1. (1) The Department shall determine that a firearms training or safety course, whether in person or online, meets the requirements of TCA § 39-17-1366(b)(4)(A)(vii) if it contains the following:

   1. (a) Conveys the basic knowledge and skills necessary for safe handling and storage of firearms and ammunition, firearm safety rules, handgun uses, features, basic skills and techniques, safe cleaning, transportation, and storage methods;

      1. 1. Includes the four (4) basic rules of handling a firearm;
      2. 2. Covers proper storage to include inside of vehicles;
      3. 3. Identifies basic features of handguns;
      4. 4. Discusses basic marksmanship skills;
      5. 5. Demonstrates safe cleaning techniques; and
      6. 6. Covers state and federal laws related to transporting firearms;

   2. (b) Conveys the current state laws on carrying handguns;

      1. 1. Explains the difference between the Enhanced Carry Permit and the Concealed Carry Permit;
      2. 2. Explains the areas where a permit is required to carry a handgun;
      3. 3. Discusses self defense, in that course curriculums will not condone the use of force against law enforcement officers; and
      4. 4. Discusses liabilities.
   3. (c) Is at least ninety (90) minutes in length, not including the time to take the test;
   4. (d) Includes a test or quiz that confirms competency of the course; and
   5. (e) Provides a printable certificate of course or class completion.

2. (2) Any school wishing to be a third-party vendor for electronic, video, or online school must complete and submit a Department Concealed Carry Permit application. Schools applying for certification with the Department must provide a means for a Department Inspector to audit the course annually. After the initial audit is completed, the Department assigns a registration number to each school.

   1. (a) Initial audits will ensure the following:

      1. 1. That all required material per 1340-02-06-.03(1) is covered;
      2. 2. That material presented is not inappropriate. Inappropriate material may include:
   2. (i) Material that solicits the student to purchase a product or service; PROGRAM
   3. (ii) Material that is offensive in nature;
   4. (iii) Material that is not relevant to Tennessee handgun carry laws; or

   5. (iv) Material that supports using force against law enforcement officials.

      1. 3. That passing the test is required; and
      2. 4. That after successful completion of the course and test, a certificate is able to be printed.

   6. (b) Annual audits will ensure:

      1. 1. That all required material per 1340-02-06-.03(1) is covered;
      2. 2. That laws covered have been appropriately updated;
      3. 3. That material presented is not inappropriate;
      4. 4. That passing the test is required; and
      5. 5. That after successful completion of the course and test, a certificate is able to be printed.
   7. (c) The Director will make the final determination of whether the third-party vendor may be certified to provide the Concealed Carry Permit course, in accordance with all state laws and the rules set herein.

Authority: T.C.A. §§ 4-3-2009 and 39-17-1366. Administrative History: New rules filed December 19, 2024; effective March 19, 2025.