I would recommend taking the course. They can be quite educational.
To be honest, I used to help teach such classes and I did not know they weren't mandatory throughout NYS.
Once a permit is issued, there shouldn't be a problem getting it transferred. Luckily I was able to get an unrestricted permit quite easily in a gun friendly county (at the time) - Ulster, and tranfer it intact to a restriction-loving county (Orange) through simple amendment forms...I did not have to show a safety course certificate.
To be honest, I used to help teach such classes and I did not know they weren't mandatory throughout NYS.
Once a permit is issued, there shouldn't be a problem getting it transferred. Luckily I was able to get an unrestricted permit quite easily in a gun friendly county (at the time) - Ulster, and tranfer it intact to a restriction-loving county (Orange) through simple amendment forms...I did not have to show a safety course certificate.