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Massachusetts Approved Firearms Safety Course Information

Massachusetts law requires most first-time applicants for a License to Carry Firearms (LTC) or Firearm Identification Card (FID) to complete an approved Basic Firearms Safety Course before submitting an application.

Courses must be approved by the Massachusetts State Police and taught by a certified firearms safety instructor. Courses are offered by independent instructors and training organizations, not by the Everett Police Department. Applicants are responsible for selecting an approved course, registering with the instructor, and paying any associated course fees.

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Approved training covers subjects including:

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Safe firearm use, handling, and storage

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Methods for securing and childproofing firearms

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Massachusetts laws governing firearm possession, transportation, and storage

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Firearm operation, potential dangers, and responsible ownership

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Injury and suicide prevention

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Massachusetts laws concerning the use of force

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Conflict disengagement and de-escalation

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Live-fire training

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A written examination and demonstration of competency

Applicants must successfully complete all required elements of the course before receiving a Basic Firearms Safety Certificate.

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Before Enrolling in a Course

Applicants should confirm that:

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The course appears on the current Massachusetts State Police list of approved courses.

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The instructor is currently certified by the Massachusetts State Police.

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The course is approved for the type of license being requested.

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The course satisfies the requirements in effect on the date it is completed.

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Do not assume that every firearms class, online program, out-of-state course, or hunter education course satisfies the Massachusetts licensing requirement. A Massachusetts Hunter Education certificate may substitute for the Basic Firearms Safety Certificate for certain FID applications, but it does not substitute for the required LTC course.

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Applicants should retain their original course certificate and submit a copy with their firearms license application.