PAL — Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) Written Exam — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the difference between risk avoidance and risk acceptance?

Avoidance eliminates the risk entirely; acceptance acknowledges it without active response (Correct answer)
Acceptance means the risk is transferred to another party
Avoidance is always preferred to acceptance
They are the same concept

Correct answer: Avoidance eliminates the risk entirely; acceptance acknowledges it without active response

Risk avoidance changes plans to eliminate the risk, while risk acceptance consciously decides to proceed despite the risk.

Question 2: Who is disqualified from obtaining a PAL?

Those under a court prohibition for firearms (Correct answer)
Applicants over the age of 70
Those with no prior firearms training
Anyone with traffic violations

Correct answer: Those under a court prohibition for firearms

Individuals who are subject to a court order prohibiting them from possessing firearms are legally disqualified from obtaining a PAL. This prohibition is a serious legal measure designed to prevent individuals deemed a risk from having access to firearms, prioritizing public safety.

Question 3: Which of the following is NOT a required element on a valid PAL card under regulatory standards?

The licence expiry date
The holder's photograph
The holder's date of birth
The serial numbers of all firearms owned by the holder (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The serial numbers of all firearms owned by the holder

A PAL card does not list individual firearms owned; it authorizes possession and acquisition within a category, not tied to specific serial numbers.

Question 4: What should a PAL professional do when they encounter a situation beyond their competence?

Ignore the situation
Attempt to handle it anyway
Refer to a qualified specialist or seek additional training (Correct answer)
Delegate to an unlicensed assistant

Correct answer: Refer to a qualified specialist or seek additional training

Recognizing the limits of ones competence and making appropriate referrals is a fundamental professional responsibility.

Question 5: A PAL holder goes through a divorce that includes a restraining order. What should they do with their firearms immediately?

Keep them as long as storage rules are followed
Sell them within 30 days
Transfer or store them as directed by the court or CFO (Correct answer)
Store them at a commercial storage facility

Correct answer: Transfer or store them as directed by the court or CFO

A restraining order is a flagged event; the CFO may impose conditions or direct the licence holder to transfer or store firearms as required by the order or safety assessment.

Question 6: Under PAL firearm safety, which group of people must follow the ACTS and PROVE rules?

All persons who handle any firearm, regardless of licensing status (Correct answer)
Only firearms instructors and range safety officers
PAL holders and their immediate family members only
Only PAL holders when handling their own firearms

Correct answer: All persons who handle any firearm, regardless of licensing status

ACTS and PROVE are universal safety principles that apply to any person who handles any firearm, not just licensed owners.

Question 7: What is the correct response if a firearm fails to fire (misfire) during a shooting session?

Keep it pointed safely downrange, wait at least 30 seconds, then carefully open the action (Correct answer)
Point the muzzle at the ground and gently shake the firearm
Immediately open the action and remove the cartridge
Pass it directly to the range safety officer without delay

Correct answer: Keep it pointed safely downrange, wait at least 30 seconds, then carefully open the action

A 30-second wait is required because a misfire may be a hangfire — a delayed ignition — and opening the action too soon could cause injury.

Question 8: What happens if an applicant provides false information on their PAL application?

The application is suspended for review
The application is delayed
The applicant is fined
The application is rejected (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The application is rejected

Providing false information on a PAL application is a serious offense that will result in the immediate rejection of the application. It can also lead to further legal consequences, as the Canadian Firearms Program requires complete honesty and accuracy from all applicants to ensure public safety.

Question 9: Which of the following would NOT be a ground for the CFO to refuse a PAL application?

The applicant holds dual citizenship with another country (Correct answer)
The applicant was convicted of a domestic violence offence within the past 5 years
The applicant failed to disclose a previous address
The applicant was previously subject to a restraining order

Correct answer: The applicant holds dual citizenship with another country

Dual citizenship alone is not a ground for PAL refusal; eligibility is based on Canadian law regardless of other citizenship.

Question 10: Under PAL compliance rules, which of the following is required when a non-restricted firearm is displayed at a gun show?

A special display licence must be obtained from the ATF for each show
Only decommissioned firearms may be displayed at any public event
The firearm may be displayed fully loaded to show its capacity
The firearm must be rendered inoperable or have its action open and a lock or tie preventing closure (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The firearm must be rendered inoperable or have its action open and a lock or tie preventing closure

At public displays, firearms must be rendered inoperable or have a device preventing the action from closing to ensure safe display.

