The CFSC / CRFSC Bundle (also known as the PAL/RPAL Bundle) provides the highest level of firearms licence
This course bundle is the most popular course selection in Ottawa by far. Complete all the courses and exams in one weekend and you are eligible for a firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence with maximum civilian firearm ownership privileges. Both PAL and RPAL licences are a requirement for many job applications and a necessity if you wish to collect or own restricted firearms. Taking both courses also gives you a more well-rounded introduction to firearms than the Non-Restricted CFSC standalone course. Additionally, there are worthwhile gains by combining the PAL and RPAL courses into one weekend: the overall course length is reduced time-wise; and there is also significant course cost savings as well.
In order to provide students with the best experience, only high quality firearms are used by Ottawa Firearm Safety for the purposes of running PAL courses and RPAL Courses.
Cost is $380.
Combined CFSC/CRFSC Course (the “Combo”) remains the most logical choice for Ottawa residents. Even if you are 100% focused on hunting, the advantages of completing both safety courses at once outweigh the short sightedness of taking the standalone non-restricted course.
Reasons for taking the Combo course
The combined CFSC (PAL) and CRFSC (RPAL) course bundle provides many benefits to students. This course provides students with the maximum licence privileges and the most options. Even if the student does not presently plan on using or owning any restricted firearms, the courses are valid forever:
Enhanced Firearms Safety Training
Attending the CRFSC provides a broader introduction to firearms safety and offers additional hands-on training with various types of firearms. This ensures that participants learn how to handle all firearms safely, not just those currently unrestricted.
Training Efficiency
There is Curriculum Overlap between the CFSC and CRFSC. Approximately 80% of the material in the CRFSC overlaps with the CFSC. Taking them back-to-back keeps the safety principles fresh in your mind for the second exam. Also, when taken as a bundle, the CRFSC is a shortened 4-hour “upgrade” module. If taken as a CRFSC standalone later, you will be required to sit through a longer instructional period. Take the combined course in a single weekend and it is all done.
Reduced Administrative delays
Course report validation time may be doubled to 4 to 12 weeks, leading to longer delays in applying for your RPAL firearm licence. Each CFSC & CRFSC course requires a “Course Report” validated by the FSESO, which can take 4-6 weeks to arrive by mail (2 weeks by new digital submission). Taking courses separately means waiting for this paperwork approval twice.
Also your PAL Application wait times may be doubled. A new PAL application currently takes 3 to 6 months (or longer) to process. If you decide to upgrade later, you must restart or amend this process, potentially doubling your total wait time for restricted privileges.
Reduced Cost
You can save money on course fees and licence fees. It costs less to take the CFSC/CRFSC Combined course than to take each course separately. If you apply for a non-restricted PAL now and upgrade to an RPAL later, you may have to pay separate application or amendment fees to the RCMP.
Club Requirements
Many gun clubs prefer or require all members to hold an RPAL for insurance purposes and to simplify range safety monitoring.
RPAL Licence Is Required for Employment Purposes
Many professions—including roles in security, law enforcement, wilderness protection, trappers, hunting guides, film & entertainment industry, and many other fields—require a Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence (RPAL). Having this licence is essential for eligibility in these and many more employment opportunities.
RPAL Licence Needed to Purchase Restricted Firearms
The RPAL is not solely for acquiring handguns. It is also necessary for purchasing restricted rifles and shotguns. It’s important to note that only handguns are affected by the freeze; other restricted firearms still require proper licensing and transfers are occurring normally for these restricted shotguns and rifles.
Borrowing Restricted Firearms
An RPAL is mandatory to borrow restricted firearms. This requirement applies regardless of the handgun freeze. Handguns can still be loaned and borrowed under the freeze.
Using Restricted Firearms at Ranges
To use restricted firearms at shooting ranges—including handguns, which remain available at some clubs—an RPAL is still required. This ensures ongoing access to shooting sports and training opportunities.
