FAQ

1. Complete a Firearms Safety Course: Depending on the type of firearms you are interested in, you will need to take either the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) for non-restricted firearms or the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) for restricted firearms. These courses are mandatory and include both written and practical exams.
2. Apply for a PAL: After successfully completing the required safety course(s), you can apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) by submitting an application to the Canadian Firearms Program. This includes submitting identification, providing your course results and undergoing a background check. If you are a minor, additional documents like parental consent may be required.
3. Wait for Application Processing: The processing time for a firearms license can take a minimum of 2-3 months. During this period, your application will be reviewed, and background checks will be conducted.
4. Check Application Status: You can check the status of your application by contacting the Canadian Firearms Program or using their online portal.
5. Receive Your License: Upon successful processing of your application and completion of all checks, you will receive your PAL.

It is important to note that specific details and requirements can vary slightly depending on the province or territory. Always ensure you are up to date with the latest regulations and procedures in your area.

The Firearms Act requires that first-time licence applicants must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course before applying for a Possession and Acquisition Licence.

To get a Possession and Acquisition Licence for restricted or prohibited firearms, you must have passed two safety courses: the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC).

To prepare yourself for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC), consider the following steps:

1. Read the Course Manual: Familiarize yourself with the course content by reading the PAL/RPAL handbook before attending the course. This will give you a foundational understanding of what will be covered.

2. Learn the ACTS and PROVE Acronyms: These acronyms are crucial for firearm safety and are used throughout the course. They represent key safety procedures you must perform when handling a firearm.

ACTS: Assume every firearm is loaded, Control the muzzle direction at all times, Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger and out of the trigger guard, and See that the firearm is unloaded – PROVE it safe.

PROVE: Point the firearm in the safest available direction, Remove all ammunition, Observe the chamber, Verify the feeding path, and Examine the bore for obstructions.

3.  Understand Safe Storage, Transportation, and Display: Learn the basics of how to safely store, transport, and display firearms. This is a significant part of the course and important for responsible firearm ownership.

4. Arrive on Time: Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete necessary paperwork. It’s essential to attend the full course hours, as late arrivals may not be permitted.

5. Bring Proper Identification: Make sure to bring 1 piece of government-issued photo identification with you. Acceptable ID includes:

1. Any recognized government identification (Military, Ministry etc.)
2. Passport (any Country)
3. Driver’s Licence (any province)
4. Ontario Photo Card (or other government-issued provincial photo identification)

7. Bring a Pen: You will need a pen for filling out paperwork and for the written exam.

9. Don’t Stress!: The course is designed to provide comprehensive information and training, regardless of your experience level. Engaging with the material beforehand will enhance your learning experience.

No, the training exclusively involves the use of deactivated firearms that do not fire.

No, it is no longer possible to challenge or take the exams for a firearms license without attending the required course. Previously, there was an option to directly undertake the written and practical exams for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC), bypassing the actual courses. However, this changed in 2015 with the passing of Bill C-42. This legislation eliminated the ability for new Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) applicants to "challenge" the exams for either CFSC or CRFSC without completing the courses. Before this change, applicants could attempt the exams without participating in the safety courses.

Yes. The CFSC is a federal course. It does not matter which province you take it in.

While the course can be given in any language, the RCMP stipulates that the Canadian Firearms Safety Course is only to be tested in Canada’s two official languages (English and French).

Some organizations may require you to provide proof of passing the Canadian Firearms Safety Course to start your job application process. For more information, please contact the organization you’re interested in working for. We cannot speak on behalf of other organizations’ hiring policies.

Individuals must be at least 12 years of age to participate in the PAL (CFSC) or the RPAL (CRFSC) courses. 

While parents may accompany minors during the course sessions, they are not authorized to remain present during the written or practical exams unless it is necessary for specific accommodations that have been arranged beforehand. It is important to note that parents or guardians who attend with their children are not allowed to handle firearms at any point during the course or the examinations.

A Minor's Licence is a special authorization granted to a young person under Section 8 of the Firearms Act. It permits individuals aged 12 to 18 years to legally possess firearms for activities such as target shooting, hunting, or receiving instruction in firearms use, as well as for participation in organized competitions.

This licence is only valid until the individual reaches the age of 18. To ensure continuous firearms licensing, it is advisable for the minor to apply for their adult Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) six months before their 18th birthday to avoid any gap in licensure. Additionally, the results from the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) taken as a minor remain applicable for their adult PAL application.

Minors may enroll in the CRFSC if they have the written consent of a parent or legal guardian and have previously passed the CFSC. This consent must be submitted prior to the commencement of the course. The CRFSC for minors is strictly for educational purposes; therefore, they are not allowed to take the written or practical tests for the CRFSC. Only when minors turn 18 and seek to acquire a PAL with restricted privileges (RPAL license), are they required to retake the CRFSC and pass both the written and practical exams.

Securing appropriate photo identification can be challenging for minors. For students under 18, the following are accepted as sufficient identification for CFSC/CRFSC course reports and examination forms:

1. A Birth Certificate accompanied by a valid School Photo ID.
2. A Birth Certificate along with a parent or guardian’s government-approved identification

Yes, depending on the availability of the course instructor. Please contact us at thiessensafetyconsulting@gmail.com to inquire about running a private course.

No. 100% attendance is required for all classes, including the CFSC/CRFSC course. The RCMP has a minimum number of course hours that are required before testing is permitted. If you cannot attend the full class, please choose an alternate date in which you can.
The instructor has the authority to turn away any student who arrives late to class.

If you have been subject to a peace bond or protection, you may or may not be able to attend the course and should seek legal counsel prior to attending.

Any individual prohibited from possessing firearms cannot attend any of our firearms courses including the CFSC/CRFSC.

To pass the CFSC/CRFSC written examinations you will need to obtain at least 80% on each exam. If you fail to do this, you cannot go on to take the practical exams. To pass the CFSC/CRFSC practical examinations you will need to obtain at least 80% on each exam.

Yes. In addition to your course fees, you will be required to pay a PAL application fee to the Government when submitting your application.

As of March 31, 2023 the application fees are as follows:
Non-Restricted & Restricted PAL $86.06
Non-Restricted PAL $64.54

These fees are subject to change and therefore we recommend checking for the most up-to-date fees here.

Once you have passed the examinations for the CFSC/CRFSC you will fill out your PAL application form and send it into the RCMP. There is a 28 day waiting period prior to processing. Between applying, approval and receiving your PAL, please allow 3 – 6 months.
If you are concerned about your PAL application 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.

There is a 28 day waiting period prior to processing. Between applying, approval and receiving your PAL, please allow 3 – 6 months.

Indeed, from November 14th, 2022, onwards, first-time applications for a PAL licence can be submitted online.

Once you have successfully completed the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and received your examination results by mail, you can proceed to the next step of securing your Possession Acquisition Licence (PAL).

The application can be filled out through the RCMP Canadian Firearm Program website, which can be found here.

If you are concerned about your PAL application 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.

5 Years. Upon coming up on expiry, you will want to renew your license using the PAL renewal form or the RCMP’s website. Upon renewal, you will have to pay your typical renewal fees. We recommend renewing at least 3 months prior to the expiration in the event it takes a bit longer to complete.