What is the difference between a personal protection permit and a ccw permit?

It depends on what you mean, but also, what state you are in. I've never heard of a personal protection permit. A CCW permit is a permit to carry a handgun on your person for personal protection, however, it should be noted that all states in the U.S. don't issue CCW. Some states, such as Tennessee, issue "handgun carry permits" and concealment is not required by law.