Everything You Need To Know Before You Train

BZ Academy courses are open to international participants who meet the entry requirements for the selected programme.

Participants must normally be at least 18 years old, understand spoken and written English, be medically fit for the training and meet BZ Academy background-screening requirements.

We welcome civilians, sport shooters, security professionals, police officers and military personnel. Some advanced courses have additional prerequisites.

You do not normally need to hold your own firearms licence to participate using firearms supplied and supervised by BZ Academy.

You must still meet all personal eligibility, identification, safety and background-check requirements.

The registration and pre-course verification process may require:

• A copy of a valid passport or national photo ID.
• One accepted criminal-background document or professional credential.
• A health and medical self-declaration.
• Flight or train details where BZ Academy transport is included.
• Evidence of prerequisite training for an advanced course, where applicable.

Criminal-record certificates should normally be current and no more than six months old.

You only need to provide one of the following:

• Official Criminal Record Certificate / Certificate of Conduct / Police Clearance Certificate.
• Valid Police or Law Enforcement Service ID.
• Valid Military Service ID / Military Service Card.
• Valid government-issued Security Licence, including a UK SIA Licence.
• Valid Firearms Licence / Firearms Permit issued by the competent authority in your country.
• Another equivalent government-issued professional licence or credential involving criminal-record and suitability checks, subject to approval by BZ Academy.

BZ Academy recognises that some professional licences or firearms permits may still be issued to people with minor or historical offences. A minor criminal record does not automatically prevent participation.

Our primary concern is serious criminal history that could indicate that a person is unsuitable to participate in firearms training.

BZ Academy reserves the right to request additional information or documentation if there are reasonable concerns regarding an applicant's suitability.

No.

BZ Academy accepts official criminal-record documents in the original language in which they were issued. Documents issued in Dutch, German, French, Spanish or another national language do not need to be translated into English.

Please provide a clear scan, photograph or original digital PDF. BZ Academy will verify the document internally.

If a particular document cannot be reliably verified, we may ask for additional information. You should not arrange or pay for a certified translation unless BZ Academy specifically asks you to do so.

Yes, but only if you declare that you have no previous criminal convictions, cautions or equivalent criminal record in any country.

If you cannot provide one of the other accepted background documents, you may select the BZ Academy Self-Declaration & Background Check option during registration.

BZ Academy will then carry out an additional background check. The administrative fee for this service is £50 / €60 and is additional to the course price.

By selecting the Self-Declaration option, you confirm that you have no previous criminal convictions, cautions or equivalent criminal record and authorise BZ Academy to carry out an independent background check for the purpose of assessing your suitability to participate in firearms training.

A minor or historical conviction does not automatically prevent participation. Each case is reviewed individually.

International courses are conducted in English. You must be able to understand range commands, safety briefings, demonstrations and instructor corrections without continuous translation.

Participants should have appropriate travel and medical insurance valid in Poland.

EU and eligible UK travellers should also consider carrying a valid EHIC or GHIC, where applicable. Insurance remains the participant’s responsibility.

Once the service is available, BZ Academy will be able to prepare a structured Visa Support Documentation Pack for eligible participants who require supporting documents for a Polish visa application connected with a confirmed BZ Academy course.

This is a supporting-document service only. BZ Academy does not issue visas and does not act as an immigration adviser or representative.

The planned process will require the participant to register for a course, pay the full course fee in advance, purchase the separate Visa Support Documentation service, complete the dedicated Visa Support Form and provide a clear copy of a valid passport and any additional information requested by BZ Academy.

Where accommodation is included and arranged by BZ Academy, we will confirm the hotel booking before the final visa-support documents are prepared. If you have chosen to arrange your own accommodation, you are responsible for obtaining the required hotel or accommodation confirmation yourself.

BZ Academy cannot guarantee that a visa will be issued. The final decision is made solely by the relevant Polish embassy, consulate or other competent authority. Course payments and any changes or cancellations connected with a visa application remain subject to the current BZ Academy Booking Policy.

Course prices depend on the specific course, training date and year, and some future courses may also be available at an Early Bird rate.

