FAQ & Videos

Any person in Canada over 12 years old can take the CFSC or CRFSC. Minors need a consent form from a parent or guardian. The CFSC is open to age 12+; the CRFSC is recommended for those 18+ though the age minimum is 12.

Yes. There is no citizenship or residency requirement to take the CFSC or CRFSC. Temporary visitors, permanent residents, and international students are all welcome as long as they meet the age requirement (12+) and minors have parental consent.

SAMS Training is not involved with the PAL screening or application process and cannot predict whether you will qualify. That decision rests entirely with the RCMP. Applicants with a crime-free background and stable lifestyle are generally approved. Criminal history, violence, substance abuse, or certain mental health and financial issues may result in denial. Contact the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program at 1-800-731-4000 for guidance.

Go to the Register page, open the course calendar, select an available date, and follow the steps to pay your deposit through Acuity Scheduling. You do not need a PayPal account — credit cards and debit are accepted. Check your spam folder for confirmation emails from sam@samstraining.ca. You can change your date at no cost up to 48 hours before the course.

Several reasons: the PAL takes a minimum of 2–3 months after the course, spots are capped at 12 students per session (weekends fill fast), firearms regulations have been tightening and the restricted licence may become harder to obtain, hunting season demand spikes September through December, and taking both courses together is significantly cheaper than returning later for the second one.

No private 1-on-1 instruction. Courses run with a minimum of 9 and a maximum of 12 students. Private group sessions are available if you have 12 people who register and pay in full — contact SAMS Training directly. All courses are held at the Markham classroom only.

Yes. The course reservation deposit is paid via PayPal (no PayPal account required). The remaining course balance is paid in cash on course day.

80 Esna Park Drive, Unit #15, Markham, ON, L3R 2R6 — near Steeles Avenue East and Highway 404. Free parking is available on site.

Bring pens or highlighters, water, snacks, and a full lunch — you’re there for 8 to 12 hours and lunch is not provided. In winter, bring indoor shoes or slippers. Also bring your government-issued photo ID and the remaining course fee in cash after your deposit. There is no dress code.

Yes. Free parking is available on site at 80 Esna Park Drive, Unit #15.

No. SAMS Training does not have its own live-fire shooting range. All practical training, including the practical exam, is conducted safely in the classroom. Once you have your PAL, see the shooting clubs section below for where to shoot.

If you’re new, take both the CFSC and CRFSC together. It’s cheaper ($450.40 combined vs $495.60 if booked separately), faster, and gives you access to both non-restricted and restricted firearms. Every past student who took only one course has wished they’d done both at the same time. The only exception: if you already hold a valid non-restricted PAL, you can take the CRFSC on its own.

Yes — but only if you already hold a valid non-restricted PAL, or have already completed the CFSC. First-time applicants must complete the CFSC (or both together) before the CRFSC counts toward licensing.

All prices are all-in — HST, examination fees, and the course textbook included. CFSC only: $258.30. CRFSC only: $237.30. Both courses together (within 30 days): $450.40 — a saving of over $45 versus booking separately. Active CAF members and veterans should ask about a discount when registering.

CFSC (non-restricted): 8am to approximately 8pm — about 12 hours total including 8 hours of training, a one-hour lunch break around 1pm, five-minute breaks every hour, and testing. CRFSC (restricted): approximately 7 hours total with similar structure. When taking both, they’re done on two separate days within a 30-day window.

No. SAMS Training only offers the CFSC and CRFSC. For Ontario hunter education, visit ohep.net or huntercourse.com/canada/ontario. For general hunting information in Ontario, visit the Ministry of Natural Resources at ontario.ca/page/hunting.

Fluency is not required, but the entire course — lectures, slideshow, textbook, and both exams — is conducted in English (or French). If your English is weak, the course will be very difficult to pass. The written exam is available in English or French. No other languages are supported, and no interpreters or electronic translation devices are permitted during the exam.

No. Textbooks, notebooks, cellphones, smartphones, and all electronic devices are prohibited during the written exam. The written test has approximately 50 questions — 35 true/false and 15 multiple choice — with a maximum 3-hour time limit (most people finish in under an hour). Minimum passing mark is 80% (40/50). The practical exam is done one-on-one with an instructor and takes 15–20 minutes.

Yes, but most people pass on their first try at SAMS Training. Common reasons for failing: weak English comprehension, not paying attention during class, or not grasping key safety concepts. The test is designed for the general public — if you stay engaged through the day, you’ll be prepared.

About the same level as a driver’s education class. Children as young as 12 can take it. The material is designed for the general public with no prior firearms knowledge assumed. Pay attention in class and you’ll be well-prepared for both exams.

Not required, but reading Module 5 (ammunition) before the course is recommended — it’s the longest technical chapter and the extra prep helps. The manual is available to download from samstraining.ca.

No. There is no official online program provided by the Firearms Safety Education Service of Ontario (FSESO). The course must be taken in person. Any “online course” claiming to satisfy the CFSC or CRFSC requirement is not recognized by the RCMP.

Minimum 2–3 months, maximum up to a year, depending on your background check and province. After completing the course you receive your course report, then wait 6–8 weeks for an RCMP notification email, then apply online (preferred) or by mail, then wait for processing. Sam walks you through the exact application steps on course day.

