Licensing course

Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC)

The next step toward the restricted endorsement to your PAL (RPAL). Taught by RCMP-certified instructors in a classroom, with no live fire.

A semi-automatic pistol, two revolvers and a shotgun laid out on a shooting mat in a training classroom.

At a glance

Everything you need to know before you book

Length

6 hours of tuition

Class size

Up to 12 students per instructor, mandated by the Chief Firearms Officer

Prerequisites

You must have completed the CFSC, which includes CFSC courses immediately prior to the CRFSC course. You must not be subject to a current firearms prohibition

Format

In person, classroom only. No live fire

Exams

A 50-question multiple-choice written exam and a classroom practical handling test for restricted firearms. The exams can no longer be challenged without attending the course

Age

The RPAL is for people aged 18 and over. Minors can attend for educational purposes only (see below)

A student loads a magazine into a semi-automatic pistol in an open-floor classroom while the instructor and standing classmates watch.

We know licensing

The second step to your restricted endorsement

The Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) is intended for people aged 18 or over, as the second step in obtaining the Restricted Possession and Acquisition License (RPAL) endorsement. The first step is the CFSC.

The RPAL endorsement allows you to possess and acquire restricted firearms beyond the scope of the PAL, which covers non-restricted firearms only. Licenses are typically valid for five years and must be renewed.

The course builds on the CFSC and focuses on the safe handling, storage and transportation of restricted firearms. Once you have the required pass marks for your CFSC and CRFSC written and practical examinations, you can apply to the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) for your PAL/RPAL. The written exam is a 50-question multiple-choice paper and the practical exam is a classroom-only firearms handling test, with no live fire.

The CRFSC can only be taught and examined by instructors certified by the RCMP.

Better together

Take the CFSC and CRFSC together

Many of our students take the CFSC & CRFSC course during the same weekend. Taking both together offers significant savings on both the courses and the application fees to the Canadian Firearms Program, and it means you finish your training in one go.

Seats are limited to 12 per course and can fill quickly.

Where this fits

Your path to the restricted endorsement

The CRFSC is step two. It's the step we deliver, along with the CFSC.

1

Complete the CFSC

Take the CFSC first, or take the CRFSC as part of our combined CFSC/CRFSC course weekends.

2

Take the CRFSC

Complete the course and achieve the required pass marks on the written and practical exams.

3

Apply and be screened

Apply to the CFO for your PAL/RPAL. Every applicant is screened, including background checks, and a mandatory 28-day waiting period applies to first-time applicants.

On Point Training only delivers the course and examinations. We are not involved in the application process and cannot connect with the CFO on your behalf.

Course outline

What you'll learn

The course builds on the CFSC, with a focus on restricted firearms. It covers:

An introduction to the restricted firearms safety course

The Canadian Firearms Program

An introduction to firearms

The evolution of firearms

Major firearm parts

ACTS & PROVE

Basic safety practices

Loading and unloading procedures for restricted firearms

Ammunition

Operating handgun actions

Safe handling and carrying of restricted firearms

Firing techniques and procedures for handguns

Introduction to marksmanship

Care of restricted firearms

Safe storage, display and transportation

Social responsibilities, and much more

What to expect

Focused, personal and supportive

Our CFSC and CRFSC courses are limited to 12 students per instructor, which keeps learning focused and personal in a safe, engaging and supportive environment. Lessons combine lectures, class discussions and hands-on handling of deactivated firearms and inert ammunition, so you gain both knowledge and confidence.

Our instructors discreetly assess individual learning styles and adapt their approach to maximize retention. Bring your valid photo ID, come well-rested, and take your next step toward responsible firearm ownership.

Prerequisite: Successful completion of the CFSC.

Eligibility: you must not be subject to a current firearms prohibition.

Exams: the written and practical exams are part of the course. They can no longer be challenged without attending the courses in full.

The manual: the CFSC/CRFSC eBook is free in English and French.

Four students relax and chat around a table in a bright training classroom.

Learning challenges

You can do this, and we'll help

We believe that educational opportunities should be available for everyone, and we strongly encourage those who think they can't to become believers in themselves and see that they can. We know it takes a little help and sometimes a lot of help, but we aspire to be your trusted partner as you pursue your goals.

We promise to treat you with respect, dignity and confidentiality. Whatever challenge you face, trust us to help you overcome it. If you face barriers such as reading or writing difficulties, ADHD, autism, classroom anxiety or a physical impairment, tell us before you book and we'll talk it through.

A parent and a teenager look through course materials together at a kitchen table.

Minors

Aged 12 to 17?

Minors aged 12 to 17 can take the CRFSC for educational purposes with parental consent. Minors cannot sit the written or practical exams, but attending provides valuable knowledge about restricted firearms safety, handling and responsibilities.

No person under 18 years old can apply for the RPAL endorsement. When a minor turns 18, they must take the CRFSC and pass both exams to apply for the endorsement.

Contact us for reduced course fees for students 17 years an under.

Before and after

Make the most of your CRFSC

An instructor presents a slide on firearm action types to students in a bright classroom.

Haven't taken the CFSC yet?

The CFSC is the mandatory first step toward your PAL, and a prerequisite for the CRFSC. Take it first, or take both together in our combined course.

A student aims a pistol downrange at the firing line while the instructor supervises from behind.

Want to try handguns at the range?

If you'd like to see whether handguns are for you, or build practical skill after your course, our Intro To: Pistol course is a live-fire introduction at the range.

Questions people ask

CRFSC frequently asked questions

Does the CRFSC give me my restricted license?

No. The CFSC and CRFSC are the federally mandated first step toward your PAL and restricted endorsement (RPAL). If you complete the course and achieve satisfactory pass scores on the written and practical exams, you pass and receive a course completion certificate. Include it with your application form and payment, and send it to the Canadian Firearms Program, which assesses the application and decides whether the license is granted. We only facilitate the courses and examinations; we don't administer the licensing process.

Do I need the CFSC first?

Yes. You must have completed the CFSC, or take the CRFSC as part of our combined CFSC/CRFSC course weekends.

Why are classes limited to 12 students?

The Chief Firearms Officer mandates a maximum of 12 students per instructor, per course. Many of our students take the combined CFSC/CRFSC courses in one weekend, so seats can fill quickly.

What if I can't make the course?

Our Refund policy sets out your options for cancelling, deferring or being refunded. Contact us if you need to talk it through.

My license expired. Do I need to take the course again?

It depends. That's up to the CFO. In our experience, students who previously took and passed the course are usually allowed to renew without a resit, although PAL holders who were grandfathered from a FAC, or who challenged the exams before 2014, are usually required to retake it. It's not a hard rule. Start by calling the CFO on 1-800-731-4000 or visit the CFO website.

I have questions about storage, transport or display.

Keep a copy of the government-issued interpretation handy, especially for restricted firearms. Download it in English or French.

Do you provide the course manual?

We don't provide manuals, but the CFSC/CRFSC eBook is free to download in English or French. You don't need it to be successful when you train with us, though you're welcome to use it.

Upcoming firearms courses

All courses are pre-booked, so secure your seat ahead of time.

The CCFR logo

Proudly supporting

Proud business members of the CCFR

We are proud business members of the CCFR, and we credit them as the primary organisation responsible for opposing the continued constraints on Canadian firearms owners pushed by the federal government.

We strongly urge all firearms owners and enthusiasts to support the CCFR through membership and to purchase the legal insurance available to all members.

Ready for your restricted endorsement?

Book your CRFSC seat, or take the CFSC and CRFSC together.