The Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL) Training Program is designed for Maryland residents seeking to purchase a handgun while building a strong foundation in safe and responsible firearm ownership.

This comprehensive Training Program is designed to satisfy the Maryland State Police firearms safety training requirement for applicants who are required to complete HQL training. Maryland generally requires an HQL before a person may purchase, rent, or receive a handgun, subject to applicable exemptions.

For students planning to obtain a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit, this Training Program may also serve as the first phase of Assured Shot's Maryland Wear and Carry training pathway. Students continuing toward a Wear and Carry Permit must complete all remaining instruction and qualification requirements necessary to satisfy Maryland's minimum 16-hour initial training requirement.

At Assured Shot, we believe that education is a lifelong responsibility—not a single class. Our goal is not simply to prepare you to meet a state requirement, but to build the knowledge, assurance, and responsibility that support safe, lawful, and confident firearm ownership.

Learning Objectives

During Assured Shot's comprehensive five-hour Training Program, students will learn:

• The fundamental rules of firearm safety

• Handgun components, operation, and safe handling

• Proper ammunition selection and terminology

• Shooting fundamentals and marksmanship principles

• Common firearm malfunctions and safe corrective procedures

• Techniques to improve accuracy and consistency

• Firearm maintenance, cleaning, and safe storage

• Maryland and Federal firearm laws applicable to responsible firearm ownership

Live-Fire Training

This Training Program includes the live-fire component required by the Maryland State Police for the Handgun Qualification License.

Following successful completion of the classroom instruction, students will participate in an individually scheduled live-fire session.
We will work with each student to arrange a convenient 30-minute appointment that provides focused instruction and personalized coaching.

Students continuing to the Maryland Wear and Carry Training Program will complete the additional instruction and live-fire qualification necessary to satisfy Maryland's applicable initial permit-training requirements.

Live-Fire Training Location: Rockville, Maryland

Program Information

This Training Program Includes

• Required classroom instruction

• Required live-fire component

• Personalized live-fire coaching

• Maryland State Police HQL requirement training

• Certificate of satisfactory completion for eligible HQL applicants

Please Note:

• Maryland electronic fingerprinting fees are not included in the Training Program tuition.

Program Investment

Training Program Tuition: $158
Includes classroom instruction, live-fire session, ammunition for the HQL live-fire session, and $25 range fee.

Assured Shot will remit the range fee on the student's behalf. Ammunition required for the HQL live-fire session is included in the Training Program tuition.

Required Equipment

Eye and ear protection are required during the live-fire session.

Students who do not have their own protective equipment may borrow equipment provided by Assured Shot or rent or purchase equipment directly from the range.

Who Should Attend?

This Training Program is ideal for:

• Maryland residents purchasing their first handgun

• First-time firearm owners

• Individuals with little or no shooting experience

• Students preparing for the Maryland Wear and Carry Training Program

• Anyone seeking a strong foundation in safe and responsible firearm ownership

Program Outcome

Upon successful completion of this Training Program, students who are required to complete HQL training will have satisfied the Maryland State Police firearms safety training requirement for a Handgun Qualification License, while developing the foundational knowledge and practical skills necessary for safe firearm ownership.

More importantly, students will leave with something that extends beyond meeting a legal requirement.

Greater knowledge.
Greater assurance.
Greater responsibility.

Continue Your Training

Students planning to obtain a Maryland Wear and Carry Permit may continue their education by enrolling in Assured Shot's Part II — Maryland Wear and Carry Training Program. Students must complete the full training and qualification requirements necessary to satisfy Maryland's minimum 16-hour initial firearms safety training requirement.

Ready to Begin?

Take the first step toward responsible firearm ownership through professional instruction grounded in education, integrity, and safety.

Begin Your Training