If you’re navigating the landscape of concealed carry permits, you might be wondering about the order of operations for achieving your License to Carry (LTC). Specifically, can you complete the proficiency demonstration, often referred to as the shooting qualification, before tackling the required online LTC class? And does the sequence really matter? This post dives into these questions, providing clarity for LTC Students, LTC Instructors, and Gun Owners.
Understanding the Texas LTC Process
The pursuit of an LTC typically involves two key components—the state-mandated online LTC class and a proficiency demonstration. The online class serves as a comprehensive introduction to firearm safety, legal considerations, and responsible ownership. It’s an essential step that helps equips you with the necessary knowledge to carry a firearm responsibly.
Meanwhile, the proficiency demonstration is designed to test your shooting skills and firearm safety. It ensures that you’re not only knowledgeable but also competent in handling a firearm safely. Texas requires a passing score on both components to issue an LTC.
The typical sequence involves completing the online class first, followed by the proficiency demonstration. This order ensures that participants have the foundational knowledge about the LTC program before meeting with an LTC instructor to demonstrate safe firearm handling and shoot the qualification. However, is this sequence set in stone?
Proficiency Demonstration Before the Online Class
Can you take the proficiency demonstration first? The short answer is yes.
Does the order really matter? For many, completing the online class first provides a solid foundation of knowledge about the LTC, which can improve the proficiency demonstration experience. During the proficiency demonstration, you will have the opportunity to ask your instructors questions about the LTC program. If you are completing the proficiency demonstration as your first step in the process, you may not know what questions to ask. For many, the LTC class brings up questions that they have and want to talk about with an instructor. When the proficiency demonstration is completed after the classroom portion, it makes it easier to ask these questions.
Ultimately, the order you complete the training in does not impact your ability to obtain an LTC. Texas DPS RSD (regulatory services division), which is the department over the LTC program, has also confirmed that the order of completion does not matter.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Early Completion
Completing the proficiency demonstration before the online class has its advantages. Because this is the only in-person training required, the student must schedule and set a time with a Texas LTC instructor. Because people are busy, and life happens, this often gets put off. If the online LTC class is completed and more than two years passes before completing the proficiency demonstration, then the LTC class must be completed a second time. This happens more often than you may expect. By completing the proficiency demonstration first, it gets this portion done and out of the way with less chance of two years passes without completing the classes.
However, there are downsides to consider. Without the foundational knowledge from the online class, you may miss out on opportunities to ask the LTC instructor questions related to the classroom portion of the training. The online LTC class also goes over what to expect for the proficiency demonstration, which can help mentally prepare some people that may be nervous for it.
Real-Life Experiences and Opinions
Many LTC seekers have shared their experiences with completing the proficiency demonstration early. Some report feeling more at ease during the online class, having already tackled the hands-on component. However, others emphasize the value of the knowledge gained from the class, which gave them a better understanding of the LTC program once at the range.
Experts, including LTC instructors, often recommend completing the online class first. Their reasoning is that a strong theoretical foundation can enhance practical skills and reinforce safe firearm handling practices. However, in the end, it is up to you to decide which order to complete the training in.
Step-by-Step Guide for Early Proficiency Demonstration
If you’re considering completing the proficiency demonstration before the online class, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
- Assess Your Skills: Evaluate your current shooting skills. Ensure you’re confident and competent in firearm handling before attempting the demonstration. You are required to demonstrate safe firearm handling as well as shoot the 50-round qualification. This is not a class that teaches you how to shoot or how to be safe with a handgun.
- Check with the LTC Instructor: Unfortunately, not all LTC instructors are familiar with the option to do the proficiency demonstration first. Contact your instructor to be sure they don’t mind and are familiar with how to issue your paperwork.
- Schedule the Demonstration: Contact a certified Texas LTC instructor to schedule your proficiency demonstration.
- Complete the Demonstration: Attend the proficiency demonstration, follow all safety protocols and shoot the qualification.
- Proceed with the Online Class: Once the proficiency demonstration is complete, enroll in the online LTC class. Approach it with an open mind, ready to absorb valuable knowledge.
By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth and successful LTC certification process, regardless of the order you choose.
You will end up with 2 LTC-104 certificate of completions. One from the instructor that completed your proficiency demonstration, and another from the online course provider for the online LTC class. Both of these certificates will get submitted to Texas DPS as supporting documents once the LTC application is completed through the Texas DPS website.
Concluding Thoughts on the LTC Certification
In conclusion, while the order of completing the online class and proficiency demonstration may not be critical, it can influence your learning experience. For most, starting with the online class makes the most sense, but is ultimately up to every individual to decide.
For further guidance, please contact us to clarify any uncertainties. Remember, the goal of LTC certification is not just to obtain a license but to become a responsible and more knowledgeable gun owner. If you are looking for a LTC instructor in the Austin area, please visit LTCAustin.com.
