CFSC course prep

Last reviewed: Pending owner review

Before the day

• Confirm the date, start time and location in your booking email
• Plan your travel to arrive at least 15 minutes early
• Arrange lunch, or bring money for it
• Get a proper sleep — it is a full day of new information

Worth reviewing in advance

If you want to arrive with a head start, get comfortable with the safe-handling acronyms ACTS and PROVE. Everything else is taught in class from the beginning.

What to bring

• Government-issued photo identification
• Pen and notepad
• Water, a snack and a lunch
• Comfortable clothing you can move in

Do not bring personal firearms or ammunition. Everything needed for the practical work is supplied.

Study ahead (optional)

The official Canadian Firearms Safety Course Student Handbook is free to download from the Government of Canada: download the handbook (PDF). Reading it before class helps, but it is not required; the course works through the material in plain language. There is no need to print it; you receive a copy of the handbook as part of your course package.

This is the 2014 edition. Some laws have changed since it was published; your instructor covers the current rules in class.

How the tests work

There is a written test and a practical handling test. We run through the practical steps repeatedly during the day, so the evaluation is a repeat of what you have already practised. See what to expect for the full course-day format.

You need at least 80% on each test to pass. If you do not pass, see the CFSC course page for how rewrites work.

If you are nervous

Most students in the room have never handled a firearm either. Ask questions early, ask them often, and tell your instructor if something has not clicked yet.

Ready to book? View upcoming course dates or read about the CFSC.