Prices are not displayed directly in the main Courses overview. To check the current price, open the page for the course you are interested in and scroll down to the list of available course dates. The applicable price is displayed with each available date.

You can also click Register next to the course date you are interested in. The registration page will clearly display the current course price and the required deposit before you complete your registration or make any payment.

Previous experience is not required for open-entry courses such as Combined Firearms Course Level 1, Practical Pistol and selected private-training programmes.

Combined Firearms Course Level 2 always requires successful completion of BZ Academy Combined Firearms Course Level 1. External certificates, a firearms licence or professional service experience do not replace Level 1 for entry to CFC Level 2.

For selected specialist courses, relevant external training or police, military and other professional service experience may be considered after BZ Academy has verified the supporting documentation and confirmed eligibility in writing.

Combined Firearms Course Level 1 is the most complete starting point for a participant who wants structured training with pistol and rifle platforms.

It is a three-day, beginner-friendly programme covering Glock pistol, AR-15 and AK-47.

CFC Level 1 develops safe fundamentals and teaches the BZ Academy weapon-handling system, safety commands and operating procedures used with Glock, AR-15 and AK-pattern platforms.

CFC Level 2 is an intermediate progression exclusively for participants who have successfully completed BZ Academy CFC Level 1. It assumes full familiarity with the Level 1 procedures and focuses on more demanding pistol-and-rifle handling, movement, transitions, shoulder changes, recovery to the primary weapon and team-based drills.

Because Level 2 is dedicated to progression and new techniques, Level 1 procedures are not retaught during the course.

The platform depends on the selected programme.

• Glock 17, Glock 19 and Glock 19X pistols.
• AR-15 pattern rifles.
• AK-47 pattern rifles.
• UZI and PM-63 platforms for selected sessions.
• Glock FX training pistols and AR-15 FX systems.
• Precision rifles for selected programmes.

The stated course ammunition allocation is included in all-inclusive public-course packages.

Exact quantities depend on the selected course description and the planned training programme.

This may be possible after prior written approval from BZ Academy and after all relevant ownership, transport and firearms documentation has been checked.

If you are travelling within Europe with your own firearm, you must hold a valid European Firearms Pass.

Contact BZ Academy before travelling. We can issue an appropriate invitation letter confirming your participation in the training.

You remain responsible for complying with the legal requirements of every country through which you travel.

Yes. Private one-to-one sessions, buddy training and closed-group courses can be arranged.

Visit the Private 1-2-1 Training page to compare packages, configure the training and calculate an estimated cost.

Participants who successfully complete the programme receive a BZ Academy certificate of completion. A course patch is also included where specified in the relevant package.

No. Completion of BZ Academy Combined Firearms Course Level 1 is mandatory before joining CFC Level 2.

A firearms licence, military or police experience, or a certificate from another provider does not replace BZ Academy Level 1 for entry to CFC Level 2.

For participants developing firearms skills for close protection or armed security work, BZ Academy recommends the following progression:

• Practical Pistol
• One Man CQB Home Defence
• Close Protection Firearms and Tactics

These courses do not replace any licence, qualification or employer-specific training required by law.

BZ Academy is a private training provider. Our certificates confirm successful completion of a BZ Academy programme, but they are not government-issued firearms licences or statutory qualifications.

A BZ Academy certificate does not authorise firearm ownership or carrying a firearm in your home country. Always check the requirements of the relevant employer, licensing authority or country before booking training for a specific legal or professional purpose.

A professional firearms course includes more than firing rounds. The programme may include safety briefings, firearm familiarisation, dry practice, demonstrations, loading and unloading, reloads, malfunction clearing, movement, position work, live-fire drills, target changes, performance review and debriefing.

The planned ammunition allocation is shown in the relevant course description or private quotation. The exact pace may be adjusted for safety, participant progress, weather or equipment conditions.

Select an available course date, complete the online registration form and pay the required deposit.

Submitting the registration form alone does not secure your place.

Your place is confirmed only after the required deposit has been paid successfully.

Check your inbox and spam folder for the confirmation email and further instructions.

