Frequently Asked Questions

For the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC, non-Restricted), you must:

• be 18 years old or older to apply for your Possession and Acquisition License
• be 12 to 17 years old to apply for your Minors License
• You must participate in 100% of the course.
• Any retests are required (by the RCMP) to be done within 7 days.

For the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC), you must:

• be 18 years old or older to apply for your Possession and Acquisition License
• pass your CFSC exams or have your unrestricted PAL
• You must participate in 100% of the course.
• Any retests are required (by the RCMP) to be done within 7 days.

To prepare for your Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) you should:

1. Read the entire Canadian Firearms Safety Course Manual at least once
2. Make sure you memorize and can easily recite ACTS and PROVE 
3. Fill out your Possession & Acquisition License (PAL) Application Form if you are over 18
4. Bring to the course with you:
   • 1 piece of government-issued photo ID
   • A pen/pencil & a notepad or other note taking materials
   • A Laptop or Tablet with the Canadian Firearms Safety Course Manual on it, if possible.
   • A printed copy of your Possession & Acquisition License (PAL) Application Form.  A blank form will also be available in class.

THE VITAL FOUR ACTS OF FIREARMS SAFETY

1. Assume every firearm is loaded.
2. Control the muzzle direction at all times.
3. Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger and out of the trigger guard.
4. See that the firearm is unloaded - PROVE it safe.

PROVE

1. Point the firearm in the safest available direction.
2. Remove all cartridges.
3. Observe the chamber.
4. Verify the feeding path.
5. Examine the bore.

A Minor's License:

• requires passing the CFSC
• For those aged 12 through 17
• Permits the Holder to Borrow a firearm for:
  • Target Practice
  • Organized Shooting Competitions,
  • Hunting; and
  • Instruction in the use of Firearms
• Allows the holder to acquire Ammunition
• Further restrictions are often placed on the Minor's License when issued

We are only able to give the course, and exams, in English. Other instructors may be able to accommodate other languages to deliver the course in, but even so, the Exams may ONLY be given in ENGLISH or FRENCH.

There are 4 exams in total: 2 EXAMS for each of the 2 Courses

1. Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC, Non-Restricted):
   1. Practical Exam (Multiple Choice)
   2. Practical Test
2. Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC):
   1. Practical Exam (Multiple Choice)
   2. Practical Test

The passing mark in each is 80%, and you must pass both exams to pass each course. You must pass the Non-Restricted Course to Pass the Restricted Course.

Once you have passed your examinations, filled out your Possession & Acquisition License (PAL) Application Form and send it into the RCMP there is a 28 day waiting period. After that your application will start to be processed. It can can take 3 – 6 months before your PAL is sent out to you.

After your 28 day waiting period, plus a reasonable amount of time for processing, you can use the RCMP’s website tool to check the status of your PAL or you can call the RCMP at 1-800-731-4000.

Your PAL is good for 5 years. After that, you can renew it on the RCMP's Web Site or use the PAL Renewal Form Give yourself at least 3-6 months before the expiration of your PAL to allow for processing.

No, by RCMP regulations, all firearms are DISABLED (unable to fire) and only DUMMY ammunition is allowed. No firearms or ammunition capable of being fired are even allowed in the room.

Let's break this one down into 2 questions:

1. Do I NEED to re-take the course:
   • No, you don't need to retake the course.
   • You will need proof of having completed training to reapply. If you have a copy of your old "Course Reports" from your previous course, you can use that. Your old instructor may be able to help, or the RCMP may have it on file. Call the RCMP at 1-800-731-4000. They are usually very helpful.
2. SHOULD I re-take the course:
   • If you are comfortable with the material, you should be "good to go". If it's been a while, or you are uncomfortable with the material, then consider that this is a safety course. It might be worthwhile to get a refresher before going back to shooting after a long time away.