Except as provided in §B of this regulation, an applicant shall complete a Firearms Safety Training Course and submit a Firearms Safety Training Certificate issued by a Qualified Handgun Instructor. The submission of the Firearms Safety Training Certificate shall constitute proof that the applicant satisfactorily completed a Firearms Safety Training Course. An applicant does not need to complete a Firearms Safety Training Course if the applicant: Has satisfactorily completed a firearms training course approved by the Secretary as an exemption from the Firearms Safety Training Course; Has satisfactorily completed a course of instruction in competency and safety in the handling of firearms as prescribed by the Department of Natural Resources under Natural Resources Article, §10-301.1, Annotated Code of Maryland; Is a Qualified Handgun Instructor in accordance with Regulation .37 of this chapter; Is an honorably discharged member of the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard; Is a former law enforcement officer of the State or a local law enforcement agency in the State who has successfully completed initial law enforcement training; Is an employee of an armored car company and has a permit issued under Public Safety Article, Title 5, Subtitle 3, Annotated Code of Maryland; or Lawfully owns a regulated firearm. A Firearms Safety Training Course shall consist of a minimum of 4 hours of instruction by a Qualified Handgun Instructor and include the following minimum curricula. State Firearm Law. Overview of the State firearm laws, including discussion of what constitutes a regulated firearm, how to properly purchase or transfer a firearm, where allowed to carry or transport a firearm, when necessary to possess a carry permit, and who is prohibited from possessing firearms. Home Firearm Safety. Overview of handgun and firearm safety in the home, including discussion of access to minors, locking and storing of firearms, and use of safety devices, such as secure lock boxes. Handgun Mechanisms and Operation. Overview of the proper operation and safe handling of a handgun, including cleaning and maintenance, the loading and unloading of ammunition, and the differences between revolvers and semi-automatic handguns. Operation and Handling Demonstration. Orientation that demonstrates the applicant’s safe operation and handling of a firearm, including a practice component in which the applicant safely fires at least one round of live ammunition.