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What We Do

The Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario (FSESO) is an association of firearms safety instructors. In 1993 a group of firearms enthusiasts got together and started the organization to support the Chief Firearms Office with the delivery and management of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. Over the years, we’ve grown significantly, from one administrative employee working in a basement to a modern head office facility in Orillia with multiple administrative departments and over 300 active instructors. With our commitment to public safety and providing a positive learning experience for every student, the FSESO has earned a positive reputation across Ontario, throughout Canada, and beyond.  

Our instructors are passionate professionals and safety training enthusiasts with backgrounds in military, policing, security, sports shooting, and hunting. Before being designated by the Chief Firearms Officer of Ontario, all new instructors must successfully complete our comprehensive onboarding program. This includes a train-the-trainer session, with practical and hands-on components, a post-train-the-trainer coaching program, and the successful completion of an audit. Our ongoing professional development program ensures new and existing instructors continue to teach professional, effective, and consistent firearms safety courses. Public safety is our number one priority. We believe that firearms safety is everyone’s responsibility. 

The FSESO remains the sole service provider for the Canadian Firearms Safety Courses (CFSC)/Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Courses (CRFSC) for the Province of Ontario. Our instructors are designated by the Chief Firearms Office of Ontario to teach and examine the CFSC and/or the CRSFC in Ontario.    

Vision, Mission & Values

Vision

The FSESO strives to be the premier provider of firearms safety education, training, and services, ensuring public confidence, best practice, and enjoyment.

Mission

We work with our instructors, the public, government, and partners to deliver the most advanced firearms safety training programs and services. Championing education, knowledge, and integrity, we strive to continually improve public safety, trust, and confidence. 

Values

  • We are community-focused
  • We champion knowledge
  • We hold integrity high
  • We act apolitically 

Certified Instructor Directory

Instructors who are certified to teach CFSC/CRFSC courses in Ontario are listed below.  Click on a regional header to bring up a list of instructors in that region. 

If you have contacted an instructor and they are not on the list below, please get in touch with head office at 1-877-322-2345 ext. 101  

If you are looking for a course in your area, you can search for a course here.

* Note – the boundaries on the map are a representation only, please check surrounding regions if you are looking for a specific instructor.

Map with regions

Our Team

Staff

Rick PhilbinExecutive Manager
Shelly BattenManager, Operations
Rhyan FentonOperations Specialist
Julie WalkerProgram Administrator
Lance TroianWarehouse Coordinator
Megan TroianProcessing Clerk
Patti JonesCustomer Service Specialist
Trina SirdevanProcessing Clerk

Board of Directors

Gerry CourtemanchePresident (Region 3)
David EaglesonVice-President (Independent Director)
Tony CooperTreasurer (Region 7)
Bill ArnotSecretary (Region 5)
Ben Prince Region 1
Roger Vienneau Region 2
Art Hawes Region 4
Lynn CoughlinRegion 6
Tom Tumilty Independent Director
VacantIndependent Director
VacantIndependent Director
VacantIndependent Director
VacantIndependent Director

Our Partners

Chief Firearms Officer of Ontario, Government of Canada, Government of Ontario, Royal Canadian Mounted Police

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find a course in my area?

You can search for a course on our website using the Find a Course function.

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?

No. Challenge tests are no longer permitted. You must attend the full course and pass the written and practical exams.

Can I take the CFSC or CRFSC courses and exams in another province?

Yes, you can take the CFSC and CRFSC from a designated instructor anywhere in Canada.

I just completed my course.  How long will it take to get my paperwork?

You will receive your paperwork within 6 weeks of completing your course.

Can I apply for my PAL without my paperwork?

No, you must submit your stamped paperwork with your PAL application.

Where can I download the PAL application form?

You can download a copy from the RCMP’s website.

Where can I find more information about a minor’s licence?

For more information, visit the RCMP website.
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
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm

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
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm

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
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm

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
http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/cfp-pcaf/index-eng.htm

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?

The Minor’s Licence is only valid for non-restricted rifles and shotguns. Licenced minors can use a handgun if they are under the direct and immediate supervision of someone licenced to have that class of firearm.

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?

A minor can still use firearms of any class without a licence if they are under the direct and immediate supervision of someone who is licensed to have that firearm. The licenced person should be near enough to the minor to take immediate action to prevent any unsafe or illegal use of the firearm. For hunting, they would still need to take the Hunter Education Course, see One Stop.

Can a minor buy a firearm and/or ammunition?

A minor’s licence allows purchasing ammunition (unless there is an age restriction under provincial or territorial law).

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.