North Dakota offers two permit options: A Class 1 permit and a Class 2 permit.
In general, the Class 1 permit requires a class, written test and range exercise. The hope is that with these additional requirements, the ND Permit might be given greater reciprocity. The Class 2 permit process is essentially the same as before....it requires only a written test (it is a bit longer, but again "open book" and it should not be any concern to an applicant).
Within the State of North Dakota, there is no difference in the permits. However, once outside of North Dakota, some States may decide to honor the Class 1 permit and not the Class 2. It is your responsibility to know if the State you are visiting honors your North Dakota Permit.
You might want to bookmark and check the official ND Concealed Weapons web site from time to time to check on reciprocity and other issues. One thing I know they are working hard on is to try to meet the restrictions that Minnesota has stated, hopefully resulting in both States honoring each other's permits.
One of the unintended consequences is that some States that in the past honored a ND permit, now will only honor a Class 1 permit. This has the unfortunate change that if you have an old permit that is now a Class 2 by default, your North Dakota permit is not valid in those States. However, the solution is simply remedied...you can upgrade to a Class 1 permit by taking the class, test and range requirement. Again... All existing permits issued under the prior law are now by default Class 2 permits; you can upgrade to a Class 1 by doing the Class 1 requirements (class, test and range exercise).
Summary: The Class 1 process will involve a class, open book written test, and range exercise. The required course of fire for the range exercise is actually a bit challenging. Assuming you are shooting a semi-automatic, there are 24 total shots: From 21 feet: 6 shots normal shooting hand, reload and then 6 shots support hand; From 45 feet; 6 shots any hand, any grip (standing), then reload and 6 shots any grip, any hand (kneeling). You must have a score of 17 to pass. The target is a colored 8.5"x11" piece of paper. Please note that the shooting exercises are timed and include reloading. You will want to have a spare magazine or speed loader or you may not complete the exercise in the alloted time. Further, a holster is mandated by the State (unless the firearm is a true pocket gun.)
Instructor Notes: The instructor, Paul Horvick, is an approved ND, MN and UT instructor. He is also an NRA Certified Instructor and NRA Appointed Training Counselor. He is a retired attorney, and as such brings a wealth of practical knowledge of the legal issues involved in the carrying of a firearm. Pre-registration (e-mail to: paul@shootingsafely.com is requested so that Paul is certain to bring enough sets of material. Classes are great fun...and I hope to see you!
NOTE: Effective April 10, 2010, I am no longer offering the ND Class 1 session. Until ND and MN have reciprocity, it is my belief that North Dakota residents are best served with the combination of ND Class 2 and Utah permits.
