By Travis Bader, founder of Silvercore Outdoors.
Last updated: 24 October 2026
WATC proof of proficiency is the live-fire test required with an application for an Authorization to Carry for wilderness work, shot on the firearm you intend to carry. Under the British Columbia and Yukon standard as stated in Silvercore's Authorization to Carry guide, you pass by scoring 15 hits out of every 18 rounds fired for each shooting position, standing and kneeling at 5, 10 and 15 metres, six rounds per firing position at each distance within 20 seconds, drawing from a holster with a retention device, with a minimum calibre of .357 Magnum. The same guide states that a qualified administrator runs the test and submits every result to the Chief Firearms Officer.
What does WATC mean?
WATC is a common shorthand. The term does not appear in the Firearms Act. The Act has one Authorization to Carry, available under section 20 to an individual whose licence authorizes them to possess a restricted firearm and who needs a particular restricted firearm or handgun "(a) to protect their life or the life of other individuals; or (b) for use in connection with their lawful profession or occupation."
The wilderness one is issued for a lawful profession or occupation under section 20(b), in the circumstance set out in SOR/98-207 section 3(b): "the individual is working in a remote wilderness area and firearms are required for the protection of the life of that individual or of other individuals from wild animals." The Chief Firearms Officer issues it under section 57. Protection-of-life ATCs under section 20(a) are issued by the Commissioner of Firearms under section 57.1.
Eligibility, the application process and fees are in Silvercore's Authorization to Carry guide.
Does the law set the test?
No. Section 4 of SOR/98-207 makes training "in firearms proficiency and the use of force" a condition of issue for section 2 and paragraph 3(a): protection of life, and the protection of cash or other goods of substantial value. Section 4 does not list paragraph 3(b), wilderness work. The Regulations name no calibre.
Silvercore's Authorization to Carry guide states that the wilderness standard it sets out is the one published by the Chief Firearms Officer for British Columbia and Yukon, and that other provinces and territories set their own, so confirm with the Chief Firearms Officer for your jurisdiction.
One holster rule is in the Regulations. Section 6 requires every ATC issued under section 20(b) to carry the condition "that the individual carry the restricted firearm or prohibited handgun in a holster."
Who can administer the test?
Silvercore's Authorization to Carry guide states that the administrator "must hold a valid PAL for restricted firearms at the time of the administration" and must also be a range safety officer, a member of an approved shooting range executive, or an instructor for a recognized firearms course or discipline. The administrator submits every result to the Chief Firearms Officer, pass or fail.
What is the BC and Yukon wilderness standard?
The standard as stated in Silvercore's Authorization to Carry guide:
- Firearm: the firearm you test with must be the firearm you intend to carry.
- Calibre: minimum .357 Magnum.
- Ammunition: similar muzzle velocity, calibre and bullet weight to the ammunition you intend to carry in the field.
- Holster: worn on a belt around the waist, outside your clothing, with at least one strap and snap closure, completely covering the trigger. A retention device is required. Shoulder and cross-draw holsters are not permitted.
- Positions and distances: standing and kneeling at each of 5, 10 and 15 metres.
- Rounds and time: six rounds per firing position at each distance, unsupported, within 20 seconds, in one continuous motion.
- Target: a scoring circle with a 23 cm (9 inch) radius. Steel targets are not permitted.
- Pass mark: 15 hits out of every 18 rounds fired for each shooting position.
- Handling: a separate pass or fail on preparing the firearm and magazine or speed loader safely, holstering safely, and drawing and firing smoothly.
What happens if you miss the mark?
Under the same standard, failing a shooting position means you retest that position at all three distances. You get a maximum of two retests per distance. Fail after three attempts at any distance and you cannot attempt the assessment again for at least 30 days.
How do you take the test with Silvercore?
Silvercore's Wilderness Authorization to Carry (ATC) course is $470 plus tax. The Authorization to Carry guide states that Silvercore has run its Wilderness ATC program since 1994 and administers this test as a one-day live-fire course. Registration requires proof of valid employment and a valid restricted PAL number, with exceptions possible for active law enforcement officers.
Firearm rentals and ammunition are not provided. You test on your personal field pistol and bring 3 or more magazines (or 3 speed loaders for revolvers), a belt holster that covers the trigger guard and a minimum of 200 rounds with no steel jackets.
If successful, you receive a Certificate of Attendance outlining the topics covered for your employer, and ATC forms to send to the Canadian Firearms Program.
Book the Wilderness ATC course with the handgun, holster and ammunition you will carry in the field.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the test with a different handgun from the one I will carry?
No. Silvercore's Authorization to Carry guide states that the firearm you test with must be the firearm you intend to carry, and the Wilderness ATC course page requires students to test on their personal field pistol.
Does the administrator report a failed attempt?
Yes. The administrator submits every result to the Chief Firearms Officer, pass or fail, according to Silvercore's Authorization to Carry guide.
Can I list two handguns on one wilderness ATC?
Yes. Silvercore's Authorization to Carry guide states that a maximum of two firearms can be listed on an ATC, and each one requires its own Proof of Proficiency.
Does Silvercore supply the handgun and ammunition for the test?
No. The Wilderness ATC course page states that neither firearm rentals nor ammunition are provided for this live fire course, so you bring your own handgun, holster and a minimum of 200 rounds.
Is a shoulder holster allowed for the proficiency test?
No. Under the British Columbia and Yukon standard stated in Silvercore's Authorization to Carry guide, the holster must be worn on a belt around the waist, outside your clothing, and shoulder and cross-draw holsters are not permitted.