For scheduled public courses, the non-refundable deposit is normally between £250 and £500, depending on the course.

• €150 for the Private 1-2-1 Starter package.
• €500 for the Private 1-2-1 Executive package.

No. Course and private-training deposits are non-refundable, except where BZ Academy cancels the training and the participant chooses a refund under the cancellation policy below.

A booking may be transferred only when the request is submitted at least 14 days before the original course begins.

You must register for the new course date and pay the new course deposit.

Once approved, both deposits are credited toward the new course balance.

Payments to the BZ Academy UK bank account must be fully cleared before training begins.

Approved payments on arrival may be made in cash in GBP, EUR or PLN, or by card. On-site card payments carry a 3% processing fee.

• Professional instruction in English.
• Course firearms and stated ammunition allocation.
• Range access, targets and training equipment.
• Standard eye and ear protection.
• Hotel accommodation in a shared room.
• Breakfast during the included hotel stay.
• Lunch at the range on training days.
• Dinner after applicable intermediate training days.
• Scheduled Wrocław Airport transfer.
• Hotel-to-range transfers.
• BZ Academy certificate and relevant patch.

BZ Academy normally publishes the main training calendar for the following year in September, although selected dates may sometimes be released earlier.

Monitor the Courses page and subscribe to the BZ Academy newsletter for new dates and announcements.

A private-training date is secured only after BZ Academy has confirmed instructor and range availability, the programme and quotation have been accepted, and the required deposit has been received.

An enquiry, provisional discussion or proposed date does not constitute a confirmed reservation.

Yes. Once the programme, date and final price have been confirmed, you may normally pay the full balance in advance using the payment method stated on the invoice or booking instructions.

Do not transfer funds until you have received written confirmation and the correct payment details from BZ Academy.

Do not complete a payment for an incorrect amount.

Send BZ Academy your full name, the course and date, the email address used for registration, the amount displayed and a screenshot of the problem. We will verify the registration and provide corrected payment instructions where required.

Do not create several duplicate registrations for the same course.

Yes. Provide the complete billing information before payment:

• Legal company name.
• Registered address and country.
• VAT or tax number, where applicable.
• Purchase-order or internal reference, where required.
• Billing contact email.

The invoice format and tax treatment depend on the service and the applicable billing rules.

Participants using the included transfer should fly to Wrocław Airport — WRO.

If suitable flights are unavailable, you may also use Poznań, Katowice or Berlin, but onward transport is at your own cost.

Rail connections are available toward Lubań.

Arrive one day before the course begins. The standard group collection from Wrocław Airport is normally at approximately 19:00.

You will be responsible for travelling to the hotel in Lubań at your own cost.

BZ Academy may provide contact details for a trusted private driver, subject to availability.

No. International flights and travel to Poland are not included.

Yes. You can travel through Wrocław Główny and continue by train toward Lubań.

Send your complete itinerary in advance.

Yes. The confirmed hotel address and arrival instructions are sent before the course.

Yes. Participants travelling to BZ Academy in their own campervan or motorhome may stay overnight at the BZ Academy training facility during their course.

If you choose this option, select the self-arranged accommodation and transport option when registering and contact us in advance to let us know that you intend to stay at the range.

Your campervan or motorhome can remain parked at the training facility for the duration of the course, allowing you to stay on site overnight and avoid daily travel between a hotel and the shooting range.

Lunch during training days remains included. Breakfast and evening meals are not included when you choose the self-arranged accommodation option.

The return transfer is organised after the final training programme, debriefing and departure preparations have been completed. Participants should plan around the published course finish time, normally approximately 16:00.

Do not book an early flight that requires the course to be shortened. For courses ending on Sunday, the recommended option is to use the scheduled transfer to Wrocław, stay overnight and fly on Monday.

Yes, when the published training calendar allows it.

You may use the break between courses to rest or travel in Poland, or request Private 1-2-1 Training, subject to instructor and range availability.

Contact us before booking flights so that we can confirm whether the selected course dates and any private-training days can be combined.

Plan your return journey around the full published training hours. BZ Academy cannot significantly shorten the final training day to match an early flight or train.

