When I was preparing my application for my first CCDW permit in 2005, I went ahead and took an approved training course.
I brought my paperwork, sorted out but unstapled, to the Prothonotary's office. I don't remember who accepted it, but she looked through the papers and said, "You already GOT the training?" Then, she stacked the papers in order: application on top, course certificate directly underneath it, other papers below that. She said that the judges like to see the training has already been completed before the application is filed, even though it is not required.
With the training done before applying, the permit is completed and mailed as soon as the judges approve it.