Pistol Qualification Course ("Q Course")
A 60-round course fired at 3 to 25 yards on the FBI "Q" target, mixing draws, reloads, one-handed strings, and barricade/kneeling positions under time pressure.
Federal
60 rounds
48/60 (80%) minimum
Read this first
Representative structure based on long-standing public reporting on the FBI qualification course. The FBI "Q" target has its own bottle-shaped scoring zone (use the Qualification Silhouette as a stand-in); exact strings and scoring are set by the Bureau and revised periodically.
Course of Fire
| Distance | Rounds | Position | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 yd | 6 | Draw, two-hand + strong-hand-only | 3-5 sec per string | Close, fast |
| 5 yd | 12 | Draw, two-hand, incl. reload | 4-8 sec per string | |
| 7 yd | 12 | Two-hand, kneeling, barricade | 5-10 sec per string | |
| 15 yd | 15 | Two-hand, barricade, incl. reload | 10-15 sec per string | |
| 25 yd | 15 | Two-hand, barricade, kneeling | 15-20 sec per string | Longest distance strings |
Scoring Tiers
| Tier | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Pass | 48-60 pts (80-100%) |
| Fail | 47 or fewer pts |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many rounds are fired in the FBI Pistol Qualification Course ("Q Course")?
- This course of fire totals 60 rounds across 5 stages, fired at 3 yd, 5 yd, 7 yd, 15 yd, 25 yd.
- What score do you need to pass the FBI Pistol Qualification Course ("Q Course")?
- The minimum passing standard is 48/60 (80%) minimum. Higher hit percentages earn higher classifications: Pass (48-60 pts (80-100%)); Fail (47 or fewer pts).
- Is this the official course of fire?
- Representative structure based on long-standing public reporting on the FBI qualification course. The FBI "Q" target has its own bottle-shaped scoring zone (use the Qualification Silhouette as a stand-in); exact strings and scoring are set by the Bureau and revised periodically.
Practice toward this standard
Log shot groups, check your stance, track drills, and print practice targets built for qualification-style scoring — free in the Range Coach app.
Open Range Coach Printable Targets