Before your course
Your first firearms safety course: what to expect →
A beginner’s walkthrough of choosing CFSC or CRFSC, booking an approved instructor, classroom learning and written and practical assessments.
CANADIAN FIREARMS LICENCES · EXPLAINED
Clear answers for every stage of your PAL journey
Choose the question you are working through, then follow the next step.
Updated October 1, 2026
Before your course
Before your course
Seven PAL and RPAL myths, cleared up →
Clear up common Canadian firearms licence misconceptions about online study, course certificates, handgun purchases, hunting and PAL versus RPAL.
Before your course
Can you get your PAL online in Canada? →
Understand online PAL study, in-person CFSC and CRFSC training, and online licence applications. See which parts of the Canadian process happen online.
Before your course
PAL test pass mark: prepare for both assessments →
Learn the PAL and RPAL test pass marks, the difference between written and practical assessments, and how to use practice questions before your course.
Before your course
CFSC vs CRFSC: which course should you book? →
Compare CFSC and CRFSC training, prerequisites and combined bookings. Understand which course supports PAL or restricted privileges before you register.
Before your course
PAL vs hunting licence: plan both parts of your first hunt →
A PAL and a hunting licence do different jobs. Understand federal firearms licensing, provincial hunter education, licences and tags before planning a hunt.
Before your course
Minor’s firearms licence: the route before age 18 →
Understand Canada’s minor’s firearms licence, CFSC training, parental consent and the move to an adult PAL at 18. Plan the right route for a young learner.
Before your course
A PAL study plan you can fit around your week →
Build a PAL and RPAL study routine with seven focused sessions: terminology, course topics, practice questions, answer review and preparation for class.
Your application
Your application
Passed your CFSC tests? Here is what happens next →
Learn how to move from safety-course results to a complete PAL application, arrange contacts and documents, and understand what approval means.
Your application
New to Canada? Plan your PAL documents early →
A clear guide to residency history, letters of good conduct, application contacts and choosing the right route when preparing for a Canadian PAL.
Your application
PAL photo requirements: get the image ready first →
Prepare a PAL application photo with the right size, format and appearance. Compare online and paper submission details and avoid common photo mistakes.
Your application
PAL references and photo guarantor: who can help? →
Understand who can be a PAL reference or photo guarantor, the different time requirements, and which contact details to prepare for your adult application.
After your licence
After your licence
PAL renewal: prepare before your licence expires →
Plan your PAL renewal with the current photo, contact and application requirements. Understand online eligibility and the difference from a first licence.
After your licence
Upgrade PAL to RPAL: training and application are separate →
Understand how an existing PAL holder can add restricted privileges: CRFSC training, course reports, the privileges application and current restrictions.
WHEN YOU ARE READY TO PREPARE
Learn the material. Practise with questions.
A structured PAL & RPAL course, practice tests and clear explanations—in one app.
YOUR NEXT STEPS
Get ready for your firearms licence.
From choosing a course to preparing your application.
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