Question 11: Which of the following is a valid reason for the CFO to refuse a PAL renewal application?

Applicant is currently under a prohibition order (Correct answer)
Applicant has moved provinces
Applicant has not fired a firearm in over 3 years
Applicant's employment changed since last renewal

Correct answer: Applicant is currently under a prohibition order

Being subject to a firearms prohibition order is a disqualifying condition that prevents PAL issuance or renewal.

Question 12: What is the primary purpose of a Minor's Licence?

Own handguns
Borrow non-restricted firearms (Correct answer)
Use restricted firearms
Purchase ammunition

Correct answer: Borrow non-restricted firearms

A Minor's Licence in Canada allows individuals aged 12 to 17 to borrow and use non-restricted firearms for specific purposes like target shooting or hunting. This licence requires adult supervision and does not permit the minor to own firearms, purchase ammunition, or use restricted firearms.

Question 13: A licensed firearms business must ensure employee access to restricted firearms is limited to staff who hold what?

A business firearms permit
An employee firearms registration certificate
A valid PAL with restricted privileges (Correct answer)
A federal business licence only

Correct answer: A valid PAL with restricted privileges

Employees handling restricted firearms at a licensed business must individually hold a PAL with restricted firearms privileges.

Question 14: Which license type is required to own fully automatic firearms in Canada?

Collector's Licence
Prohibited PAL (Correct answer)
Non-Restricted PAL
Restricted PAL

Correct answer: Prohibited PAL

Fully automatic firearms are classified as 'prohibited' in Canada due to their inherent danger and military design. To legally own such firearms, an individual must possess a Prohibited Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL), which is extremely difficult to obtain and typically only granted under very specific, grandfathered conditions.

Question 15: What type of lubricant should be used on firearm components during maintenance?

Motor oil, which offers superior heat and pressure resistance
Common cooking oil or WD-40 as readily available household alternatives
No lubricant at all, since dry operation minimizes fouling buildup
A firearm-specific oil or lubricant formulated for use with guns (Correct answer)

Correct answer: A firearm-specific oil or lubricant formulated for use with guns

Firearm-specific lubricants are engineered to withstand the extreme heat and pressure generated during firing; general-purpose household lubricants can degrade, gum up, or fail under those conditions.

Question 16: How must ammunition be stored to comply with Canadian safe storage requirements?

Separately from the firearm, or the firearm must be locked so it cannot be quickly loaded (Correct answer)
Ammunition has no federal storage requirements under the Firearms Act
Only in a waterproof container regardless of location
In the same unlocked case as the firearm for convenience

Correct answer: Separately from the firearm, or the firearm must be locked so it cannot be quickly loaded

Ammunition must either be stored separately from the firearm or the firearm must be securely locked to prevent rapid unauthorized loading.

Question 17: Why should firearm cleaning solvents be used in a well-ventilated area?

Ventilation prevents static electricity from building up near the firearm during cleaning
Most cleaning solvents produce harmful fumes that are toxic if inhaled in an enclosed space (Correct answer)
Solvents can damage the firearm's finish if applied in warm, humid indoor environments
It is a specific legal requirement stated in the Firearms Act

Correct answer: Most cleaning solvents produce harmful fumes that are toxic if inhaled in an enclosed space

Firearm cleaning solvents typically contain volatile organic compounds that produce toxic fumes, making adequate ventilation essential for the user's health.

Question 18: Which scenario represents a violation of the 'Control the muzzle direction' rule?

Sweeping other hunters with the muzzle while turning to track game (Correct answer)
Setting a handgun on a table with the barrel facing a wall
Carrying a rifle with the muzzle pointed at the sky while walking
Keeping a shotgun pointed at the ground during a ceasefire

Correct answer: Sweeping other hunters with the muzzle while turning to track game

Allowing the muzzle to sweep (cross) other people while moving is a direct violation of the muzzle control rule, regardless of whether the firearm is loaded.

Question 19: Under the Firearms Act, the term 'licence' specifically refers to authorization to do what?

Import firearms commercially
Register a firearm
Possess, acquire, or both possess and acquire firearms (Correct answer)
Manufacture firearms

Correct answer: Possess, acquire, or both possess and acquire firearms

A licence (PAL) authorizes an individual to possess and/or acquire firearms as specified on the licence.