Online application is preferred and faster. You’ll need: a valid email, two government-issued IDs, your course report, a digital photo meeting PAL specifications (different from a passport photo — see PAL photo specs at samstraining.ca), credit or debit for the fee, and email addresses for two references and any conjugal partners. Fees: $83.40 for combined non-restricted + restricted; $62.55 for non-restricted only. If you lose your course report, email info@fseso.org with your name, date of birth, course date, and instructor name (Sam Kim ON#1237).

The PAL expires every 5 years on your birthday. Renewal costs approximately $60–$80. You only need to retake the course if you let your licence lapse for an extended period or receive a court order requiring retraining.

Non-restricted firearms are most rifles and shotguns — legal to buy, transport, and use for hunting and sport with a PAL. Restricted firearms were primarily handguns and certain semi-automatic rifles — legal to own if previously acquired, but subject to strict transport and storage rules, and purchase of new restricted handguns has been frozen since October 2022. Many firearms previously classified as restricted were reclassified as prohibited in December 2024.

With a non-restricted PAL: acquire, buy, trade, inherit, and collect non-restricted firearms; purchase ammunition; hunt with applicable provincial licences; shoot at clubs and ranges; and compete in shooting sports. With a restricted RPAL (where applicable): own and use previously acquired restricted firearms at approved CFO ranges. Note: as of December 6, 2024, there are no restricted firearms you can legally purchase new in Canada.

No. As of October 22, 2022, the Government of Canada implemented a handgun transfer freeze — it is illegal to buy, sell, trade, or inherit a restricted handgun. However, it is still legal to own and use handguns you already possessed before that date. Licensed owners who had handguns before October 21, 2022 can keep and shoot them at approved ranges.

Several reasons: you can still legally own, shoot, and borrow existing restricted handguns; government policy could change with a future administration; taking both courses together is significantly cheaper than coming back for the second course later; and some students simply want to preserve their future options. Getting the licence while it’s still being offered keeps doors open that may later close.

Yes. SAMS Training continues to offer the CRFSC. All FSESO instructors have been given direction to continue teaching the restricted firearms safety course. Whether or how long this continues is subject to future government decisions.

Unknown — it depends on future government changes. Multiple bans and restrictions have been introduced in recent years, and the political landscape for Canadian firearms owners has been increasingly restrictive. Getting your restricted licence while it is still being offered keeps options open that may later close.

Yes — as long as you are under the direct and immediate supervision (within arm’s reach) of a licensed adult who holds a PAL for that class of firearm, and you are shooting in a place where it is both safe and legal to do so.

No. A PAL allows you to own firearms but hunting requires additional steps: you must complete the Ontario Hunter Education Program (OHEP) course, obtain an Outdoors Card, and get the applicable licences and tags for your target species. You can hunt without a PAL using archery equipment or pellet/BB guns under 500 fps, provided you have the OHEP and Outdoors Card.

At shooting clubs and ranges (membership usually required), private property with the owner’s permission where it is safe and legal, in competitions, or on crown land where discharging firearms is permitted. Restricted firearms (handguns) may only be used at CFO-approved ranges.

Paper target shooting (rifles, shotguns, handguns at ranges), clay target sports (skeet, trap, 5-stand, sporting clays), plinking, and competitive precision shooting disciplines (rimfire, centrefire, F-Class, service rifle, multi-gun). Handgun action shooting sports — IPSC, IDPA, PPC — are also available at approved ranges for RPAL holders with existing restricted firearms.

Yes. Initial setup typically runs around $1,000 to get properly equipped. Ongoing costs include club membership fees and ammunition. Like most sports, the best approach is to try it first — visit a range as a guest with a licensed friend before investing in gear. People with good hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and patience tend to do well.

Search Google Maps for “gun store” or “firearms store” near you, or browse canadiangunnutz.com for a dealer directory. Always bring your PAL when purchasing and follow all transport and storage regulations.

Not to start. You can hunt with archery equipment or air guns under 500 fps without a PAL, provided you complete the Ontario Hunter Education Program (OHEP) and obtain an Outdoors Card. But if you want to hunt with a firearm, you need a PAL and the applicable provincial hunting licences and tags.

Search Google Maps for shooting clubs or ranges near you, then contact them directly during operating hours to ask about membership. Most clubs require a valid PAL before joining. Membership typically includes range access and sometimes coaching or competitive shooting programs.

Try before you invest. Visit a range as a guest under a licensed friend’s supervision, or use a range’s rental firearms. People who tend to do well have good hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, patience, and mechanical aptitude — none of which require experience. Most shooters were beginners once.

The RCMP Canadian Firearms Program website is the authoritative source: rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/firearms. You can also reach them at 1-800-731-4000, Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm. For questions about minor’s licences, call the same number and ask for extension 7548.

Email: sam@samstraining.ca · Phone: +1 (416) 409-2401 · Instagram: @samstraining.ca · Address: 80 Esna Park Drive, Unit #15, Markham, ON, L3R 2R6. Note that email responses are intended only for the recipient and unauthorized forwarding is prohibited per their correspondence policy.