The concealed weapon testing may only be administered by a certified law enforcement official or civilian test administrator. Contact your local law enforcement agency to inquire about testing or download a list of civilian test administrators in your area. State law allows test administrators to charge a maximum of $50 (plus range fees, if applicable). The test administrator must provide to each applicant, at no additional charge, a complete copy of the current Concealed Weapon License Manual for the applicant to keep.
ALL initial applicants must pass a written (open book) test based on the information in the Concealed Weapon License Manual, covering weapons, concealed weapons and deadly force laws, as well the responsible handling of firearms. In addition, an applicant for a Class 1 license must (1) complete classroom instruction, (2) demonstrate familiarity with the weapon, and (3) successfully complete a firearms proficiency test.
Evidence of familiarity with a firearm may be satisfied by one of the following:
- Certification of familiarity with a firearm by an individual who has been certified by the Attorney General, which may include a law enforcement officer, military or civilian firearms instructor, hunter safety instructor, or dangerous weapons instructor;
- Evidence of equivalent experience with a firearm through participation in an organized shooting competition, law enforcement, military service, or dangerous weapon course of training;
- Possession of a license from another state to carry a firearm, concealed or otherwise, which is granted by the state upon completion of a course described above; or
- Evidence that the applicant, during military service, was found to be qualified to operate a firearm.
All applicants for a Class 1 license must complete the proficiency testing, even if they are able to demonstrate familiarity by one of the methods listed above.
All classroom instruction and testing must be completed within the State of North Dakota and cannot be held in conjunction with instruction or testing for any other state. The testing requirements cannot be waived for any applicant.
RENEWAL: No additional testing is required to renew a valid Class 2 license. In order to renew a Class 1 license, the applicant must repeat the concealed weapon license testing. An expired license is not valid and cannot be renewed; applicant must start over as a new applicant.