Where the programme and instructor schedule allow, the day may occasionally start earlier or finish approximately 15 to 30 minutes earlier, but this is not guaranteed and must not be relied upon when booking travel.

Courses commonly finish on Sunday. We recommend using the scheduled transfer to Wrocław, staying there on Sunday night and travelling home on Monday.

Participants are normally accommodated in shared double or triple rooms with breakfast included.

Yes, subject to availability. The established supplement is £50 or €60 per night.

Yes. A self-arranged accommodation and transport option is available for selected courses.

When you choose this option, you are responsible for the cost and organisation of your accommodation, breakfast, evening meals, airport or railway transfers, and daily transport between your accommodation and the shooting range.

You must arrive at the BZ Academy training facility on time and be ready to begin training at the scheduled start time.

The applicable self-arranged package discount is shown during the registration process where this option is available.

All-inclusive scheduled courses include meals according to the training schedule.

Breakfast is provided at the hotel during the included accommodation stay. Lunch is provided during training days at the shooting range. Dinner is provided after training on applicable intermediate training days, normally at approximately 18:00.

Dinner is not included on the arrival day before the course, as participants may arrive at different times.

Dinner is also not included on the final training day, because participants normally leave directly from the shooting range after training for Wrocław Airport, onward travel or their own accommodation.

Inform BZ Academy during registration about allergies, intolerances or essential dietary requirements.

Bring a payment card or a small amount of cash for personal expenses outside the package.

Cards are accepted almost everywhere in Poland.

Avoid exchanging significant amounts of money at the airport because airport exchange rates are often unfavourable.

Yes, additional accommodation nights may be arranged, subject to availability and an additional charge.

Airport and local transfers included in the course package apply only to the confirmed standard course itinerary. If you remain for an additional night, BZ Academy does not provide an additional free airport transfer on the following day.

After a course, we normally recommend using the scheduled included transfer to Wrocław and staying there overnight.

• Practical outdoor or tactical trousers.
• Closed footwear with good grip and ankle support.
• Weather-appropriate and waterproof clothing.
• A baseball cap or other peaked cap.
• Clothing with a reasonably closed neckline.

• A sturdy belt approximately 40 mm wide.
• Trousers with functional belt loops.
• Protective glasses or sunglasses.
• A peaked cap.
• Tactical gloves for rifle, CQB or FX training.
• Waterproof clothing and spare clothing.
• Personal medication and toiletries.
• A notebook and pen.

Yes. Instructors may inspect personal equipment and refuse any item considered unsafe or unsuitable.

Most courses require normal general fitness and the ability to stand, walk, kneel and handle equipment safely throughout the day.

Training normally continues in typical rain, cold, heat or wind.

The facility includes covered firing shelters. Exercises can be adapted and conducted from protected positions using suitable paper or steel targets.

Training may be modified, delayed or suspended if the weather creates an unacceptable safety risk.

Courses are organised around strict safety procedures, controlled progression and direct instructor supervision.

BZ Academy applies a structured participant verification process before confirming attendance.

Passport or identification details submitted during registration may be forwarded to the relevant Polish security or law-enforcement authorities for verification, subject to applicable law and privacy requirements.

Where required, verification may include checks against international security and law-enforcement databases.

All participants must also complete the required background-verification procedure.

A participant who behaves unsafely or disregards commands may be removed from the course without refund.

Alcohol is prohibited before and during firearms training.

Participants may not film or take photographs during active instruction or live-fire drills.

Posed photographs may be taken during authorised breaks with instructor permission. Firearms must point in a safe direction and the trigger finger must remain outside the trigger guard.

A professional photographer and film crew attend many courses. Selected material is published on BZ Academy social media.

Hotel pickup is normally at approximately 08:40. Training generally runs from around 09:00 until approximately 16:00.

The final training day follows the published course schedule and participants should plan for the full stated training hours.

Depending on progress and the instructor schedule, the day may occasionally start earlier or finish approximately 15 to 30 minutes earlier, but this is not guaranteed.

