How do you get a firearms licence?
In short, you take the CFSC course and submit a PAL application to the Canadian Firearms Program.
To get a firearms license in Canada (a PAL), you must first pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) (or both CFSC/CRFSC for maximum possible licence privileges), then apply to the RCMP with your course certificate. This application can be done online or by mail.
Step 1: Complete Canadian Firearms Safety Course Training
Step 2: Apply for Your Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL)
Step 3: Wait For Your License
Why take the CFSC / CRFSC course?
The Firearms Act requires that individuals wishing to acquire non-restricted firearms must take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and pass the tests in order to apply for you PAL firearms licence.
Individuals over 18 years of age who wish to acquire restricted firearms must also take the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) and pass the tests. The CRFSC is required to obtain the maximum allowable licence privileges in Canada.
There are many reasons to take the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) at the same time as your Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC), and we are encouraging students to continue forward obtaining their RPAL licence. 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.
Why is Ottawa Firearm Safety’s Combo course (with both CFSC & CRFSC) the most popular course in Ottawa?
Reduced Total Training Time: When bundled, the Restricted portion is a shortened 4-hour “upgrade” module instead of a full standalone session. The efficiency of the Ottawa Firearm Safety Combo Course means you spend less time in a classroom overall than taking them months apart.
Curriculum Overlap: ~80% of the material is shared; taking them back-to-back keeps safety principles fresh for both exams.
Reduced Travel & Time: Complete all licensing in a single weekend at locations like Orléans or Nepean, rather than visiting twice.
Administrative Speed: You submit one application to the RCMP. Upgrading later requires a second background check and a second 4–12 week waiting period.
One-Stop Background Check: You trigger only one initial 28-day mandatory waiting period instead of two separate ones.
Avoid the “Orphaned Student” Bottleneck: Standalone Restricted (CRFSC) courses are not commonly available in Ottawa. Most instructors prioritize “Combo” students; taking the PAL now may lead to a long wait for an upgrade seat later.
“Once and Done”: Your PAL/RPAL is for life (with 5-year renewals). Completing the combo means you never have to return to a classroom for licensing again.It is better to have the privileges and not need them than to need them later and have to restart the entire process again.
Immediate Cost Savings: A Combo Course is typically ~$380, while separate bookings often total ~$420+.
Single Application Fee: Applying for both privileges once avoids a second ~$40+ “upgrade” fee to the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program later.
Professional Tax Deduction: Lawyers can often count these courses as Continuing Professional Development (CPD) substantive hours for the Law Society of Ontario.
Future-Proofing your Collection: If the government reclassifies your non-restricted hunting rifle to “Restricted” via an Order-In-Council, you can legally keep it only if you have an RPAL.
Informed Citizenship: Deepens your understanding of the complex Firearms Act and your legal rights within it.
Protection from Reclassification: Having an RPAL protects you from illegal possession charges if a firearm’s status changes while you own it.
Estate Planning: You cannot legally inherit a family restricted firearm or collection without an RPAL at the time of transfer.
Grandfathering Status: RPAL holders are better positioned to retain maximum licence privileges if new laws change licensing or classifications.
Federal Law Enforcement: Mandatory for many roles within the CBSA, Fisheries and Oceans, and Parks Canada.
Security & Armoured Car Roles: Essential for GardaWorld or Brink’s armed driver positions in Ottawa.
Retail & Industry Jobs: Required to work at gun counters in stores like Bass Pro Shops or as an inspector at Cabela’s.
Scientific Field Work: Physical scientists and geologists in remote regions often require an RPAL for predator protection equipment.
Wilderness Protection Roles: Researchers working in high-predator zones (like the Arctic) often require an RPAL for work-issued protection.
Film & Entertainment: Necessary for armourers and technical advisors and many other roles working with firearms/props in the film industry. It is also an asset qualification for actors.
Museum & Curation: Required for handling historical restricted collections in museums or for heritage work.
Jobs that do not require RPAL: Even in jobs that do not specifically require RPAL privileges, having the maximum licence qualifications is an asset qualification that can set you apart from other candidates for hiring or promotion.
Club Membership “Key”: Many Ottawa-area clubs like the RA Centre and Club de Tir de l’Outaouais require RPAL for using club handguns and membership insurance.
Unsupervised Range Use: An RPAL allows you to use handguns at a range independently; PAL-only holders require constant, arm’s-length supervision.
Borrowing Privileges: You can legally rent and borrow restricted firearms from businesses or friends if you have an RPAL.
Competitive Sports: Essential for participating in IPSC, IDPA, or 3-Gun competitions.
Access to “Restricted” Long Guns: Required for certain short-barreled rifles and shotguns not affected by current handgun freezes.
Superior Mechanical Knowledge: You learn the internal mechanics of a broader range of actions (handguns, semi-autos, etc.), making you a more versatile, safer, and more competent owner overall.
