★★★★★ 5 from 42+ Google reviews
USCCA and NRA certified instructors · Same day certificate

Michigan CPL classes in Lapeer, taught by instructors who carry for a living.

The USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals class, recognized by the State of Michigan for your CPL. Eight hours with three hours of range time, small groups, and coaching at your own pace. You leave with your certificate the same day.


  • Counts for your Michigan CPL application
  • No experience needed, we work with new gun owners every class
  • Guns and ammunition available if you do not own one

Training Michigan citizens since 2003
A Citizen Defense Training instructor coaching a student on the range
42+
Five-star Google reviews
Since 2003
Training Michigan citizens
USCCA
Certified CCW instruction
Same day
CPL certificate
How it works

Three steps to your CPL


1

Reserve your seat

Pick a class date below and put down the $21 deposit online. It takes a couple of minutes, and the $84 balance is due on the day of class.


2

Take the class

One full day at Knotted Root Tactical in Lapeer, eight hours of classroom work plus three hours on the range. You leave with your certificate the same day.


3

Apply at your county clerk

Bring your certificate to the county clerk, submit your application and fingerprints, and your license arrives in the mail.


Meet your instructor

Taught by people who train police officers

David Essad teaching a Citizen Defense Training CPL class

David Essad

CPL Instructor and USCCA Training Counselor

David is a USCCA Training Counselor and certified firearms instructor, a Defensive Shooting Fundamentals instructor, a certified Range Safety Officer, and an NRA Refuse to be a Victim instructor. He also teaches Emergency First Aid Fundamentals.

The Citizen Defense Training team is made up of current and former military and law enforcement personnel along with martial arts and security professionals. They have been training both civilians and law enforcement since 2003.

More about the team

01 Upcoming classes

Classes near you

The next dates closest to your location, nearest first.

Sunday, August 16
8:00 am - 4:00 pm$105

Michigan CPL Class – Sunday – $105

Lapeer
Spaces availableRegister
Saturday, August 22
8:00 am - 4:00 pm$105

Michigan CPL Class – Saturday – $105

Lapeer
Spaces availableRegister
Sunday, August 30
8:00 am - 4:00 pm$105

Michigan CPL Class – Sunday – $105

Lapeer
Spaces availableRegister
02 Why train with Citizen Defense Training

What the class is like


01

You will not be singled out

Small groups, frequent breaks, and one on one instruction. Questions are welcome, and nobody gets put on the spot in front of the room.


02

New gun owners are the specialty

Plenty of students arrive having never handled a pistol. We start with how a firearm works and how to check whether it is loaded, then build from there.


03

Certified the same day

Certificates are handed out at the end of class, so you can start your county clerk application right away.


03 Student reviews

What our students say

★★★★★ 5 · 42 Google reviews
★★★★★
Extremely knowledgeable, professional, and would recommend anybody seeking education in self defense to sign up for Dave’s classes! Thanks again!
T
Thomas Schulz2 weeks ago
★★★★★
I took the CPL instructor course with Dave. The course was great, well presented, challenging but well balanced. I feel confident I understand what I need to do to be a good instructor going forward.
Z
Zach2 weeks ago
★★★★★
Absolutely amazing and super informative! I feel extremely confident in instructing my first class! Dave made the class enjoyable and interactive!
J
Jeff2 weeks ago

Read all 42 reviews on Google

Common questions

Questions students ask


Is this class approved for a Michigan CPL?

Yes. This is the USCCA Concealed Carry and Home Defense Fundamentals course, which the State of Michigan recognizes for the CPL. Your certificate is valid for your application at the county clerk.


What does the class cost?

Tuition is $105 per student. A $21 deposit reserves your seat online and the $84 balance is due on the day of class, cash or credit. The range charges $23.90 for range time and targets, paid directly to them.


Do I need my own gun?

No. A firearm and ammunition are available to use for the class for $35. If you do own a pistol, bring it along with your ammunition.


Do I need any experience?

No. Working with new gun owners is what this class is built around, and you will be coached at your own pace.


How long is the class?

Eight hours, including about three hours of live fire on the range. Coffee and water are provided, and there are frequent breaks.


What should I bring?

A good attitude, a pen, and a snack. Bring your pistol and ammunition if you have them. Everything else is provided or available at the range.


Ready to get your Michigan CPL?

Reserve your seat with a $21 deposit. Questions before you book? Call (248) 662-5744.

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