Firearms Training Courses in Northbrook & Highland Park
Train With Purpose – Courses That Build Skill, Safety, and Confidence
Whether you’re handling a firearm for the first time or returning for a license renewal, Personal Defense Training offers comprehensive firearms training courses in Northbrook and Highland Park designed to meet your exact needs. Our curriculum is built around one principle: prepare real people for real-life situations—safely, legally, and confidently.
All courses are taught by a certified instructor with over 40 years of shooting experience, a decorated background in both military and law enforcement, and recognized credentials from the NRA, State of Illinois, and State of Utah.
We teach small groups in a focused setting where every student receives personalized guidance, hands-on instruction, and honest feedback. Our course offerings include full CCL certification, renewals, pistol safety, home defense, and advanced tactical firearm skills.
Full Course Offerings
16-Hour Illinois Concealed Carry License Course
Who It’s For: Illinois residents seeking their concealed carry permit (CCL)
This flagship course is required by the State of Illinois for residents who wish to carry a concealed firearm. It’s broken into two 8-hour sessions delivered over two days and covers a complete range of essential topics:
Day 1 – Firearm Fundamentals and Safety
- Safe operation of semi-automatics and revolvers
- Proper stance, grip, aiming, and trigger control
- Firearm storage, cleaning, and maintenance
- Dry-fire and live-fire drills (laser training in class)
Day 2 – Legal Instruction and Defensive Shooting
- Illinois and federal firearm laws
- Use-of-force legal standards
- Situational awareness and conflict avoidance
- Qualification shoot with 30 live rounds at a certified range
You’ll leave this course not only certified, but educated and mentally prepared to carry legally and responsibly.
- Tuition: $250
- Deposit Required: $100
- Includes: Firearm rental (if needed), ammunition, range targets
3-Hour CCL Renewal Course
Who It’s For: Current Illinois CCL holders nearing license expiration
This course satisfies the 3-hour renewal requirement for concealed carry license holders in Illinois. Designed to be time-efficient without compromising quality, this class includes:
- Legal updates on Illinois firearm and self-defense laws
- Refresher on safe firearm handling and carry methods
- Live-fire qualification: 30-round test with score requirement
- Tuition: $50 (plus range fee)
- Frequency: Offered monthly; weekday and weekend options available
8-Hour CCL Veteran Course
Who It’s For: Military veterans and active/reserve personnel
If you’re a U.S. veteran (honorably discharged) or currently serving, Illinois allows you to skip Day 1 of the 16-hour CCL course. Our 8-hour condensed class focuses on legal instruction, tactical readiness, and qualification.
- Requirements: Valid Military ID or DD214
- Tuition: $100 (plus range fee)
- Schedule: Held periodically—please inquire for upcoming dates
NRA Firearms Safety Courses
Who It’s For: Beginners or those seeking NRA-compliant safety training
Our instructor is certified to teach official NRA Pistol and Rifle Safety Courses. These are ideal for:
- New firearm owners
- Families with firearms in the home
- Citizens interested in structured training before applying for a CCL
Curriculum includes:
- Firearm parts and operation
- Ammunition basics
- Cleaning and storage
- Safe range behavior
- NRA safety principles and procedures
Personal Protection In the Home Course (NRA)
Who It’s For: Individuals seeking home-defense training with firearms
This course dives deeper into the practical use of firearms in residential defense. Students will learn:
- Firearm readiness in high-stress home invasion scenarios
- Use-of-force laws in home defense
- Defensive positioning and movement inside the home
- Secure firearm access and staging options
Tuition: Contact for pricing
Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with handguns recommended
Tactical Firearms Training (Advanced)
Who It’s For: Intermediate to advanced students seeking tactical skills
For those who want to build beyond the basics, this course introduces dynamic firearm skills for defensive shooting and scenario-based training. This includes:
- Drawing from concealment
- Defensive movement and shooting while moving
- Use of cover and concealment
- Reloading under stress
- Engaging multiple threats
Note: This course includes live-fire training and is available only to graduates of a CCL course or those with equivalent experience.
Course Features and What’s Included
All courses at Personal Defense Training include:
- Small group sizes (typically 4–8 students)
- Laser pistol training for dry-fire and simulation
- Live-fire qualification where applicable
- Ruger SR22 pistol rental (for those without personal firearms)
- Ammunition, targets, safety equipment
Our facilities include:
- Comfortable classroom space in Highland Park
- Private or semi-private range time
- Clear student materials and handouts
- Direct access to your instructor for questions before/after class
Student Expectations & Code of Conduct
We take safety seriously. All students must:
- Arrive on time and sober
- Bring valid ID and any required documents (e.g., DD214 for veterans)
- Follow all range rules and instructor commands
- Wear appropriate clothing for range use (no open-toe shoes)
No experience is required for entry-level classes. However, students are expected to respect others, follow safety instructions, and engage with the course material actively.
Who Our Courses Are For
Whether you're:
- A new handgun owner unsure where to start
- A first-time CCL applicant needing certification
- A returning license-holder in need of renewal
- A homeowner seeking tactical readiness
- A military veteran looking to transfer knowledge into the civilian sphere
…we have a course designed to meet you where you are and take you further.
We’ve trained:
- Men and women aged 21 to 75+
- Parents, grandparents, and college students
- Retirees, realtors, security professionals, and business owners
- Individuals who’ve never fired a gun before
No matter your background or experience level, we’re here to help you learn.
Pricing Summary
| Course | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 16-Hour CCL Course | $250 | Two-day course. $100 deposit required. |
| 3-Hour CCL Renewal | $50 + range | Includes legal updates & qualification |
| 8-Hour CCL for Veterans | $100 + range | Skip Day 1 with ID or DD214 |
| NRA Safety Courses | Varies | Contact us for class dates and pricing |
| Personal Protection in the Home (NRA) | Varies | Prerequisite: basic handgun knowledge |
| Tactical Firearms Training | Contact us | For advanced students, limited enrollment |
Range fees vary by facility and will be discussed at registration.
Upcoming Courses & Availability
Our class schedule is flexible. We offer training 7 days a week from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM. Upcoming classes include:
Upcoming 16-Hour CCL Class
- Day 1: Sunday, September 8, 2024
- Day 2: Sunday, September 15, 2024
Upcoming Veteran 8-Hour CCL Course
- Saturday, December 7, 2024
- Sunday, December 8, 2024
To register, contact us directly to secure your spot. Class sizes are limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.
Ready to Book? Contact Us Today
All course bookings can be made via phone or email.
All major credit/debit cards accepted via PayPal. A $100 deposit is required to reserve your seat in most classes.