CFSC & CRFSC Combo Course
One Course is run over a 3 day period.
Weekend Course times (includes exam times):
Friday, 5:00pm to 9:00pm,
Saturday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, and
Sunday, 8:00am to 5:00pm.
Evening Combo Course times (includes exam times):
Monday, 4:00pm to 10:00pm,
Tuesday, 4:00pm to 10:00pm, and
Wednesday, 4:00pm to 10:00pm.
CFSC Standalone Course
The CFSC can be delivered in a 1 say or 2 day format. Two days is the typical delivery time to make it a more relaxing experience for students, but there are instances where condensing the course into one day is offered.
Weekend CFSC Standalone Course times (2 day course) (includes exam times):
Friday, 5:00pm to 9:00pm,
Saturday, 8:00am to 5:00pm
Weekend CFSC Standalone Course times (1 day course) (includes exam times):
Saturday, 8:00am to 8:00pm
Weekday Evening CFSC Standalone Course times (includes exam times):
Monday, 4:00pm to 10:00pm, and
Tuesday, 4:00pm to 10:00pm
Course Duration and Regulation
The requirement to complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course is set out in Section 7 of the Firearms Act which delegates authority to the Minister of Public Safety. The specific details including the 8-hour length, the course content, and the examination standards are administrative requirements set by the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) and administered by the Chief Firearms Office (CFO) of each province to ensure consistency and compliance.
Minimum Instructional Hours
Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC): The minimum instructional time required for the CFSC is eight hours. This time is dedicated exclusively to classroom instruction and hands-on firearm handling.
Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC): The minimum instructional time required for the CRFSC is six hours when delivered as a standalone course. If offered as part of a combined course with the CFSC, the minimum instructional time for the CRFSC component is reduced to four hours.
Scope of Instructional Hours
The instructional hour requirements apply solely to classroom teaching and practical handling sessions. Additional components such as meals, breaks, and mandatory written and practical examinations are not included in the instructional hour count. When these elements are factored in, a typical full day of instruction—including all required breaks and exams—generally extends to 10 to 12 hours in total.
Oversight in Ontario
In Ontario, the Chief Firearm Officer (CFO) strictly regulates the length of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. All course providers within the province must adhere to these prescribed hours, ensuring that every course meets the required standards for duration and content.
Attendance and Examination Requirements
Due to the strict enforcement of these regulations, late arrivals are not permitted under any circumstances. Students must be present for the entire eight hours of instruction in order to meet the Section 7 of the Firearms Act requirements. The same requirements also require successful completion of the full CFSC course and passing its exams as prerequisites before attending the CRFSC course. These policies are mandated by both the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program and the Chief Firearms Officer of Ontario.
The process of obtaining a firearms licence in Canada is taken very seriously, and this is reflected in the strict requirements for course attendance and examination. Successful completion of the regulated courses and exams is essential for anyone seeking a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL).