Rhode Island General Laws Section 11-47-15[1] establishes the firearms proficiency standard that all LCCW applicants must meet. This qualification requirement ensures that concealed carry permit holders can safely and accurately handle a handgun.
The Qualification Standard
The course of fire consists of 30 rounds fired at a distance of 25 yards using the Army "L" qualification target. The target is scored in rings, with the maximum possible score being 300 points (10 points per round). The applicant must achieve a minimum score of 195 out of 300 to pass, which represents 65% accuracy. The course of fire must be completed under the supervision of a certified firearms instructor or at an approved range facility.
Practical Considerations
Twenty-five yards is a significant distance for handgun shooting, particularly for applicants without prior experience. Most defensive shooting occurs at distances under ten yards, making the Rhode Island standard notably demanding compared to many other states. Applicants should practice extensively before attempting the qualification. Many ranges in Rhode Island offer pre-qualification practice sessions and coaching. There is no limit on the number of times an applicant may attempt the qualification, but each attempt must be properly administered and documented.
Documentation and Submission
The supervising instructor must certify the score on the qualification form, which is submitted as part of the LCCW application package. The certification must include the date of qualification, the range facility name and address, the instructor's name and credentials, and the applicant's score. Some local police departments accept qualification scores from any NRA-certified instructor, while others may require qualification at a specific facility or under department supervision[2].
Requalification
The qualification is tied to the LCCW application and renewal process. When an LCCW holder applies for renewal, they must requalify by completing the same course of fire and achieving the same minimum score. There is no separate requalification timeline. The qualification simply must be current at the time of application or renewal.