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Independent directory. Not government. Not legal advice.

Maryland LEOSA qualification

What the state requires, who can administer it, and how to stay current.

REVIEWED 17 OCT 2026 D. Whitfield, Special Agent (ret.) Range master, NRA LE instructor
Flag of Maryland State of Maryland
NARRATIVE · 01

How qualification works in Maryland

Maryland has a statewide framework. The Maryland Police and Correctional Training Commissions (MPCTC) requires the qualification to be administered through an MPCTC-certified firearms instructor and sets the binding minimum parameters every agency's annual qualification course must meet: at least 30 rounds, a 70% minimum passing score, firing distances spanning three bands (under 5 yards, 5 to under 15 yards, and 15 yards or more, each contributing 10-40% of total rounds), maximum time-per-round limits that tighten with distance, and maximum reload times (17 seconds revolver, 8 seconds pistol). Individual agencies submit their specific course to MPCTC for approval against this framework rather than everyone firing one identical course. The resulting LEOSA ID card is valid for one year from the qualification date.

NARRATIVE · 02

What to carry afterward

Agency photo ID From the agency you separated from.
Proficiency certificate Dated within the past 12 months.1
NARRATIVE · 03

Where LEOSA doesn't apply

Private property where the owner prohibits firearms.
State & local government property buildings, parks and installations that restrict firearms.
Federal facilities courthouses, federal buildings and military installations.
School zones under the Gun-Free School Zones Act, unless separately licensed by your state.
Commercial aircraft LEOSA does not change federal aviation rules.
SOURCES
  1. 18 U.S.C. § 926C(d), identification required to carry
  2. Maryland's primary source

Not legal advice. Confirm with Maryland's POST commission or your former agency.

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