By Travis Bader, founder of Silvercore Outdoors.
Last updated: 24 October 2026
You cannot apply for your PAL until you pass. The pass mark is 80 percent on each written and each practical exam. At Silvercore you can retest: the retest costs $30 plus tax, covers both the written and practical exams, and you must wait at least one full day after the exam you did not pass and complete your retest within 7 calendar days of that exam. Miss that window and the full course must be retaken, unless the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program grants dispensation. Fail the retest and adults are required to complete the full course again.
What is the pass mark for the PAL exam?
The Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) ends in two tests. The RCMP states that after the in-class instruction, "you will do both a written and a practical test." Anyone wanting to acquire restricted firearms must also take the restricted PAL course (CRFSC) and pass its written and practical tests.
The pass mark is 80 percent on each exam. On Silvercore's PAL course page, each written exam is 50 multiple-choice questions, so you can miss up to 10 and still pass. If you do not reach 80 percent on a written exam, you cannot go on to the practical exam.
Firearms Act section 7(1)(a) ties the training requirement for a licence to completing the course and passing the tests "as administered by an instructor who is designated by a chief firearms officer."
How does a retest work at Silvercore?
Silvercore's retest page sets these rules:
- Cost: $30 plus tax for a CFSC retest, and $30 plus tax for a CRFSC retest.
- Scope: a retest covers both the written and the practical exam.
- Timing: you must wait at least one full day after the exam you did not pass, and complete your retest within 7 calendar days of that exam.
- Booking: retests are by appointment only, so call the office as soon as you can.
- Conditions: the retest is closed book, and no coaching is given during testing.
- Pass mark: 80 percent on both the written and practical exams.
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.
What if I miss the 7-day window?
The retest page states that if you miss the window, the full course must be retaken. It also states: "In extenuating circumstances, a student can receive dispensation from the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program to retest outside that window, granted case by case at the discretion of the RCMP CFP."
What if I fail the retest?
The retest page states that adults are required to complete the full course again.
Who records the result?
The Firearms Act puts test administration in the hands of an instructor designated by a chief firearms officer. The RCMP requires CFSC and CRFSC instructors to submit student information and safety course results through the online MyCFP Portal.
There is no challenge option for the CFSC or CRFSC. You take the full course to write the exams.
How do I prepare for the retest?
- Study the course handbook and work through a practice exam.
- Rehearse the safe handling steps for the practical until you can do each one without prompting.
- Book your retest inside the 7-day window.
Our free PAL practice exam and our guide on how to study for the PAL exam cover the written side.
Book your PAL course
Silvercore's combined PAL course covers the CFSC and CRFSC for $270 plus tax, with all four exams included and classes capped at 12 students. Your retest is free if you bought the online study course before your in-person course, including when you add it at checkout for $44, or if you are a Silvercore Club member.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pass mark for the PAL exam?
The pass mark is 80 percent on each written exam and each practical exam. If you do not reach 80 percent on a written exam, you cannot go on to the practical.
How much does a PAL exam retest cost at Silvercore?
A CFSC or CRFSC retest at Silvercore is $30 plus tax and covers both the written and practical exams. It 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.
Do I have to retake the whole PAL course if I fail?
No, not if you pass a retest within the window. At Silvercore the retest must be completed within 7 calendar days of the exam you did not pass. Miss that window and the full course must be retaken, unless the RCMP Canadian Firearms Program grants dispensation. Fail the retest and adults are required to complete the full course again.
How soon can I retest after failing the PAL exam?
At Silvercore you must wait at least one full day after the exam you did not pass, and complete your retest within 7 calendar days of that exam.
Can I skip the course and challenge the PAL exam?
No. No challenge option exists for the CFSC or CRFSC.
