course
Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL)
Firearm possession and acquisition in Canada requires a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL). Ontarians applying for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) for the first time are required to successfully complete the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) or the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC). There are two types of PALs. The first is a PAL for non-restricted firearms, which requires the successful completion of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the second is a PAL for restricted firearms, which requires the successful completion of both the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC).
How to get a PAL
Find a Course & Register
Use the Search for a Course or Search for an Instructor to find and register for a course.
Review Student Manual
Prepare for your course by reviewing the student manual.
Pass Your
Course Test
Complete your course and pass your written and practical exams. In approximately 6 weeks after successful completion of your course you will receive a Student Course Report in the mail.
Apply For
Your PAL
Apply for your PAL with the RCMP by completing the Application for a Possession and Acquisition License Under the Firearms Act form and submitting with the required course paperwork and photo.
Available Courses
* If you are currently under a Prohibition Order, you are not permitted to take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course(CFSC) and/or the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) until AFTER your prohibition order expires.
Back-to-Back (CFSC & CRFSC)
$380
(includes both tests & minimum 12 hours classroom instruction)
Minor’s Licence
To apply for a Minor’s Licence, you must:
- Be between 12 and 17 years old
- Take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and pass the tests (as defined in Section 7 of the Firearms Act)
Student Manuals
An electronic copy of the Student Manual can be obtained from Government of Canada Publications
Students can view an electronic manual, purchase printed manuals from their CFSC/CRFSC instructor or purchase here.
Replacement Student Course Report
If you have not received your stamped student course report after 6 weeks you can contact the FSESO to have the stamped report replaced. The FSESO is only able to provide replacement stamped reports if it has been less than a year since you completed your Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) or Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC).
To request a replacement stamped student course report please contact the FSESO and provide the following details:
- First & last name
- Your date of birth
- Start date of the course (day/month/year)
- Course type (CFSC, CRFSC)
- First & last name of the course instructor
Students who completed their CFSC/CRFSC course:
- More than a year ago in Ontario should contact the Chief Firearms Officer of Ontario at 1-(800)731-4000 ext. 7503
- In another province should contact the Chief Firearms Officer in the province they completed the course