Question 20: Why should a PAL holder never depend entirely on a firearm's safety mechanism?

Mechanical safeties can fail or malfunction, so trigger discipline must always be maintained independently (Correct answer)
Safety mechanisms are only reliable during the first two years of a firearm's life
Safeties are only functional when the firearm is unloaded
Safety mechanisms are prohibited by regulation on certain firearm models

Correct answer: Mechanical safeties can fail or malfunction, so trigger discipline must always be maintained independently

Because mechanical safeties can fail, proper trigger discipline and muzzle control are mandatory at all times regardless of safety position.

Question 21: Which of the following actions is a direct violation of the 'C' in the ACTS firearm safety rules?

Assuming a firearm is loaded when you first pick it up.
Storing a firearm in a locked cabinet.
Briefly pointing the firearm at the ceiling while adjusting your grip. (Correct answer)
Keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

Correct answer: Briefly pointing the firearm at the ceiling while adjusting your grip.

The 'C' in ACTS stands for "Control the muzzle direction at all times." Pointing the firearm at the ceiling, even briefly, means losing control of the muzzle and pointing it in an unsafe direction. A safe direction is one in which an accidental discharge would cause no injury or damage.

Question 22: Jordan, a restricted PAL holder, wants to take a handgun to a certified shooting range in another province. Which document must accompany the handgun during interprovincial transport?

A letter from the destination range confirming Jordan's membership.
An Authorization to Transport (ATT) covering the route and destination, plus the registration certificate. (Correct answer)
A copy of Jordan's PAL and the firearm's registration certificate only.
A Bill of Sale proving Jordan legally acquired the handgun.

Correct answer: An Authorization to Transport (ATT) covering the route and destination, plus the registration certificate.

Transporting a restricted firearm requires a valid Authorization to Transport (ATT) that specifies the permitted route and purpose, in addition to the registration certificate.

Question 23: When should a PAL holder apply for renewal?

Six months before expiry (Correct answer)
One month before expiry
Three months before expiry
After the licence expires

Correct answer: Six months before expiry

It is recommended that PAL holders apply for renewal approximately six months before their current licence expires. This timeframe allows sufficient processing time for the application, helping to prevent any lapse in legal possession and ensuring continuous compliance.

Question 24: For a restricted firearm to be legally registered in Canada, registration must be completed through:

The local police department
The firearm's original manufacturer
The provincial firearms office
The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The Canadian Firearms Program (CFP)

All restricted and prohibited firearms must be registered through the Canadian Firearms Program administered by the RCMP.

Question 25: A hunter is crossing a fence. To do so safely, they unload their bolt-action rifle and hand it to their partner. What is the most critical safety step the partner should take immediately upon receiving the firearm?

Immediately open the action and visually inspect the chamber themselves. (Correct answer)
Check the external safety to ensure it is in the "on" position.
Trust the hunter's word that the firearm is unloaded.
Put the firearm on the ground and cross the fence first.

Correct answer: Immediately open the action and visually inspect the chamber themselves.

This combines the 'S' in ACTS ("See that the firearm is unloaded - PROVE it safe") and the PROVE procedure itself. You must never take someone else's word that a firearm is safe. The first action upon receiving any firearm is to personally verify its status by pointing it in a safe direction and proving it unloaded.

Question 26: When transporting a non-restricted firearm in a vehicle, it must be kept how?

Unloaded but visible on the rear seat
Loaded but concealed in a locked case
Unsecured in the trunk as long as it is unloaded
Unloaded and in a locked container or properly secured case (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Unloaded and in a locked container or properly secured case

Non-restricted firearms must be unloaded and secured in a locked container or properly fastened case during vehicle transport.

Question 27: After a PAL is revoked, how long does the holder typically have to appeal the decision?

90 days
30 days
7 days
60 days (Correct answer)

Correct answer: 60 days

A licence holder has 60 days to appeal a CFO revocation decision to a provincial court judge.

Question 28: A hunter accidentally drops their rifle. Which two ACTS rules are most likely to prevent injury in this scenario?

