How to Get Your PAL in Canada

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Canadian Firearms Licence

A Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) is Canada's firearms licence for adults age 18 and older.

For first-time applicants, the process begins by successfully completing the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC).

PAL Safety Training provides professional, in-person CFSC (Non-Restricted) and CRFSC (Restricted) safety training in Edmonton, Alberta.

Getting Your PAL: 4 Steps

1. Complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC)

The Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) is the first step for most people applying for a Canadian firearms licence.

The CFSC provides the knowledge and practical skills required to safely handle, store, transport and use non-restricted firearms.

Course Topics Include:

• Basic firearms safety

• Firearm types, actions and major components

• Ammunition

• Safe firearm handling and carry procedures

• Firearm operation

• Safe storage, display and transportation

• Care of firearms

• Responsibilities of firearms owners and users

PAL Safety Training's CFSC consists of 8 hours of in-class instruction, immediately followed by written and practical testing.

2. Pass the Written and Practical Tests

After completing the required classroom instruction, students complete both a written knowledge test and a practical firearms-handling test.

The practical test evaluates your ability to safely handle firearms and correctly apply the safety procedures taught during the course.

PAL Safety Training uses safely decommissioned training firearms for instruction and testing.

There is no live firing during the CFSC or CRFSC.

Do not bring personal firearms or ammunition to your course.

3. Apply for Your PAL

Passing the CFSC does not automatically issue you a firearms licence.

After successfully completing the required course and testing, you can proceed with your application through the Canadian Firearms Program.

The Canadian Firearms Program processes PAL applications and determines licensing eligibility.

4. PAL Application Processing

After your application is submitted, it is reviewed by the appropriate firearms licensing authorities.

Processing times can vary depending on the application and whether additional information or review is required.

PAL Safety Training provides firearms safety training and testing. We do not issue firearms licences and cannot control or expedite PAL application processing.

Who Can Take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course?

Adults — Age 18+

Adults can successfully complete the CFSC and then apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL).

Youth — Ages 12 to 17

Students age 12 to 17 can complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.

A person under 18 cannot hold an adult PAL. Eligible youth may instead apply for a Minor's Licence.

If you have questions about age requirements or attending the course as a youth, ask the PAL Assistant before booking.

The Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) is a separate firearms safety course.

To attend CRFSC:

• You must be at least 18 years old.

• You must have successfully completed the CFSC or already hold a valid Non-Restricted PAL.

• CFSC and CRFSC cannot be taken on the same day.

• Bring your valid Non-Restricted PAL. If attending CRFSC before receiving your PAL, bring your CFSC Course Report.

Already Booked? Prepare for Your Course

If you have already registered for your CFSC or CRFSC, the information below will help you prepare for your training day.

Review the Course Handbook

Students are strongly encouraged to review the official Canadian Firearms Safety Course Student Handbook before attending.

Canadian Firearms Safety Course Student Handbook — English

Canadian Safety Firearms Course Handbook

Cours Canadien de Sécurité dans le Maniement des Armes à Feu

Do not print the handbook. A physical copy is provided to students when they arrive for training.

PAL Safety Training courses and examinations are offered in English. The French handbook is provided as an official study reference.

Know ACTS and PROVE

Students should become familiar with ACTS and PROVE before attending their course.

Becoming familiar with ACTS and PROVE before attending will help you get more from the classroom and hands-on portions of the course.

ACTS

A — Assume every firearm is loaded

C — Control the muzzle direction at all times

T — Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger and out of the trigger guard

S — See that the firearm is unloaded — PROVE it safe

Course Day Checklist

Arrival Time

Doors open: 8:30 AM
Please arrive by: 8:45 AM
Course begins: 9:00 AM sharp

Late arrivals are not permitted to attend and are considered a No Show.

Identification

Students age 18 and older must bring valid government-issued photo identification, such as:

• Driver's Licence

• Provincial Identification Card

• Passport

Students under age 18 have additional identification options. If you are unsure which identification to bring, ask the PAL Assistant before your course.

CRFSC Students

If you are attending the CRFSC before receiving your PAL, bring your CFSC Course Report.

Testing

Written and practical testing takes place immediately after the required classroom instruction.

Allow approximately 90–120 minutes for written and practical testing after the instructional portion of the course.

Electronic devices are not permitted during testing.

What Not to Bring

Do not bring personal firearms or ammunition.

All firearms required for classroom instruction and testing are supplied by PAL Safety Training.

Course Language

All PAL Safety Training courses and examinations are conducted in English.