Training Courses

Explore Our Full Range of Classes
We offer a variety of training courses tailored to meet your needs. Below is a detailed list of all the classes we offer. To find upcoming course dates, visit our šŸ“…Training CalendaršŸ“….

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Required to Purchase a Handgun

MD Handgun Qualification License

This comprehensive four-hour course is required by the state of Maryland to obtainĀ  your Handgun Qualification License (HQL), which is necessary to purchase a handgun in Maryland. During this course, you'll gain essential knowledge of firearm safety, home defense strategies, and key skills such as: firearm manipulation, loading and unloading techniques, malfunction drills, weapon maintenance, and much more!

Cost: $89.00

Total Time: 4 hours

What to bring to class: Government Photo ID (Driver's License)

Click to preview course: Preview MD HQL

Application Help: Need help filling out your application? Click here for help!

HQL Dates & Registration

Concealed Carry Courses

MD Wear & Carry Permit

As of July 5, 2022 Maryland has eliminated the requirement of "Good and Substantial Reason" to obtain the MD Wear and Carry Permit. Now, any upstanding citizen can apply for a permit for self-defense purposes.

Our MD Wear and Carry Permit course offers 16 hours of comprehensive training over 2 consecutive days for original applicants. This course fulfills the training requirements for both Maryland residents and non-residents looking to obtain a carry permit in Maryland.

Important: Applicants must submit documentation of completed training and a LiveScan fingerprint receipt. Do not get fingerprinted until after you take the course (cost is additional).

If you are seeking to renew your Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, please sign up for our MD Wear & Carry Renewal Only Course.

Cost: $350.00

Total Time: 16 hours over 2 consecutive days

What to bring to class: Government Photo ID (Driver's License), unloaded firearm, external side draw holster, two unloaded magazines, 150 rounds of target ammunition, sturdy belt to secure holster, eye protection, hearing protection, bag lunch and water

Click to preview course: Preview MD Wear & Carry

Application Help: Need help filling out your application? Click here for help!

MDWC Dates & Registration

MD Wear & Carry Permit RENEWAL

This is a RENEWAL CLASS ONLY. This class is ONLY for CURRENT MD Wear and Carry Permit Holders.

This Renewal Class is for current MD Wear and Carry Permit holders only. The renewal training can be completed up to two years before your permit expires and must be submitted to the Maryland State Police within 120 days of expiration. Your permit will always expire on the last day of your birth month, and the Maryland State Police request that renewal packages be submitted a minimum of 90 days in advance.

Please Note: This is NOT the required 16-hour course for an initial MD Wear and Carry Permit. If you are a first-time applicant, please refer to the MD Wear and Carry Permit course above.

Cost: $175.00

Total Time: 8 hours

What to bring to class: Government Photo ID (Driver's License), unloaded firearm, external side draw holster, two unloaded magazines, 150 rounds of target ammunition, sturdy belt to secure holster, eye protection, hearing protection, bag lunch and water

MD Renewal Dates & Registration

Utah Non-Resident Permit

This four-hour course is required to receive your Utah Non-Resident Permit, which is valid in 30+ states, including Delaware. Fingerprints and a passport photo are included in the course.

Note: Delaware residents must have a Delaware Resident Handgun Permit in order to obtain a Utah permit. (See our DE/MD Combo Course below for more information.)

Cost:Ā $120.00

Total Time:Ā 4 hours

What to bring to class: Government Photo ID (Driver's License)




Delaware CCW & Maryland Wear & CarryĀ Combo

This combo course is specifically designed for Delaware residents ages 21 and older who want to meet the training requirements for both the Delaware Resident Concealed Carry Permit and the Maryland Wear and Carry Permit. The course spans 16 hours over 2 consecutive days and exceeds the minimum requirements set forth by the State of Delaware for concealed carry. It also fulfills the training requirements for MD non-residents applying for a carry permit in Maryland.

Note: You must be 21 years or older to apply for the MD Wear and Carry Permit as per Maryland law.


Students will be required to arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of class.

Cost:Ā $375.00

Total Time: 16Ā hours over 2 consecutive days

What to bring to class:Ā Government Photo ID (Driver's License), unloaded firearm, external side draw holster, two unloaded magazines, 150 rounds of target ammunition, sturdy belt to secure holster, eye protection, hearing protection, bag lunch and water.Ā Ā 

Handgun Courses

Beginner Handgun Course

Designed as a continuation of the HQL (Handgun Qualification License) class, the Beginner Handgun Course gives students the opportunity to shoot their handguns on a controlled range under the guidance of experienced instructors. Firearm rentals are available if needed.

