethal self‑defense option or those interested in learning about alternative personal protection tools.
Anyone who wants practical ways to protect themselves and their family: individuals, couples, parents, students, seniors and working professionals. No experience is needed.
No. This is a 3 hour classroom course with hands on demonstrations. For live fire, see our Handgun Basics, Defensive Handgun or private range sessions.
Pepper sprays and gels, stun guns and TASER devices, less lethal launchers, personal and door alarms, and tactical lights, including how each one is carried and used.
Yes. We cover who can buy and carry each tool, where it is prohibited, and the use of force rules that apply when you defend yourself or others.
Yes. A dedicated module covers storing firearms and defense tools safely around children and visitors, including California child access requirements. For more information, see the California DOJ firearm safety tips: https://oag.ca.gov/firearms/tips
We offer three self-paced online CCW courses through our training partner, California Online CCW: the 16-hour Online CCW Initial Course, the 8-hour Online CCW Renewal Course, and the Non-Resident 16-Hour CCW Initial Course.
You complete the required classroom hours online at your own pace, then finish with an in-person live-fire qualification. Our in-person courses complete both the classroom and live-fire portions in a single scheduled class.
Yes. Every online CCW course requires an in-person live-fire qualification after you finish the online coursework and final exam. For the San Diego and Riverside courses, a separate $23 range fee applies. Non-resident students qualify in their home state.
You have 90 days from purchase to finish all online lessons and pass the final exam, for both initial and renewal courses.
San Diego County and Riverside County currently accept our Online CCW Initial and Renewal Courses. The Non-Resident course is only for applicants whose primary residence is outside California, so confirm with your issuing agency before enrolling.
In your primary state of residence, with a local, approved instructor at an authorized firearm range. If you will be in California, you can also qualify in person with Focal Point Academy.
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