Qualified Handgun Instructor Certification

A Qualified Handgun Instructor is an individual authorized by the Maryland State Police to instruct and certify applicants for a Maryland Handgun Qualification License HQL and Wear & Carry permit. The types of Instructor credentials are:

• Certified Qualified Handgun Instructor (QHIC): An individual whom the Maryland State Police has confirmed as being certified by either the Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commission (MPCTC) or a nationally recognized firearms organization as a firearms instructor. To qualify for this type of license, you must submit:
  • A valid copy of your MPCTC training certificate; or
  • A valid instructor certification issued by a nationally recognized firearms organization. 
• Licensed Qualified Handgun Instructor (QHIL): An individual who has a license issued directly by the Maryland State Police. To qualify for this type of license, you must submit:
  • Documentation of your formal training in the care, safety, and use of handguns;
  • A minimum qualification score of 80% on a practical police course; and 
  • Proof of a minimum of 1 year of experience in instruction in the care, safety and use of handguns.

You can search for a list of Qualified Handgun Instructors online.

Note: If your course fails to meet state standards or you improperly certify students, your instructor status can be revoked. The types of instructor credentials

Who needs to apply

You must be a Qualified Handgun Instructor if you wish to instruct and certify applicants applying for either:

• A Maryland Handgun Qualification License (HQL), or
• A Maryland Wear & Carry Permit (Handgun Permit).

Please allow 90 days for completion of the application process.

How to apply

1. Create or log into your existing eMDSP account.
2. Under the left side MENU, select “Initial Application”;
3. Select “Firearms Services” as the Profession;
4. Select either “Qualified Handgun Instructor License” or “Qualified Handgun Instructor Certificate” as the License Type;
5. Complete the application, assuring that all documentation requirements are uploaded.
6. Submit the application.

Please allow 90 days for completion of the application process.

Instructor Requirements

• Qualified Handgun Instructors are responsible for qualifying students for Handgun Qualification Licenses and Handgun Carry Permits. Instructors whose courses fail to meet minimum standards and who improperly certify applicants shall have their Qualified Handgun Instructor status revoked.
• All Qualified Handgun Instructors are required to provide their students with a completed copy of the Maryland State Police Certified Qualification Score Sheet 29-14  upon the completion of the 16-hour or 8-hour renewal training class.
• HQL training requirements can be found at Handgun Qualification License.
• Wear & Carry (handgun) Permit training requirements can be found at Maryland State Police Wear and Carry Training Course  and at Wear & Carry Permit.

Renewal

The Qualified Handgun Instructor renewal requirements vary by the type of instructor credential:

• Certified Qualified Handgun Instructor (QHIC): A Maryland QHIC expires at the same time as the MPCTC instructor certification or the instructor certification issued by a nationally recognized firearms organization.
• Licensed Qualified Handgun Instructor (QHIL): A Maryland QHIL expires 4 years after the date of issuance.​

How to renew

1. Create or log into your existing eMDSP account.
2. Under the left side MENU, select “Renew License”;
3. Select “Continue”;
4. Complete the application, assuring that all documentation requirements are uploaded.
5. Submit the renewal.

Please allow 90 days for completion of the application process.

Application fees

There are no application fees for a Qualified Handgun Instructor License or Certification.

Application timeline

Applicant: The initial application can be completed within 30-60 minutes. Renewal applications can be completed within 15-30 minutes.

Licensing Division Processing Time: Once the completed application and the required fees are received, the applicant will be notified of the decision within 90 days.

Related information

Visit the archive section to download any documents.

Questions?