The course will focus on the cardinal rules of safety, fundamentals of marksmanship, safe firearm handling, common causes of firearm malfunction, firearm care and maintenance, and various marksmanship drills.

Cost:Ā $150.00

Total Time:Ā 5Ā hours

What to bring to class:
unloaded firearm (rentals available for $25 upon arrival), two magazines, 100 rounds of target ammunition, range appropriate attire, eye protection, hearing protection, snacks and water



Scenario Based Training

This dynamic course immerses students in real-world scenarios with live role-players in shoot / don't shoot situations. It focuses on decision-making, critical thinking, and applying firearm skills in realistic contexts.

Please arrive 15 minutes early for registration.

Do not bring a firearm or ammunition to this course.

Cost:Ā $150.00

Total Time:Ā 4 hours

What to bring to class: Government issued photo ID, snacks and water

SBT Dates & Registration

Red Dot Sight (RDS)


ThisĀ handgun course is designed to help set students up for success as new red dot pistol shooters, as well as shooters interested in learning how to get the maximum performance out of their pistol-mounted red dot sight.

Students are expected to arrive with an established foundation in the fundamentals of marksmanship and safe firearm manipulation skills. Students will learn about the advantages and disadvantages of using RDS on the pistol;
Topics covered include;
  • Fundamental marksmanship refresher
  • Zero techniques and confirmation at various distances
  • Common causes for not finding the Dot.
  • Grip & Stance considerations
  • Draw stroke and finding the dot
  • Tracking the dot (recoil management) and analysis of shooting errors
  • Reacquiring the dot after reloading
  • Understanding Mechanical Offset and Holdover
  • Advantages of Target Focused V.S front sight focus
  • Down Optic Drills to Include & Optic blockage drills
  • Building speed through efficiency
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Please arrive 15 minutes early for registration.

Cost:Ā $150.00

Total Time:Ā 5 hours

What to bring to class: unloaded firearm, external side draw holster, two unloaded magazines,Ā 150 rounds of target ammunition, sturdy belt to secure holster, eye protection, hearing protection, appropriate range attire, snacks and water

RDS Dates & Registration

Live Fire Workshop

The Live Fire Workshop is designed for intermediate shooters who want to improve their confidence, proficiency, and handgun manipulation skills. This course is ideal for those who already have basic firearms knowledge and seek to take their abilities to the next level.

The workshop begins with a mandatory Safety Briefing and Range Protocol at Tactical Shepherd, followed by a short drive (less than 10 minutes) to the range. Throughout the session, instructors will evaluate your skill level after each live fire relay and provide personalized feedback to help you improve.

While many students may share similar skill levels or face the same challenges, individual assessments are crucial for achieving optimal results. This ensures that each participant gets the attention and guidance needed to enhance their shooting abilities.

The shooting drills will focus on core fundamentals, shot placement, and judgmental shooting at various distances. Depending on the studentā€™s ability, more advanced law enforcement-style drills may also be incorporated.

This course was strategically designed so that students can see and feel their improvement throughout the session. Whether you're a homeowner looking to defend your family or a Maryland Wear and Carry permit holder, gaining a clear understanding of your current skill level and actively working to improve it is our #2 goal. Above all, safety remains our #1 priority.

Cost:Ā $125.00

Total Time:Ā 4Ā hours

What to bring to class: unloaded firearm, external side draw holster, two unloaded magazines,Ā 150 rounds of target ammunition, sturdy belt to secure holster, eye protection, hearing protection, appropriate range attire, snacks and water

Click to preview course:Ā PreviewĀ Live Fire

Live Fire Dates & Registration

Advanced Live Fire Workshop

The Advanced Live Fire Workshop is exclusively for students who have successfully completed the Tactical Shepherd Live Fire Workshop or the Tactical Shepherd MD Wear & Carry Course with a score of 95% or better, as this is a strict requirement. If you were dissatisfied with your performance in either of these courses or have concerns about your basic handgun skill set, this is not the class for you.

In this workshop, experienced shooters will be challenged and will train under stress in dynamic, high-pressure scenarios.

Prerequisites for Enrollment:

  • A strong knowledge of handgun safety
  • Basic to intermediate handgun manipulation skills
  • Confidence in your proficiency and accuracy

If you do not demonstrate these skills, you will be asked to leave the range.

The workshop begins with a mandatory Safety Briefing and Range Protocol at Tactical Shepherd, followed by a short drive (less than 10 minutes) to the range.

