Online vs. In-Person MN Permit to Carry Course — Honest Pros and Cons

We’re going to do something a little unusual here: give you an honest breakdown of both online and instructor-led Permit to Carry courses — even though we offer both.

That’s right. Between Gun Permit Center (self-paced online) and our sister company Spartan Safety & Security (live instructor-led via Zoom), we’ve seen firsthand how different people learn, and we genuinely believe the “best” option depends on who you are. So let’s lay it all out.

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First, What Does Minnesota Actually Require?

To obtain your Minnesota Permit to Carry, you must complete a firearms safety training course taught by a certified instructor. The law specifies certain topics that must be covered — safe handling, legal use of force, storage, and more — but it does not require the training to be done in person. Online and Zoom-based courses are fully legal and accepted, provided they meet state requirements.

Both of our courses do. Now let’s talk about which one fits you.

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The Self-Paced Online MN Permit to Carry Course

Best for: Busy schedules, independent learners, people who hate being put on the spot.

Pros

• Do it on your own time. Seriously — 11pm on a Tuesday works just fine. No scheduling around an instructor’s availability.
• Go at your own pace. Rewatch a section as many times as you need. Nobody’s waiting on you.
• No commute. Complete the course from your couch, your office, or the cabin up north.
• Often more affordable. Without the overhead of a live session, online courses tend to cost less.
• Great for anxious learners. If you’re new to firearms and nervous about asking “basic” questions in front of others, a self-paced format removes that pressure entirely.

Cons

• No real-time Q&A. If something confuses you, you’re relying on course materials and follow-up support rather than asking a live instructor.
• Requires self-discipline. Without a set class time, some people procrastinate. (We all know who we are.)
• Less social. If you’re the type who learns better through discussion and interaction, the solo format might feel a little flat.

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The Live Instructor-Led Permit to Carry Course (via Zoom)

Best for: People who want interaction, prefer structure, or have a lot of specific questions.

This format is offered through our sister company, Spartan Safety & Security.

Pros

• Real-time answers. Ask an instructor directly — no waiting, no searching through course materials.
• Structured format. A set class time keeps you accountable. Show up, pay attention, get it done.
• Instructor insight. Experienced instructors bring real-world context that goes beyond what any written course can offer.
• Still fully remote. You’re not driving anywhere. Zoom means you can join from literally anywhere in Minnesota — or any state that recognizes MN’s training requirements.
• Interactive learning. Discussion, scenarios, and back-and-forth with an instructor can make the material stick better for some people.

Cons

• Less flexible scheduling. You need to find a session time that works for you.
• Faster pace. The class moves at the instructor’s pace, not yours. If you miss something, you can’t rewind.
• Slightly higher cost. Live instruction typically runs a bit more than a self-paced course.

The Bottom Line

There’s no wrong answer here. Minnesota has made it easier than ever to complete your Permit to Carry training in a way that actually fits your life — and we think that’s a good thing.

If you’re ready to go self-paced, Gun Permit Center has you covered.

If you’d rather have a live instructor walking you through it, head over to Spartan Safety & Security.

Either way, you’re one course away from your Minnesota Permit to Carry. Let’s get it done.

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Have questions about which course is right for you? Reach out — we’re happy to help you figure it out.