For rifles and shotguns (non-restricted firearms) you must complete The Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
- you must be 18 years of age
- A candidate must successfully complete a written exam and a practical handling test and obtain a mark of 80% or more on each test.
Candidates may attend an 8-hour training course and then take the tests.
OR
May self-study the training manual and then “challenge” the tests.
It is recommended that novices attend the course in order to prepare for the testing.
Upon successful completion of the training course an application form must be completed. This requires a passport photo, with a verification signature and two references. Each application takes 45 days or more for processing.
SPECIAL NOTE
The Provinces of Quebec and Manitoba each provided for a grandfathering of other qualifications as an alternative training for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
If you successfully completed the Manitoba Hunter Safety Course, the IPSC Black Badge training or the Manitoba Junior Rifle Training Program, before April 1, 1994, you may be eligible for CFSC non-restricted qualification.
WAIVER OF FEES
The government of Canada has recently extended a waiver of fees deadline until May 17, 2010. If you are applying for a Renewal of your PAL or POL, or applying for a PAL or upgrade and have held any previous POL, or PAL, you may qualify for a waiver of fees.