FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find a course in my area?
How long are the CFSC and CRFSC courses?
- The CFSC course includes a minimum of 8 instructional hours.
- The CRFSC course includes a minimum of 6 instructional hours.
Note: The above timeframes do not include breaks or the time to complete the written and practical exams and most courses run longer than the minimum hours.
Students taking the CFSC and CRFSC together in a back-to-back course, may attend a modified version of the CRFSC, which includes a minimum of 4 instructional hours. Please speak to your instructor to determine if you are eligible for this program.
Can I complete a challenge test instead of taking the CFSC or CRFSC?
Can I take the CFSC or CRFSC courses and exams in another province?
I just completed my course. How long will it take to get my paperwork?
Can I apply for my PAL without my paperwork?
WHERE CAN I COMPLETE THE PAL APPLICATION FORM?
You can apply for your PAL on the RCMP web site
Where can I find more information about a minor’s licence?
To apply for a minor’s licence in Ontario, please contact the Chief Firearms Office of Ontario at 1-800-731-4000 ext 7548.
What do I do if my PAL has expired?
Please contact the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program to discuss your individual situation.
1-800-731-4000
What is a non-restricted firearm?
A non-restricted firearm (often described as a long gun) is an ordinary rifle, shotgun or combination gun that is not prescribed as being restricted or prohibited.
If you have questions about the classification of a specific firearm, please contact the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program.
1-800-731-4000
What is a restricted firearm?
A restricted firearm is:
- handgun that is not a prohibited firearm;
- a semi-automatic, centre-fire rifle or shotgun with a barrel length less than 470 mm (18.5 inches) that is not prohibited;
- a rifle or shotgun that can fire when its overall length is reduced by folding, telescoping or some other means to less than 660 mm (26 inches);
- any firearm prescribed as restricted (including some long guns).
If you have questions about the classification of a specific firearm, please contact the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program.
1-800-731-4000
What is a prohibited firearm?
A prohibited firearm is:
- A handgun with a barrel length of 105 mm (4.1 inches) or less;
- A handgun designed or adapted to discharge 25 or 32 calibre ammunition;
- A rifle or shotgun that has been altered to make it less than 660 mm (26 inches) in overall length;
- A rifle or shotgun that has been altered to make the barrel length less than 457 mm (18 inches) where the overall firearm length is 660 mm (26 inches) or more;
- An automatic firearm and a converted automatic firearm;
- Any firearm prescribed as prohibited.
If you have questions about the classification of a specific firearm, please contact the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program.
1-800-731-4000
I would like to take the firearms safety course, but I require accommodation for the course and/or exam. Can I still take the course?
The FSESO is committed to providing safety training to all members of the public in the Province of Ontario, including attaining reasonable accommodation for individuals as required.
You can request an accommodation by completing a Student Accommodation Request.
Can a minor use a handgun?
What ID is valid for a minor?
The current list of acceptable photo ID for taking the CFSC/CRFSC course:
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 such as Health Card with picture)
- A letter from the bishop of the Mennonite community can also be accepted as identification
For students under the age of 18 (Minors) without any of the identification listed in section 5.1, the following list of acceptable identification 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’s acceptable government identification
My son/daughter passed the course, can they hunt with a copy of their course report?
Can a minor buy a firearm and/or ammunition?
I took a CFSC course when I was a minor and never got my PAL, can I still apply?
Your CFSC and CRFSC reports do not expire. If you have a copy of your course reports you can use them in your application. If you need a copy for your application please see Replacement Student Course Report.