A (Assume loaded) and S (See it unloaded)
A (Assume loaded) and C (Control muzzle)
T (Trigger finger) and S (See it unloaded)
C (Control muzzle) and T (Trigger finger off trigger) (Correct answer)

Correct answer: C (Control muzzle) and T (Trigger finger off trigger)

Maintaining muzzle control (C) during a drop and keeping the trigger finger out of the guard (T) are the two rules that directly prevent a drop-induced discharge.

Question 29: What is the minimum age requirement to apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) in Canada?

25 years
18 years (Correct answer)
16 years
21 years

Correct answer: 18 years

In Canada, individuals must be at least 18 years old to apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). This age requirement ensures that applicants are considered adults and are legally responsible for their actions and the safe handling of firearms.

Question 30: What is required if applying for a PAL for restricted firearms?

An endorsement from a shooting club
Proof of firearm ownership
Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (Correct answer)
A separate application for restricted firearms

Correct answer: Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course

To obtain a PAL for restricted firearms, applicants must complete an additional course: the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC). This course builds upon the CFSC, providing specific knowledge and training required for the safe handling, storage, and transportation of restricted firearms, such as handguns.

Question 31: If a PAL holder will be away from home for an extended period, what must they do regarding their stored firearms?

Ensure the firearms remain locked and secured in compliance with safe storage requirements (Correct answer)
Remove the ammunition and leave firearms accessible for trusted persons
Register them as temporarily unattended with the local RCMP detachment
Transfer them to a licensed dealer for the entire duration of the absence

Correct answer: Ensure the firearms remain locked and secured in compliance with safe storage requirements

Safe storage obligations do not change based on the owner's presence; locked, compliant storage must be maintained at all times.

Question 32: A sawed-off centre-fire rifle with a barrel shorter than the legal minimum is classified as:

Non-restricted
Prohibited (Correct answer)
Restricted
Unregisterable but legal to possess

Correct answer: Prohibited

Centre-fire rifles with barrels shorter than 470mm are classified as prohibited firearms under Canadian law.

Question 33: During a domestic dispute, police temporarily remove three firearms from a PAL holder's home for safety reasons without charging the holder. After 90 days the holder requests the firearms back. What process applies?

The firearms must be returned immediately since no charges were laid.
The holder must appear before a court to demonstrate the firearms' return is safe under the Firearms Act. (Correct answer)
The holder must reapply for a new PAL before the firearms can be returned.
The CFO may retain the firearms indefinitely without any judicial oversight.

Correct answer: The holder must appear before a court to demonstrate the firearms' return is safe under the Firearms Act.

Even without criminal charges, firearms removed for safety reasons are subject to a judicial review process where the court determines whether their return is safe before ordering it.

Question 34: If a PAL expires, what is the immediate legal consequence for the licence holder?

They face an automatic criminal charge
Their firearms are automatically confiscated by authorities
They are prohibited from acquiring or possessing firearms until the licence is renewed (Correct answer)
They must rewrite the CFSC exam before renewing

Correct answer: They are prohibited from acquiring or possessing firearms until the licence is renewed

An expired PAL means the holder no longer has legal authority to possess or acquire firearms, making continued possession unlawful.

Question 35: When does the ACTS rule 'Trigger finger off the trigger' allow you to place your finger on the trigger?

Whenever the firearm is pointed in a safe direction
After completing the PROVE procedure
When the safety is engaged
Only when you are ready to fire (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Only when you are ready to fire

Your finger should only enter the trigger guard and touch the trigger when you have made the conscious decision to fire.

Question 36: Which PAL applicant scenario would trigger mandatory referral for additional review by the Chief Firearms Officer?

Applicant has a history of a suicide attempt within the past 5 years (Correct answer)
Applicant owns more than 5 non-restricted firearms
Applicant completed their safety course 3 years ago
Applicant lives in a province different from where they took their safety course

Correct answer: Applicant has a history of a suicide attempt within the past 5 years

A history of suicide attempts or mental health crises is a mandatory referral trigger for additional CFO review during PAL processing.

Question 37: A PAL holder discovers one of their firearms has been stolen. Under compliance rules, they must:

Report only if the firearm is a restricted or prohibited class
Report the theft to local police and the Registrar as soon as practicable (Correct answer)
Wait 72 hours before filing a report in case the firearm is recovered
Only report to their insurance company

Correct answer: Report the theft to local police and the Registrar as soon as practicable

A PAL holder must report any theft or loss of a firearm to police and the Registrar as soon as reasonably possible, regardless of firearm class.

