By Travis Bader, founder of Silvercore Outdoors.
Last updated: 24 October 2026
A new hunter in BC needs a course that meets two legal tests: section 17(1) of the Wildlife Act bars a person from applying for or being issued a hunting licence without passing approved examinations about conservation, outdoor recreation and safety, and a hunter who uses a firearm needs a federal firearms licence. CORE meets the first test and the PAL course meets the second. Silvercore teaches CORE in person, runs the CORE exam challenge, sells the BC Wildlife Federation's online CORE course, and teaches the PAL course.
What does BC require of a new resident hunter?
- Hunter education exams. Section 17(1) of the Wildlife Act states: "A person may not apply for or be issued a hunting licence unless the person has successfully completed examinations, approved by the director, about conservation, outdoor recreation and safety." The province's list of acceptable documents for WILD credentials names the "Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Education (CORE) certificate" as a hunter safety training document.
- A Fish and Wildlife ID. The province's B.C. resident hunting page states: "All resident hunters must have a Fish and Wildlife ID and hunting credentials."
- A firearms licence. The same page states: "As a resident of B.C., you need a federal firearms licence (PAL or POL) in order to legally possess firearms here." Under section 7(1)(a) of the Firearms Act, licence eligibility turns on completing the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and passing its tests, each as given or administered by an instructor designated by a chief firearms officer.
Which Silvercore course meets the hunter education requirement?
CORE Hunter Education Course, in person. "Two days, $210 plus tax, written and practical exams included." The course consists of at least 16 hours of instruction with testing after. It runs at the Silvercore training facility in Delta, BC, and in Langley, Victoria, Nanaimo, Parksville and the Comox Valley. Topics include hunting regulations, animals and birds of British Columbia, firearm handling and archery equipment, and Indigenous Peoples and hunting in BC. The page states: "This course earns the hunter education credential that BC adds to your Fish and Wildlife ID (FWID)."
CORE has no firearms licence prerequisite, and the minimum age is 10. Pass marks are 68 of 90 on the written exam and 23 of 30 on the practical firearms handling exam.
CORE Hunter Education Course (Online), $98. The page describes it as the B.C. Wildlife Federation online course, and the price includes the mandatory $30 graduation certificate fee. The page states: "After the online course you complete the written exam and the practical firearms handling test with a qualified examiner." That exam fee is separate and paid to your examiner.
CORE Hunter Education Course Challenge, $30. The page describes the challenge as for people who already know the material. A practical exam, where required, adds a $30 fee. Challenges are by appointment at the Silvercore Classroom in Delta, and the page highly recommends completing the BCWF approved online CORE course first.
To practise for any of the three, the free CORE Exam Study Guide has 300 practice questions. Its page states: "It does not provide CORE certification."
Which Silvercore course leads to the firearms licence?
The PAL course. The Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) is $190 plus tax and runs over two consecutive days, with both federal exams included. Its page states it is the RCMP-approved course required to apply for a non-restricted PAL. The combined CFSC and CRFSC course is $270 plus tax and adds restricted privileges.
CORE and the PAL course are separate bookings. The CORE page states: "The RCMP Firearms Program dictates that the CFSC/CRFSC course cannot be combined with any other courses."
Does the order matter?
The CORE page states that if you have already taken the CFSC you can be exempted from the CORE practical examination, provided you supply your CFSC Course Report as proof. The page also states: "A PAL card alone is not accepted as proof of exemption under BCWF rules."
What comes after CORE and the PAL?
Live-fire courses are optional next steps for PAL holders.
- Rifle Marksmanship Fundamentals (RF1): $470 plus tax. The page describes "a one-day range course" that introduces novice and intermediate shooters to centrefire rifle marksmanship for hunting, target practice, competition or work. Topics include shooting positions, sighting in your rifle, distance estimation and the effect of wind, and zeroing at multiple distances. Registration asks for a valid PAL number, and you bring your own rifle and ammunition.
- Bear and Wildlife Defence (BR1): $470 plus tax. The page describes "a one-day, on-range bear defence shotgun course". Registration asks for a valid non-restricted PAL number, and firearm rentals and ammunition are not provided.
Range venues vary by course date. Silvercore's live-fire courses are typically held in Langley, Pitt Meadows and Chilliwack, and have run at ranges throughout BC. The range for your date is confirmed when you book.
The Silvercore Club is $59 a year, and anyone can join, with or without a PAL. The Bear and Wildlife Defence (Online) page states that members "receive all of the Silvercore branded online courses included for free with your membership".
Frequently asked questions
Should I take CORE or the PAL course first?
Either order works at Silvercore: CORE has no firearms licence prerequisite, and the CFSC page states "no prior experience is required". Taking the CFSC first lets you claim the exemption from the CORE practical exam with your CFSC Course Report. The two courses are booked separately because the RCMP Firearms Program does not allow the CFSC/CRFSC to be combined with other courses.
Can I skip the CORE course and write the CORE exams only?
Yes, through the CORE challenge. The challenge page describes it as for people who already know the material, books it by appointment at the Silvercore Classroom in Delta, and highly recommends completing the BCWF approved online CORE course first.
Is RF1 required to get a BC hunting licence?
No. Wildlife Act s. 17(1) requires passing examinations approved by the director about conservation, outdoor recreation and safety, and the province lists the CORE certificate as a hunter safety training document. RF1 is an optional live-fire course that asks for a valid PAL number at registration.
