Think You Can Pass a Cop’s Qual? CWC Lets You Try on Sept. 27

Central Wyoming College is handing civilian shooters a rare chance to run the same annual handgun qualification Wyoming law enforcement officers take. The one-day class is set for Saturday, Sept. 27, 8 a.m.–4 p.m. at the Shoshoni Rifle Range, under the umbrella of CWC’s Rocky Mountain Justice Academy, County 10 reports.

The course walks intermediate-and-up pistol shooters through the drills, pacing, and pressure of the WY LEO annual handgun course of fire—then puts you on the clock to shoot the actual qualification to cap the day.

It’s taught by Cody Myers, CWC’s Director of Campus Security and a WY POST-certified firearms instructor (and proud Rustler alum). Expect hands-on coaching, clear safety standards, and law-enforcement-style reps.

Plan on a full day outdoors. Students must bring:

• A reliable center-fire pistol
• Strong-side holster
• Three magazines and a mag holder
• 300–400 rounds of ammo
  Plus the basics for Wyoming weather: food, water, sunscreen, eye/ear protection, and whatever keeps you comfortable.

Cost & credit: $122.25 in-state (tuition + fees) for 0.5 credit.
Details & registration: Search “Shoot the WY LEO Qualification” at cwc.edu or call Rustler Central at 307-855-2115.

If you’re starting your training arc—or want a structured refresh—CWC is also running CRMJ-2545 (NRA CCW):

• Classroom: Thu–Fri, Oct. 2–3, 5:30–8:30 p.m. (SC 010, Student Center basement)
• Range: Sat, Oct. 4, 8 a.m.–4 p.m., Shoshoni Rifle Range
• Instructors: NRA-certified pistol team Mark Nordeen, Robert Gonzalez, Hannah Thoman
• Credit/Cost:0 credit, $204.50 in-state
  The curriculum covers the knowledge, skills, and mindset to responsibly carry a concealed pistol, with end-to-end instruction from NRA-certified trainers and live-fire modules.

The WY LEO qual is part of CWC’s Rocky Mountain Justice Academy (RMJA), which has quietly built one of Wyoming’s most robust firearms, concealed carry, and law-enforcement training lineups.

• Since 2015, CWC has offered 48 NRA-certified classes (Basic Pistol, CCW, Home Safety, Defensive Pistol, Shotgun, Reloading, and Instructor certs).
• 220+ students trained so far; notably, ~70% are women—double the national average.
• In 2024, three women earned NRA Basic Pistol Instructor credentials through the program.

Safety is the through-line. Instructors drill the NRA’s three core safety rules and build skills progressively—from benchrest and standing to defensive pistol work, including drawing from a holster, timed quals, and judgment drills.

Facilities: Classroom training happens in RMJA’s SC 010 space; range work is at Shoshoni, supported by CWC’s mobile target trailer. Need gear? The college can outfit students with institutional guns (six Smith & Wesson M&P 9mm EZ and six Ruger 22/45 pistols with holsters and mag carriers). Bring your own ammo.

“Civic safety starts with competence and responsibility,” said Mark Nordeen, Dean of Liberal Arts & Agriculture. “By blending NRA-certified instruction, law-enforcement-style training, and simulation tools, we’re building a culture of safe, proficient, and responsible firearm use. It’s not just about training officers—it’s about serving our communities.”

RMJA also plugs directly into CWC’s Criminal Justice degrees (AA and AAS with law enforcement options). Coursework is taught by practicing attorneys, police officers, and retired LEOs—including Andy Hanson, Cody Myers, Jim Carey, and Mark McDonald—with advanced blocks in defensive pistol and use-of-force decision-making. The goal: pair classroom theory with practical reps so graduates are job-ready—or ready for a bachelor’s.

How to sign up

• 27 WY LEO Qualification: 307-855-2115 (Rustler Central) or cwc.edu
• NRA CCW (Oct. 2–4): same contact info; search course title at cwc.edu

Spots tend to go fast—especially for the qual—so plan your gear, confirm your ammo, and get on the roster.