Question 38: When a PAL holder permanently moves to another province, which action is required regarding their licence?

The CFO of the new province must approve a transfer of the licence
Apply for a new PAL in the new province
Notify the Canadian Firearms Program of the change of address within 30 days (Correct answer)
No action is required as the PAL is valid nationwide

Correct answer: Notify the Canadian Firearms Program of the change of address within 30 days

A PAL is valid across Canada, but the holder must notify the Canadian Firearms Program of their new address within 30 days.

Question 39: When crossing a fence or similar obstacle while carrying a firearm, what is the correct procedure?

Sling it across your back to keep both hands free while crossing
Hand it to a hunting partner who stands on the other side
Unload the firearm and pass it through or set it aside before crossing the obstacle (Correct answer)
Carry it at port arms and step over the obstacle as quickly as possible

Correct answer: Unload the firearm and pass it through or set it aside before crossing the obstacle

Crossing obstacles with a loaded firearm is dangerous because of unstable body positions; unloading and separating yourself from the firearm eliminates that risk.

Question 40: A judge issues a prohibition order against a firearms collector under the Criminal Code. The collector owns 14 legally registered restricted firearms. What must happen to the firearms?

The firearms must be disposed of within a specified period — surrendered to police, transferred to a licensed person, or rendered inoperable — as directed by the court. (Correct answer)
The CFO will store the firearms on the collector's behalf until the prohibition order expires.
The collector may transfer the firearms to a spouse who holds a restricted PAL with no court involvement.
The collector may keep the firearms but must store them at a licensed dealer's facility.

Correct answer: The firearms must be disposed of within a specified period — surrendered to police, transferred to a licensed person, or rendered inoperable — as directed by the court.

A prohibition order requires the prohibited person to lawfully dispose of all firearms within the court's timeframe through surrender, licensed transfer, or destruction.

Question 41: After cleaning and reassembling a firearm, what final check should be performed before storage?

Reassemble and fire a single test round to confirm function
Tag the firearm with the cleaning date for safe storage record-keeping
Apply a heavy coat of preservative oil to all external metal surfaces
Function-check the action to verify correct reassembly and confirm the firearm is unloaded (Correct answer)

Correct answer: Function-check the action to verify correct reassembly and confirm the firearm is unloaded

A function check after reassembly reveals any errors — such as missing parts — and a final unloaded check ensures the firearm is safe for storage.

Question 42: How must a restricted firearm be stored when not in use?

At an approved shooting range when not in use
In a locked room within the home
Unloaded with a trigger lock applied or secured in a locked container (Correct answer)
In a bank safety deposit box

Correct answer: Unloaded with a trigger lock applied or secured in a locked container

Safe storage regulations require restricted firearms to be stored unloaded with a trigger lock applied or secured in a locked, theft-resistant container.

Question 43: When inspecting a semi-automatic pistol before use, which component should be verified by manually cycling the slide?

The tension of the recoil spring and trigger return spring
The magazine release button, to confirm it is not worn excessively
The grip panels, to ensure they are tight and not cracked
The extractor, to confirm it properly grips the cartridge case rim during ejection (Correct answer)

Correct answer: The extractor, to confirm it properly grips the cartridge case rim during ejection

The extractor must reliably grip and pull the spent case from the chamber; a damaged or weak extractor can leave a live or spent round stuck in the chamber.

Question 44: Under what circumstances may a minor (under 18) possess a firearm in Canada without holding a PAL?

Under direct supervision of a licensed adult in lawful activities such as hunting (Correct answer)
Never under any circumstances
Only on private property belonging to the minor's family
With written parental consent only

Correct answer: Under direct supervision of a licensed adult in lawful activities such as hunting

Minors may possess firearms without a licence when directly supervised by an adult PAL holder during lawful hunting or target shooting.

Question 45: You are handed a semi-automatic pistol by a friend at the shooting range. After pointing it in a safe direction and removing the magazine, what is the immediate next step in the PROVE procedure to ensure it is unloaded?

Observe the chamber to ensure it is empty. (Correct answer)
Examine the bore for obstructions.
Verify the feeding path is clear.
Pull the trigger to test the action.

Correct answer: Observe the chamber to ensure it is empty.

