Training Requirements

Learn what Massachusetts law says about the training requirements that must be met to apply for a gun license.

Approved training course

Completion of a basic firearms safety course is required to apply for both a Firearms Identification Card (FID) and a License to Carry (LTC). For the FID, a hunters education course is a valid substitute.

Basic firearms safety courses are taught by independent instructors who have been approved to teach the course by the Colonel of the State Police.

Some municipalities may impose additional requirements beyond the state minimum. For example, some towns like Quincy and Weymouth, require a live shooting component to be included with the basic firearms safety course.

Course requirements

Chapter 135 of the Acts of 2024 introduced significant changes to the training curriculum requirements, the most notable change being mandatory live fire training. The new curriculum, which will take effect on April 2, 2026, will require all basic firearms safety courses to include the following topics:

• The safe use, handling and storage of firearms
• Methods for securing and childproofing firearms
• The applicable laws relating to the possession, transportation and storage of firearms
• Knowledge of operation, potential dangers and basic competency in the ownership and use of firearms
• Iinjury and suicide prevention
• Laws relating to the use of force
• Disengagement tactics
• A written examination
• Live firearms training

In order to pass a basic firearms safety course and receive a certificate, a student will have to:

• Demonstrate competency in the use of firearms through class participation
• Pass a written examination
• Participate in live firearms training

There are currently no additional details we can provide concerning course requirements, as the curriculum has not yet been completed.

Who is affected

The law requires anybody applying for an FID or LTC after August 1, 2024 to complete the new curriculum. The new curriculum does not take effect until April 2, 2026, however, which means applicants can use the current basic firearms safety course certificates from the old curriculum until then, but they will still need to complete the new curriculum at some point. This has created some confusion in the community. To summarize, the following people need to complete the new curriculum:

• Anybody submitting an initial application for a license on or after April 2, 2026
• Anybody who applied for a license after August 1, 2024 but before April 2, 2026, but only when renewing the license
• Anybody who completed a course before April 2, 2026 but did not submit an application before April 2, 2026

Please note that once the new training requirements have been completed, whether for an initial or renewal application, there will be no further requirement to complete a course upon renewal or subsequent renewals.

Who is exempt

Anybody who already posessed an FID or LTC or anyone who submitted an application for a license by August 1, 2024, does not need to complete the new curriculum. There is also no requirement to complete a course for renewal.

Anybody who completes a basic firearms safety course after April 2, 2026, will not need to take the course again upon renewing their license.

Additionally, the following people do not need to take a course to apply for a gun license:

• Active military members
• Law enforcement with authorization and acting within the scope of their duties
• State officers, agents, or employees with authorization and acting within the scope of their duties

Citations

FAQ

Do retired law enforcement or military veterans need to complete a course?

Yes. Massachusetts doesn't provide training exemptions for retired law enforcement or military veterans.