Students will be learning and participating in the following advanced drills:

  • Close Quarters Tucked Hip Shooting
  • Step-Back Shooting
  • Shooting at distances up to 25 yards
  • Shooting under stress and strict time limits
  • Barricade Defensive Shooting
  • Moving to Shoot Timed Drills
  • Judgmental Shooting

This is an ADVANCED course that introduces an entirely new level of training at Tactical Shepherd. You will be held to strict firing line start and stop times, integrating multiple skills as you shoot and maneuver against close, medium, and longer-range targets.

In addition to the training, several mini competitions will be held among the students to simulate real-world stress and decision-making in high-pressure environments.

Cost:Ā $175.00

Total Time:Ā 5Ā hours

What to bring to class: unloaded firearm, external side draw holster, two unloaded magazines, 200 rounds of target ammunition, sturdy belt to secure holster, eye protection, hearing protection, appropriate range attire, boots or high traction lace up footwear, snacks and water

Click to preview course:Ā Click to preview 1st video, Click to preview 2nd videoĀ 

Advanced Live Fire Dates & Registration

Handgun Cleaning and Maintenance

In Handgun Cleaning and Maintenance (C & M), the student will be able to: Disassemble and reassemble their handgun multiple times, clean their handgun, learn the friction points, understand carbon build up and lubrication.

There will be a Q&A Section at the end of the course.

Cost:Ā $45.00

Total Time:Ā 2Ā hours

What to bring to class: Unloaded handgun, unloaded magazines, cleaning kit, patches, lubricant

Handgun C & M Dates & Registration

Rifle Courses

Intro to ARĀ 

If you have limited or no experience with the AR-15 platform, this is the perfect class for you! Learn the fundamentals the right way, guided by military veterans and certified law enforcement SWAT operators.

The Intro to AR course is designed to improve your knowledge and performance with YOUR personal AR-style rifle. This 5-hour class is informative, hands-on, and tailored for entry-level shooters, making it the ideal introduction to the AR-15 platform.

What youā€™ll learn:

  • Assembly and Disassembly
  • Understanding firearm functionality
  • Proper weapon manipulation techniques
  • Loading and unloading the rifle
  • Making the weapon safe
  • Clearing malfunctions
  • Practicing various shooting positions

Following classroom instruction, weā€™ll head to the range to put what youā€™ve learned into practice.

We'll help you zero in your rifle and work on essential shooting skills to improve your proficiency. For new shooters, we guarantee that your confidence, knowledge, and skill will skyrocket by the end of the session!

Cost:Ā $150.00

Total Time:Ā 5Ā hours

What to bring to class: Personal AR rifle, case, two unloaded magazines any size, 60 rounds minimum of ammunition, cleaning kit and lube (available for purchase in Gun Shop), optic (unless you prefer iron sights) eye protection, hearing protection, appropriate range attire, snacks and water

Intro to AR Dates & Registration

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Basic CombatĀ ARĀ 

The Basic Combat AR / M4 Platform Course is focused on improving your performance with your AR-15 / M4 weapon system. It is taught by Special Operations Instructors and SWAT Operators. It is designed to be both instructional and challenging for entry and intermediate level shooters.

This specialized training focuses on proficiency improvement, weapon manipulation, rapid target acquisition, multiple target engagement, tactical body positioning, footwork and movement.

Cost:Ā $295.00

Total Time:Ā 8Ā hours

What to bring to class: AR-15 / M4, iron sites or optic, sling, three magazines, eye protection, hearing protection, 400 rounds of ammo, appropriate range attire and footwear, bag lunch, and water

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Basic Combat AR Dates & Registration

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Specialty Courses

Women's Defensive Tactics

This intense, four-hour Women's Defensive Tactics course is designed to equip participants with essential skills for personal safety. The workshop will cover key areas such as situational awareness, hand-to-hand combat techniques, and strategies for surviving an attack.

The course is hands-on and physically engaging, so please wear attire suitable for movement, striking, and grappling. Our goal is to empower you with the confidence and skills to protect yourself in various situations.

Cost:Ā $100.00

Total Time:Ā 4Ā hours

What to bring to class: water

Click to preview course:Ā Preview Women's Defensive Tactics Here

Women's Defensive Tactics Dates & Registration

Stop the Bleed

Tactical Shepherd offers training on how to respond effectively in the event of a serious, life-threatening medical emergency. This Stop the Bleed certification course, developed by the American College of Surgeons, teaches students the crucial skills to control bleeding in three simple steps.

As a bonus, this course also includes CPR and AED certification from the American Safety and Health Institute, giving you comprehensive training in emergency response.

Cost:Ā $100.00

Total Time:Ā 3Ā hours

What to bring to class: waterĀ Ā