Advanced Safety Culture: CRFSC training emphasizes gesture and intention-based safety that isn’t as detailed in the basic course.
Higher Training Standards: You receive a more comprehensive education on a wider variety of firearm actions.
Pride of Achievement: Holding the highest civilian licence demonstrates a commitment to maximum safety and personal responsibility.
No “Buyer’s Remorse”: Instructors report that students who take only the PAL often regret it, whereas combo students never regret having the extra qualification. It is better to have the maximum privileges and not need them than to need them later and have to restart the entire process again.
Can you “challenge” or take the exams without attending the CFSC or CRFSC course?
No. There used to be an option to “challenge” the written and practical exams. However, this option was removed in 2015 when Bill C42 was passed. This legislation removed new PAL applicants’ ability to “challenge” either the CFSC or the CRFSC exams without attending the CFSC or CRFSC course. Prior to this legislation, you were able to complete the written and practical exams without attending the safety course.
Do I need to retake the CFSC course?
Probably not. If you have taken the CFSC course before, those CFSC course results do not expire:
- If you have taken the course a long time ago (even as a minor), and applied for a PAL licence (but never finished the application for some reason), or took the course and possessed a valid PAL but let it expire, your course results are likely still on file with the Canadian Firearms Program and that means you can go ahead and submit your PAL application form right away. If you are not sure, you can confirm these results are on file by calling 1-800-731-4000.
- If you have taken the course a long time ago and never applied for your PAL afterwards, the Canadian Firearms Program may not have a your course results on file. You will need a copy of your course results to submit with your application. If you have lost the paperwork – you may need to take the course again. However, if you have a copy of your course results, that means you can go ahead and submit your PAL application form right away.
Can I take the CFSC course in another province?
Yes. The CFSC is a federal course. It does not matter what province you take it in. Many students travel from Quebec to take the course with us in here in Ontario.
What do I need to bring to the PAL course or RPAL course?
- It is strongly recommended, that you obtain a copy of the PAL/RPAL course handbook and read the handbook before attending the course. (Click here for how to obtain one).
- Ensure you bring proper government issued photo identification.
- If you are a minor (below 18 years old) ensure that you have a Parental Consent Form filled out and signed by your parent or guardian.
- It is strongly recommended that you bring a lunch. Lunch breaks are 30 minutes long.
- A pen to fill out paper work and exams.
How can I prepare myself for the course?
Go here to find some tips on preparing for the CFSC and CRFSC course and exams.
What government issued identification is accepted?
Students must show appropriate identification when attending the PAL Course (CFSC) / RPAL Course (CRFSC) courses or examinations. Acceptable Photo Identification is:
- Any recognized government identification (Military, Ministry etc.)
- Passport (any Country)
- Driver’s Licence (any province)
- Ontario Photo Card (or other government-issued provincial photo identification)
- A letter from the bishop of the Mennonite community can also be accepted as identification. A copy of the letter shall be submitted to the PAL course instructor.
How old do you have to be to take the PAL course (CFSC)?
MInor’s must be 12 years old in order to attend the PAL course (CFSC) or the RPAL Course (CRFSC); however, minors taking the courses must provide written consent from a parent or legal guardian in advance of the course delivery. The instructor can provide a copy of the Minor Consent Form to the parent or guardian prior to course commencement.
Parents are permitted to accompany minors during delivery the PAL course (CFSC) or the RPAL Course (CRFSC); however, they are not permitted to be present during the written or practical examination unless required for an accommodation identified in advance of the course. Parents accompanying minors are not permitted to participate in the course and shall not handle firearms at any time during the course or examinations. More info: https://ottawafirearmsafety.ca/minors/
What is a Minor’s Licence?
A Minor’s Firearms Licence is one that is issued to a minor pursuant to Section 8 of the Firearms Act.
A minor’s licence authorizes an individual who is between the ages of 12 ad 18 years old to possess a firearm for the purpose of target practice, hunting or instruction in the use of firearms or taking part in an organized competition.
The licence expires on the day that the minor turns 18. It is recommended that the minor applies for their adult PAL 6 months before their 18th birthday to prevent any lapse. The CFSC course results from when they took the course as a minor are still valid for their adult PAL application. More info: https://ottawafirearmsafety.ca/minors/
Can Minor’s take the RPAL Course ( CRFSC )?
Minors are permitted to take the CRFSC with written consent from their parent or legal guardian, provided they have successfully completed the CFSC. The written consent must be provided in advance of course delivery. As a Minor’s Licence does not include restricted privileges, participation in the CRFSC is for education purposes only and minors shall not be permitted to complete the written or practical examination for the CRFSC.
Minors who wish to obtain a PAL with restricted privileges (RPAL licence) must retake the CRFSC and pass the written and practical examinations once they turn 18.
Identification for Minor’s:
Proper Photo Identification can be more difficult for minors to provide. Acceptable Identification for for students under the age of 18 (Minors) without any of the identification listed above for the CFSC/CRFSC course report and examination forms are:
- Birth Certificate and a valid School Photo ID.