Participants help collect cartridge cases and leave the range clean and organised. Instructors may demonstrate basic firearm cleaning and maintenance, followed by certification, feedback, debriefing and the scheduled departure transfer.

• Private instructor.
• Approximately six training hours per day.
• Range access.
• Agreed firearms and ammunition.
• Targets and standard protection.
• Certificate of completion.

Airport transfers and full local transport are not included as a standard part of the Starter Package.

However, if you are staying at a hotel in Lubań, transport between your hotel and the BZ Academy shooting range may be arranged by prior agreement with us, subject to instructor availability and the training schedule.

Please contact us before booking your accommodation if you would like us to arrange this. Where confirmed, we can collect you from your hotel in Lubań before training and return you to your hotel after the training day.

Visit the Private 1-2-1 Training page to configure and price the package.

• Approximately seven training hours per day.
• Private instructor and tailored programme.
• Accommodation and meals during training days.
• Scheduled airport and hotel transfers.
• Firearms, ammunition, targets and protection.
• Certificate and package-specific patch.

Visit the Private 1-2-1 Training page to configure and calculate the package.

Yes. It can be booked for one student, a buddy pair or a private small group.

Yes. Professional companies, instructors, private groups and organisations may apply.

Use the calculator on the Facility Hire page to estimate range, firearm, ammunition and support costs.

Yes. A Range Safety Officer must be present whenever a range is in use.

A standard range-hire day runs from 08:00 until 16:00.

Additional time may be arranged in advance.

• Paper-target stands.
• Steel silhouettes and poppers.
• Texas star and hostage swinger targets.
• Barrels, cones and mesh screens.
• Vehicles for approved VCQB training.
• Firearms, magazines and ammunition as paid options.

Yes. Private training can be tailored to your current experience, preferred firearm platform, technical weaknesses, accuracy and weapon-handling goals, professional objectives, number of training days and planned ammunition volume.

The instructor may adjust the sequence or content during the programme to protect safety, training quality and realistic progression.

Yes, these platforms can be combined in a multi-day private package. However, BZ Academy normally dedicates each training day to one platform.

For example, Day 1 may focus on pistol, Day 2 on AR-15 and Day 3 on AK-pattern rifle.

You may request a preferred firearm model or platform, but the exact model cannot always be guaranteed.

Availability may change because of maintenance, servicing, legal requirements or operational use. Confirm any essential firearm requirement before paying the deposit.

Instructor allocation depends on the number of participants, the selected programme, experience levels and the safety requirements of the planned exercises.

Booking two separate packages does not automatically mean that two instructors will be assigned.

This may be possible, subject to instructor, range and accommodation availability.

A rest day can be useful during an intensive multi-day programme. Request the preferred schedule before booking travel.

Yes. Most participants register individually and meet the rest of the group after arrival.

A non-training companion may arrange their own travel and accommodation, but cannot enter active training areas without prior approval.

Additional ammunition cannot be purchased during public courses listed in the BZ Academy calendar.

Public-course ammunition quantities are planned in advance for the complete group, and all participants follow the same coordinated training programme and round count.

Mobile coverage is generally available, although signal quality may vary. Hotels normally provide Wi-Fi.

Approximately 99% of scheduled BZ Academy courses take place as planned.

In exceptional cases, a course may need to be postponed or cancelled because there are not enough registered participants to conduct the programme safely and effectively.

If BZ Academy cancels the course, the participant may choose between:

• transferring all course fees already paid to the next suitable course date in the calendar, or
• receiving a refund of all course fees paid to BZ Academy for the cancelled training.

This means that if you have paid only the deposit, the deposit will be refunded. If you have already paid the full course fee, the full amount paid to BZ Academy for that training will be refunded.

Inform BZ Academy before booking or as soon as the condition becomes known.

Do not conceal a condition that may affect movement, concentration, hearing, vision or safe firearms handling.

BZ Academy does not guarantee employment and does not operate as a recruitment agency.

We can advise participants about suitable training progression, realistic professional expectations and the skills that may strengthen a security or close-protection profile. Employment decisions, background checks, licences and legal eligibility remain the responsibility of the participant, employer and relevant authorities.