The PROVE procedure is sequential. After Pointing the firearm in a safe direction and Removing all ammunition (including the magazine), the next step ('O') is to Observe the chamber to visually confirm that there is no cartridge in it.

Question 46: What is the first step that must be taken before cleaning any firearm?

Verify the firearm is completely unloaded by visually and physically inspecting the chamber (Correct answer)
Confirm the safety mechanism is fully engaged
Apply solvent to the bore to loosen fouling before disassembly
Remove the stock from the action to access internal components

Correct answer: Verify the firearm is completely unloaded by visually and physically inspecting the chamber

Verifying that the firearm is unloaded — both visually and physically — is always the mandatory first step before any maintenance or cleaning begins.

Question 47: What is the primary purpose of the PAL certification program?

To generate revenue for the certifying organization
To replace academic degrees
To validate professional competence and knowledge in the field (Correct answer)
To limit the number of professionals

Correct answer: To validate professional competence and knowledge in the field

The PAL certification validates that professionals have demonstrated the knowledge and skills required for competent practice.

Question 48: Linda completes a PAL application and lists her ex-spouse as a reference. The Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) discovers the ex-spouse has an active restraining order against Linda. What action is the CFO most likely to take?

Approve the licence since restraining orders are civil matters unrelated to PAL eligibility.
Require Linda to provide a different reference before making a decision.
Deny the licence because the restraining order indicates a risk to public safety. (Correct answer)
Suspend the application for 90 days to allow the restraining order to expire.

Correct answer: Deny the licence because the restraining order indicates a risk to public safety.

A current restraining order is a significant public safety red flag and the CFO has the authority to refuse a licence when there are reasonable grounds to believe the applicant poses a risk.

Question 49: A PAL applicant is required to complete a safety course. Which of the following best describes the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC)?

An optional online tutorial
A mandatory in-person training covering safe handling and storage (Correct answer)
A background check administered by law enforcement
A written exam only with no practical component

Correct answer: A mandatory in-person training covering safe handling and storage

The CFSC is a mandatory course that includes both theoretical instruction and a practical test on safe firearm handling and storage.

Question 50: Why is 'Examine the bore' the final step of PROVE rather than an earlier step?

Examining the bore is optional if the chamber was observed to be empty
Looking down the bore before removing cartridges risks injury if the firearm is still loaded (Correct answer)
The bore cannot be properly examined until the feeding path is cleared
Federal law mandates this specific order for bore inspection

Correct answer: Looking down the bore before removing cartridges risks injury if the firearm is still loaded

Examining the bore is done last because looking into the muzzle of a potentially loaded firearm before completing all other steps would be dangerous.

Question 51: What does the term 'flagging' mean in the context of firearm safety?

Waving a firearm in the air to signal distress or attract attention
Carrying an uncased firearm visibly through a public area
Sweeping the muzzle across another person's body, violating muzzle-control rules (Correct answer)
Intentionally firing a single round as a warning signal

Correct answer: Sweeping the muzzle across another person's body, violating muzzle-control rules

Flagging means allowing the muzzle to sweep across another person, which is a serious muzzle-control violation that could cause injury if an accidental discharge occurs.

Question 52: What does inspecting a bolt-action rifle for correct 'headspace' assess?

Whether the cartridge fits properly between the bolt face and the datum line of the chamber (Correct answer)
The gap between the wooden stock and the barrel channel
Whether the trigger pull weight falls within the manufacturer's specification
The total distance the bolt travels during a full cycling stroke

Correct answer: Whether the cartridge fits properly between the bolt face and the datum line of the chamber

Correct headspace ensures the cartridge is properly seated and the case is adequately supported, preventing dangerous over-pressure or cartridge failures.

PAL — Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) Written Exam

The CFSC written examination is required to obtain a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) for non-restricted firearms in Canada. It covers firearm safety rules, storage, transportation, handling, and Canadian firearms law.

Questions

60 min

Time Limit

80%

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These practice questions were written with AI tools. They are not real exam questions. Exam facts are checked against the official sources listed below. Not reviewed by a subject-matter expert. Editorial policy

Sources & references

Exam facts on this page (fees, format, dates, passing scores) are checked against these official sources; the date is our last check. Editorial policy

laws-lois.justice.gc.ca — Score validity · verified Oct 2026
rcmp.ca — Fees, score release, eligibility, renewal, test delivery · verified Oct 2026