- Birth Certificate and the Parent or Guardian acceptable government identification as per the listed accepted Photo ID above.
Do you offer training for private groups?
Yes, we offer private courses for a minimum of 7 students to a maximum of 12 students, depending on the availability of the course instructor. Contact us at waitlist@OttawaFirearmSafety.ca to discuss running a private course. UPDATE: Due to high demand we are currently only offering private courses for groups of 12 students.
How can I get a Student Handbook/Study Manual?
It is strongly recommended that you purchase or download manuals (for free) in advance of their course(s) so they have time to read or review the material prior to attending the course.
Study manuals can be downloaded for free on-line at:
http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.801815/publication.html
Hard copies of the manuals can also be purchased from us in our classroom on Fridays between 4:30pm and 5:00pm before class starts. When possible, please let us know beforehand if you plan to stop by the classroom to minimize class disruption and to ensure a class is running on that day. NOTE: We are only in the classroom location during course hours, so please do not arrive unannounced outside of course hours. The cost of a hard copy is $21 including HST. E-mail us at:
waitlist@OttawaFirearmSafety.caWhat happens after I take the course?
After you have passed the PAL Course (CFSC) and/or RPAL Course (RPAL), your instructor will send your course and exam results to the RCMP for validation. This process takes up to 2 weeks. The RCMP will send you a confirmation email when they have been validated. Once you receive your results you send your results with your PAL Application to the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP).
How long does it take to get my PAL licence?
It takes a minimum of 2-3 months to obtain your firearms licence.
Can I apply for my PAL licence ONLINE to reduce processing delays?
Yes, as of November 14th, 2022, you can now apply for PAL licence for the first time ONLINE!
After completing the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and exams, and subsequently receiving your results in the mail, the next step in the process of obtaining your Possession Acquisition Licence (PAL) is to fill out the application through the RCMP Canadian Firearm Program website:
https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/apply-a-firearms-licence
How can I check on the status of my Possession Acquisition Licence (PAL) application?
After submitting your PAL application (Either through the online application portal or by paper application) you can follow the processing or get the current status of your application by calling 1-800-731-4000, or through the RCMP Canadian Firearm Program online portal: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms/individual-web-services
Does the CFSC course count towards annual Continued Professional Development (CPD) hours for lawyers?
Yes, and as such, it is a tax deductible expense. Under the Law Society of Ontario (formerly the Law Society of Upper Canada), the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) can typically be counted toward your Substantive Hours requirement, provided it meets specific criteria for relevance to your legal practice.
What is your refund policy?
In line with other providers in the province, course fees are non-refundable. Due to the very expensive nature of running CFSC/CRFSC courses, we request that before registering, students make sure that they are able to attend the course date of their choosing, and that they can arrive on time. We will always do our very best to accommodate you, but you must provide as much notice as possible. If you cannot attend your scheduled course we need to have enough time to replace you and reduce your costs/inconvenience.
- Cancellation with sufficient notice: if proper notice is provided we will reschedule you to a later course date, an admin fee may be applicable for such changes. However, we must be provided enough time to find a replacement student. Two weeks is considered sufficient notice for schedule changes. Notice periods of less than fourteen days shall be at the company’s absolute discretion and will require an administrative fee.
- Late arrivals: It is mandatory that students attend the full course hours. Students who arrive late will not be permitted entry into the classroom. Arriving late means forfeiting your seat in the course, and no refund or reschedule will be given. To avoid any issues, please plan your travel accordingly and aim to arrive at least 15 minutes before the class is scheduled to begin.
- Short Notice, “Last minute” Cancellation or not showing up to class: If sufficient notice is not provided by the student, you may transfer your seat to another student to attend in your place, provided that written notification of the substitution is received prior to the course commencement. Absent any substitutions, no refunds or reschedules will be offered. Short notice or “last minute” cancellations or no-shows forfeits your seat in the course. Refunds or reschedules are not offered for last minute cancellations or no-shows.
- You must pass the CFSC in order to attend the CRFSC: The CFSC is a prerequisite for the CRFSC. Students must attend the full CFSC course hours and pass the CFSC exams in order to attend the CRFSC portion of a combo course. Consequently, if a student arrives late for the CFSC, or does not attend the CFSC, or does not pass the CFSC exams, that student forfeits their full course fees including any CFSC and CRFSC portions of the fees.
Can I arrive late for my Canadian Firearms Safety Course?
No, you cannot show up late to a Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC). Late arrivals are explicitly not permitted, and missing any portion of the training—which has strict, mandatory hourly requirements—will result in being turned away, losing your seat, and forfeiting your fees. Arriving late is the same as not showing up for your course. It is recommended that you plan your travel to arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out paperwork.
What are the acronyms ACTS and PROVE?
These are an essential part of firearm safety and more about this can be found here.
