CANADIAN FIREARMS LICENSING, EXPLAINED

Your first step toward a Canadian firearms licence.

The Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) is where most adults begin before applying for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). Learn how the course, tests and RCMP application fit together.

See the full path to a PAL

No firearms experience assumed. Plain-language guidance from course to licence.

Front of the official 2023 RCMP sample Canadian Possession and Acquisition Licence card, showing a specimen holder portrait, bilingual Firearms Licence heading, licence number, name, birth date, sex, expiry date, height, eye colour, maple-leaf security graphics and SPECIMEN markings.

Back of the official 2023 RCMP sample Canadian Possession and Acquisition Licence card, showing non-restricted and restricted possession and acquisition privileges, bilingual conditions text, Chief Firearms Officer notice, Canadian Firearms Program contact information, specimen portrait, security graphics and barcode.

Browse by topic

Start here

The path from zero: what the CFSC is, which licence you need, and every acronym.

Who can apply

Age, citizenship, criminal records, hunters, farmers, military, newcomers, costs.

The course and tests

What happens in class, the written and practical tests, and how to prepare.

After the course

Applying, waiting periods, buying your first firearm, renewals, and moving.

Laws and safe handling

Storage, transport, classes, ammunition, magazines, and what to do when things go wrong.

Provinces and territories

Course availability and city pages for every province and territory.

THE COURSE HANDBOOK

Canadian Firearms Safety Course Student Handbook

The official student handbook covers the safety principles and firearm-handling practices taught in the CFSC.

Read about the handbook and ordering

Answers to the questions everyone asks

Can I get one?

The course and the wait

What’s legal?

Something else? Search the guides or browse all.

Are you a certified instructor or training school?

Get an instructor kit with payment handling, scheduling, and a dedicated email address for student enquiries.

Get the instructor kit

Questions people ask

How much does getting a PAL cost?

A CFSC course typically runs $150–$350 depending on province and what the quote includes, plus the RCMP licence fee of $70.38 for a non-restricted PAL ($93.84 with restricted privileges). All in, budget about $220–$440. Our cost guide breaks down what drives the price.

Is the CFSC hard to pass?

Not if you attend and pay attention - the written test (50 questions, 80% to pass) and the practical handling test only cover what the instructor teaches that day.

How long does the whole process take?

Budget roughly 2–4 months from booking the course to holding your licence: a first licence can’t be issued sooner than 28 days after applying, and RCMP processing runs alongside that wait.

Do I need to take a course to apply for a PAL?

Yes - most first-time adult applicants must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course before applying. The provider administers both tests and gives you the course report the RCMP application needs.

Is this an official Government of Canada website?

No. CFSC.ca is an independent information and course-finder service. For official requirements, forms, and licence decisions, use the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program and your provincial Chief Firearms Officer.