By Travis Bader, founder of Silvercore Outdoors.
Last updated: 24 October 2026
An online course helps a new gun owner study, and Silvercore's online courses do not replace the in-person Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) or its exams. Under the Firearms Act, PAL eligibility turns on completing the CFSC as given by an instructor designated by a chief firearms officer and passing its tests as administered by one, and the RCMP describes a written and a practical test after in-class instruction. Silvercore's online options are the CFSC study course ($79), PAL Exam Mastery ($39) and a free PAL practice exam, which prepare you for the in-person course, plus online Range User, Range Safety Officer and Bear and Wildlife Defence courses.
What does the law require for a PAL?
Section 7(1) of the Firearms Act states that an individual is eligible to hold a licence only if the individual meets one of five conditions. The first, in paragraph (a), is that the individual "successfully completes the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, as given by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, and passes the tests, as administered by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer, that form part of that Course". The other paragraphs cover tests passed before the Act's commencement day, provincial courses and tests from before 1995, and certain people who held a licence on the commencement day. Subsection 7(4) lists exceptions, including certification by a chief firearms officer in prescribed circumstances.
The RCMP safety courses page states: "First-time licence applicants must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course before applying for a Possession and Acquisition Licence." It describes the CFSC this way: "After the in-class instruction, you will do both a written and a practical test."
How do you judge an online firearms course?
Run these checks on any course page:
- It states plainly that it does not provide PAL certification.
- Its topic list lines up with the CFSC topics on the RCMP safety courses page.
- It names the price and how long you keep access.
- It states what happens if you fail a test at your in-person course.
Which Silvercore online courses prepare you for the PAL course?
Canadian Firearms Safety Study Course (Online), $79. The page states it "combines videos, slides and quizzes to help prepare you for the firearms licence exams of your in-person course." Access lasts a full year from purchase. Its nine topics run from "The Evolution of Firearms, Major Parts, Types and Actions" to "Responsibilities of the Firearms Owner/User" and include care, storage and transport of restricted and non-restricted firearms. The page states: "This course does not provide PAL certification and is used solely as a study tool when taking your in-person course." The online course does not replace the in-person CFSC or its exams.
On a failed test, your retest is free if you bought Silvercore's online study course before your in-person course, including when you add it at checkout, or if you are a Silvercore Club member. The combined PAL course page offers the Online Theory course "for an additional $44 at checkout."
PAL Exam Mastery, $39. The page lists "600 PAL practice questions, 300 non-restricted and 300 restricted," each with an explanation of why the answer is correct. Questions are randomized each time, and access lasts a full year. The page states the course does not provide PAL certification.
Free PAL Practice Exam, $0. Thirty practice questions covering key exam topics, with instant results and a full year of access from sign-up. It carries the same study-tool statement.
Which other Silvercore online courses suit a new gun owner?
Range User Course (Online), $79. It teaches firearms safety fundamentals, common range rules and procedures, emergency procedures, and how to legally transport and store firearms. The page describes it as the foundation to prepare for Silvercore's Range Safety Officer Course.
Range Safety Officer Course (Online), $120. It covers the responsibilities of the RSO and CRO, running and managing the firing line, emergency procedures, malfunctions and legal aspects. The page tells you to contact the range where you want to be authorized "to ensure that this course meets their requirements."
Bear and Wildlife Defence (Online), $89. The page aims it at professionals working in bear territory and at outdoor enthusiasts. It was created in partnership with James Gary Shelton and covers bear psychology, avoidance and encounter strategies, and bear protection devices including bear spray and firearms.
Each of these three pages offers a certificate of completion and a full year of access.
How does the Silvercore Club fit?
The PAL Exam Mastery page states: "Club members get this course and all Silvercore branded online courses free with membership ($59 a year)." Anyone can join the Silvercore Club, with or without a PAL. Members also get regulatory updates by email, the private Outpost podcast, partner discounts and member liability insurance.
Frequently asked questions
Is the online study course required before the in-person PAL course?
No. The CFSC course page states: "Purchasing the Online Theory course is optional and not a requirement prior to your course." The online course is a study tool and does not replace the in-person CFSC or its exams.
Can the Range User Course (Online) replace the PAL course?
No. The Range User Course is a separate online course, and Firearms Act s. 7(1)(a) ties licence eligibility to the Canadian Firearms Safety Course as given by an instructor designated by a chief firearms officer, with its tests administered by one.
Do I have to buy the online study course at the same time as my in-person course?
Yes, for the $44 add-on rate. The CRFSC course page states the add-on "Must be purchased at the same time as your in-person course to redeem discounted rate". Without the online course or a Silvercore Club membership, a CFSC or CRFSC retest costs $30 plus tax and covers both the written and practical exams.
Are the Range User, Range Safety Officer and Bear and Wildlife Defence online courses included with the Silvercore Club?
Yes. Each of the three pages states that Club members receive "all of the Silvercore branded online courses included for free with your membership". The Club is $59 a year.
