Illinois Firearms Training Classes
Every 2AM Tactical course is taught by law enforcement professionals and built to satisfy Illinois State Police requirements exactly. Choose your starting point below — and if you're not sure, email us and we'll point you to the right class.
16-Hour Illinois Concealed Carry License Class
The complete, state-required training for your first Illinois CCL — no add-ons or hidden extra sessions. Sixteen hours of instruction, typically across one weekend, finishing with your live-fire qualification and your official training certificate.
- Illinois firearm law, transport rules, and prohibited areas — explained in plain English
- Use-of-force and legal aftermath: when you can, when you can't, what happens next
- Safe handling, loading, unloading, and daily carry skills
- Live-fire qualification: 30 rounds at 5, 7 & 10 yards (70% to pass)
- ISP application walkthrough so you file correctly the first time
3-Hour CCL Renewal Course
Your Illinois CCL is valid for five years. Before it expires, the state requires a 3-hour renewal course with re-qualification. Ours runs in a single evening and covers everything that changed in Illinois law since you first certified.
- Meets the full ISP 3-hour renewal requirement
- Legal updates: new case law, prohibited-area changes, transport rules
- Skills refresher and range re-qualification
- Renewal application guidance ($150 state fee, 5 more years)
Intro to Handgun — First-Time Shooters
You don't need to own a gun, know the vocabulary, or have ever touched a firearm. This class exists for exactly one person: the beginner who wants to learn safely and without judgment. Many of our CCL students start here.
- The four universal safety rules, drilled until they're second nature
- How a handgun actually works: actions, magazines, ammunition
- Your first supervised live-fire rounds, one-on-one with an instructor
- FOID card guidance and honest advice on a first firearm purchase
Private & Small-Group Instruction
Customized training on your schedule, built around your goals — solo, with a spouse, or with a small group of friends.
Home Defense
Layout assessment thinking, safe storage that's still accessible, family emergency plans, and the legal realities of defending your home in Illinois.
Defensive Skills
Holster draw, presentation, reloads, malfunction clearing, and decision-making drills that go well beyond the state minimum.
Marksmanship
Structured coaching to tighten your groups and build consistency — diagnostic, patient, and tailored to how you actually shoot.
Which Class Is Right for You?
| Course | Length | Best for | Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-Hour Illinois CCL | 16 hours (one weekend) | First-time Illinois Concealed Carry License applicants | 21+, valid FOID (or pending) |
| 3-Hour CCL Renewal | 3 hours (one evening) | Current CCL holders renewing before the 5-year expiration | Valid or recently expired Illinois CCL |
| Intro to Handgun | Half day | Brand-new shooters building safety and confidence first | None — no firearm needed |
| Private Instruction | Flexible | Personalized goals: home defense, skills, marksmanship | Varies by program |
Before You Register
How long does the Illinois concealed carry class take?
Illinois requires 16 hours of approved training for a first-time Concealed Carry License. 2AM Tactical typically runs the course over a single weekend (two 8-hour days), covering classroom instruction plus the required live-fire qualification.
Can I get credit for prior training toward the 16 hours?
Yes. Illinois State Police allows up to 8 hours of credit for qualifying prior training, such as an NRA Basic Pistol course or honorably discharged military service. Contact us with your documentation and we'll confirm what applies before you register.
What should I bring to class?
Bring your valid FOID card, a government-issued photo ID, a handgun (any concealable firearm) with roughly 100 rounds of ammunition for the range portion, plus eye and ear protection. Don't own a gun or gear yet? Contact us before class — rental and loaner arrangements are available.
What happens if I don't pass the shooting qualification?
The Illinois qualification is 30 rounds at 5, 7, and 10 yards with a 70% minimum — and it is very achievable. Our instructors coach you throughout the range session, and if you need another attempt, we work with you until you qualify rather than sending you home.
Ready to Get Your Illinois Concealed Carry License?
Classes fill fast and Illinois requires 16 hours of approved training. Reserve your seat today — registration takes about two minutes.
Register for a Class