Adapting to Changing Firearms Laws
Firearms legislation in Canada is undergoing significant and frequent changes. To maintain the broadest possible licensing privileges, it is advisable to obtain the highest level of certification. The government may reclassify firearms that you own that were previously non-restricted firearms as restricted. This can happen on a whim by “Order-In-Council” (without new legislation), highlighting the benefit of comprehensive licensing. Shifting Canadian firearms laws makes getting the restricted certification now while it is still available advisable.
Not All Handgun Transfers Are Frozen
While the government has implemented a ‘freeze’ on handgun transfers, there are specific exceptions in place. This means that certain handgun transfers are still permitted according to government-listed exemptions.
Future-Proofing Your Firearm Licence
Many individuals later choose to upgrade their licence for personal or professional reasons. By completing both courses together, you are prepared for future opportunities and avoid the need for additional training sessions.
Course Availability
Firearms courses in Ottawa frequently have long backlogs. Securing a spot for a standalone “Restricted-only” course is more difficult than finding a combined weekend course and this will also lengthen the process.
While you can take the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) later, doing so after 2023 involves several logistical and financial drawbacks compared to taking the combined “Back-to-Back” course.
Pride of Achievement
Take pride in attaining highest level of licensing possible in Canada!
No Regrets
Many students come to regret taking only the CFSC Standalone course, but we have never had a student express regret about taking the Combo course training!
Recommendation: Unless you are under 18 (minor), it is more efficient and cheaper to take the combined course in a single weekend.
Firearms and handling training aids are provided on a 1:1 firearm-to-student ratio. This maximizes the handling time for each student and ensures that they are comfortable and familiar with all of the firearms by the end of the course. This means that no time is wasted with students standing around waiting for a firearm to practice on. The results of this philosophy are apparent in the very high practical firearms-handling exam scores of students taking this course with Ottawa Firearm Safety.
Class sizes are restricted to 12 students per instructor to ensure that each student gets proper instruction. Only Firearms Safety Instructors that are certified by the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) of Ontario present CFSC or CRFSC course material or provide practical handling instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions About The “Combo” Course
What if I have no interest in restricted firearms ?
One reason is that the Combo course stands out as the most comprehensive introduction to firearm safety among all available course options. It is specifically designed for those who wish to develop a strong foundation in safe firearm practices, regardless of their level of experience.
Another reason is because it is common for new firearms owners to initially have little interest in restricted firearms. However, preferences or needs often change over time—many individuals find themselves wanting or requiring a higher level of licence in the future. By enrolling in the Combo course, participants secure the maximum licensing privileges available, equipping them to handle any situation that may arise down the road.
What if I am only interested in hunting?
We frequently hear from individuals that were initially only interested in hunting (and nothing else) but then find themselves requiring higher level of licencing or training in the future. You might eventually develop an interest in target shooting at the range to improve your hunting skills. Finding a safe and legal place to shoot can be a real challenge in the Ottawa area. Many shooting clubs require or prefer membership with RPAL licence privileges. You may develop an expanded interest in firearms and decide to collect firearm, or you may inherit firearms, or you may get presented with an employment opportunity that requires higher licensing. By enrolling in the Combo course, participants are equipped to handle any licensing needs that may arise down the road.
Is the government still issuing RPAL licenses?
The Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) of Ontario confirms that the government is still issuing RPAL licences (PAL with restricted privileges) and there are no plans to stop issuing them in the future. The CFO has confirmed that students who successfully complete the CRFSC course and exam will still be able to apply for a PAL with restricted privileges.
Are all restricted firearms affected by the recent ‘handgun freeze’ regulations?
No, only transfers of handguns have been affected by recent ‘handgun freeze’ regulations. All other restricted firearms transfers will continue to be transferred normally.
Are there any jobs/careers that require the CRFSC training that comes as part of a Combo course?
Yes, there are a surprising number of exciting and interesting employment opportunities that either require maximum licensing privileges, or are where it is an asset that sets you apart from other candidates for employment. Read more here:
Why Take the Combined CFSC/CRFSC Course Despite the Handgun Freeze?
There are several compelling reasons, even under the current regulatory environment:
Recommendation: If you are over 18, it is generally recommended to take the combined (Combo) course to avoid having to re-do the training process in the future.
