How Long Is the PAL Course in Canada?

Instructor demonstrating safe firearm handling to students in a Silvercore classroom

Oct 24, 2026

Information & Education

By Travis Bader, founder of Silvercore Outdoors.

Last updated: 24 October 2026

At Silvercore, the combined PAL course, the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and the restricted PAL course (CRFSC) together, runs two consecutive days or three consecutive evenings, with all four exams included. The CFSC on its own runs two consecutive days. The CRFSC on its own runs one day, and you must complete the CFSC first.

How long is each PAL course option?

Three ways to take the PAL course at Silvercore, from the live course pages:

Combined CFSC and CRFSC: two consecutive days or three consecutive evenings, all four exams included, $270 plus tax. It qualifies you to apply for a PAL with non-restricted and restricted privileges. Combined course page.
CFSC (non-restricted) alone: two consecutive days, both federal exams included, $190 plus tax. It qualifies you to apply for a non-restricted PAL. CFSC course page.
CRFSC (restricted) alone: one day, both federal exams included, $135 plus tax. You must complete the CFSC before taking it. CRFSC course page.

The combined course page states that the course cannot be shortened, and that full attendance is required before you can sit the exams.

Do I have to attend every hour?

Yes. Silvercore's course page states that 100 percent attendance is required for all classes, including the CFSC and CRFSC, because the RCMP sets a minimum number of course hours before testing is permitted. The instructor can turn away a student who arrives late. If you cannot attend the full class, choose another date.

What happens over the two days?

The course starts at the basics: firearm types, common actions, ammunition, safe handling and safe storage. It then covers the federal regulatory framework, the Canadian Firearms Program and what you need to apply for your PAL. Students practise hands-on with deactivated firearms. The CFSC and CRFSC are non-firing courses, and no range time is part of them.

On the two-day format, the course page states that Day 1 has a lunch break around 12:45 of approximately 45 minutes to one hour. Day 2 runs differently because of the exam schedule, so bring snacks for the short breaks. Meals and beverages are not provided.

How do the exams work?

The RCMP states that after the in-class instruction, you do both a written and a practical test, and that anyone wanting to acquire restricted firearms must also take the CRFSC and pass its written and practical tests.

On Silvercore's course page, the combined course has four exams: CFSC written, CFSC practical, CRFSC written and CRFSC practical. Each written exam is 50 multiple-choice questions. The pass mark is 80 percent on each exam, and if you do not reach 80 percent on a written exam, you cannot go on to the practical exam. A failed exam can be retested under the rules on our retest page.

There is no challenge option. You take the full course to write the exams. A course taken outside Canada does not satisfy the PAL training requirement.

How many students are in a class?

Silvercore caps PAL classes at 12 students.

Can I do part of the PAL course online?

The course and its exams are in person, and Silvercore's online material prepares you for them. Silvercore's CFSC/CRFSC online study course covers the theoretical portion of both courses through videos, slides and quizzes, with a full year of access from purchase. The page states: "This course does not provide PAL certification and is used solely as a study tool when taking your in-person course." It does not replace the in-person course or its exams.

Pricing from the live course pages:

Online study course alone: $79.
Added at checkout with an in-person course: $44. Your retest is free if you bought the online study course before your in-person course, including when you add it at checkout, or if you are a Silvercore Club member.
Silvercore Club members: all Silvercore branded online courses are included with the $59 annual membership.

How long does the licence take after the course?

Plan on two to four months after the RCMP receives a complete application, and three to six months from the day you book your course to the day the card arrives. Regulations under the Firearms Act set a minimum 28-day waiting period for first-time applicants, and the Canadian Firearms Program service standard is 35 calendar days to complete the initial review once your application is received. Online applications are processed faster than mailed ones.

Frequently asked questions

How many days is the PAL course?

At Silvercore, the combined CFSC and CRFSC course runs two consecutive days or three consecutive evenings. The CFSC alone runs two consecutive days, and the CRFSC alone runs one day.

Can I take the PAL course in one day?

No. The CFSC runs two consecutive days at Silvercore. Only the restricted course (CRFSC) runs in one day, and you must complete the CFSC before taking it.

Can I take the PAL course fully online?

No. The CFSC and CRFSC and their exams are taken in person. Silvercore's online study course page states: "This course does not provide PAL certification and is used solely as a study tool when taking your in-person course." It does not replace the in-person exams.

How many students are in a Silvercore PAL class?

Silvercore caps PAL classes at 12 students.

How long after the PAL course do I get my licence?

Plan on two to four months after the RCMP receives a complete application, and three to six months from the day you book your course to the day the card arrives.

The Silvercore Path

Book your course. The combined PAL course covers the CFSC and CRFSC for $270 plus tax, with all four exams included. Bring one piece of government-issued photo ID and a pen and notepad. Silvercore supplies everything else, including the training firearms and the CFSC manual.