Canadian Firearms Safety Course (PAL/RPAL)

There is currently no scheduled PAL/RPAL class. 

Register below through the links or in person at Books and Company on 3rd in Prince George.

Canadian Federal Law stipulates that in order to purchase or possess firearms or ammunition a person must have a Possession and Acquisition License (PAL).  A Possession Only License (POL) entitles the holder to retain firearms they already own and to purchase ammunition, but not to purchase additional firearms. POL’s are no longer available. To obtain a license for non-restricted firearms (normally rifles and shotguns used for hunting) applicants must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) PAL exams, consisting of both a written test and a practical test. Persons who wish to possess restricted firearms (normally handguns) must complete the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) and pass the exams related to that course.  That entitles application for a Restricted Possession and Acquisition License (RPAL).

About our CFSC Training

Prince George Outdoor Training instructors have many years experience teaching the PAL and RPAL courses. Most are professional educators. The federal government regulates maximum class size at 12 students per instructor.

The PAL course includes 8 hours of instructional time (one day) with a written and practical exam on the second day.  We normally begin at 08:00, and finish at 16:00 on the first day.  A “working lunch” is provided.  The second day begins again at 08:00 and most students should be finished before noon.

The RPAL course includes 6 hours of instructional time.  Exams are held on the same day as the course.  A “working lunch” is provided.

Most courses are held over the weekend, but other arrangements can be made for interested groups.

Course Registration Fees

• $170 – Non-Restricted Firearms
• $100 – Restricted Firearms, add-on to the Non-Restricted Firearms portion

Exam Challenges

Exam challenges are not available. Effective June 18, 2015 under Bill C-42 (known as the Common Sense Firearms Licensing Act), first time applicants can no longer only challenge the CFSC or the CRFSC without taking the full classroom course and passing the tests.

Course Materials

There are two course textbooks: The “Canadian Firearms Safety Course” text, for the Non-Restricted portion of the course, and the “Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course” for the Restricted portion of the course. Retailers carrying the texts in the Prince George area include:  Books & Company and the College of New Caledonia bookstore.  The PG Public Library also has copies. An electronic version of the combined text is also available at no cost; click on the link below to view:

Restricted and Non-Restricted Firearms Safety Course Textbook (PDF)

How to Register:  

There are two ways to register for the firearms course. You may register for the next available section of the course online with your credit card via PayPal:

• Non-Restricted Firearms Course ($170)
• Restricted Firearms Add-on ($100)
• Non-Restricted + Restricted Firearms Course ($250)

When you register online, you will be sent confirmation by email within 24 hours.

Alternatively, you may register in person at:

Books and Company

1685 3rd Avenue

Prince George

250 563 6637

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will my PAL last?

PAL’s are usually set to expire on your closest birthday no less than 5 years from issue.  You should receive a renewal notice from the Central Processing Site about 3 months prior to the expiry date.  There is a $60. charge to renew your PAL and an $80. charge if you hold an RPAL in addition to the PAL.   You will be required to provide a current ID photo.  Additional renewal information is available online in the RCMP website.

My POL has expired, what do I do? POL’s are no longer issued in Canada.  If you have a non-expired POL  it is now considered to be a PAL, and it entitles you to purchase and possess firearms and ammunition up to its expiry date.  If you renew your POL prior to its expiry date, it will be automatically be renewed as a PAL.   If you allow your POL to expire, you are required attend  and pass the written and practical tests in order to renew it as a PAL/RPAL.  Test challenges are no longer allowed. Contact us for details.

What is the cost to apply for a PAL/RPAL? When you have passed the exams you may apply to the Canadian Firearms Program for your PAL.  The application fee is $60.  If you apply for the RPAL at the same time, the combined application fee is $80.  If you hold a PAL already and wish at a future date to apply for your RPAL the application fee is $80.  There is a discount on this fee if more than 24 months remains before the expiry date of your PAL.

What age must a person be to acquire a P.A.L.?

• A Minors’ Licence will enable young people to borrow a non-restricted rifle or shotgun for approved purposes such as hunting or target shooting. Generally, the minimum age is 12 years, but exceptions may be made for younger people who need to hunt to sustain themselves and their families. Applicants must have taken the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and passed the test. The fee to renew a minor’s licence is waived.
• Once a person turns 18, they are no longer eligible for a minor’s licence. Instead, they must apply for a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL) and pay the applicable fee.  Fees to renew a licence or modify licence privileges were put into effect in 2013 and 2014.