PAL Licensing Courses

BC FIREARMS ACADEMY

Locations in Abbotsford, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey and Victoria

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BC LIVE-FIRE ACADEMY

BC's Most Experienced Live-Fire Instructors

Our Firearms Instructors are industry professionals who will guide you through a unique training experience unmatched in the industry.

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FLEXIBLE DATES & TIMES

PAL & RPAL COURSES

NON RESTICTED & RESTICTED ONLY COURESES

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CALENDAR

CORE Hunter
Education Courses

Fish & Wildlife ID (FWID)

Trusted for over 17 years our reviews speak for themselves. If you are looking for a professional training experience look no further than BC FIrearms Academy

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BC FIREARMS ACADEMY

CABELA'S PAL & HUNTING COURSES

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CALENDAR

The BC Firearms Academy is proud to offer a full line of firearms, hunting, and workplace safety courses, with local business partners like Cabela's.

365 DAYS FOR $30

Transfer Restricted Rifles and Handguns

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Affordable! Flexible! and Fast!

Gun Club Membership

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Find the perfect date for your Firearms Safety Course or CORE Hunter Education Course.

PAL & RPAL Courses

Get licensed to own and use firearms in Canada. Start with the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (PAL) and add the Restricted course (RPAL) if needed.

Hunting Seminar

Already Have Your PAL? Join our one-day Hunting Seminar and CORE Challenge to complete your hunter education, take the exams, and get ready to hunt in BC.

JOB CERTIFICATION

Are you applying for Canada Border Service Agency (CBSA), Armoured Car Companies, mineral exploration, forestry, film & theatre companies or wildlife management? We can help get you on your way!

LATEST NEWS

ALL ABOUT BC FIREARMS ACADEMY

August 15, 2026

How Long Is the PAL Course in Canada?

CANADIAN FIREARMS SAFETY COURSE How Long Is the PAL Course in Canada? At BC Firearms Academy, the non-restricted Canadian Firearms Safety ...

Eric Beer 0 89

August 13, 2026

Rifle Sight-In in Abbotsford, BC – Get Ready for Hunting Season

HUNTING SEASON 2026 Rifle Sight-In in Abbotsford, BC Get your hunting rifle and scope checked before you head into the field. Tuesday Evenings ...

Eric Beer 0 168

August 12, 2026

BC Firearms Academy Expands Its Free PAL & Canadian Firearms Safety Course Study Guide

BC FIREARMS ACADEMY • FREE STUDY RESOURCES Our Free PAL Study Guide BC Firearms Academy has been rebuilding and expanding our free Canadian ...

Eric Beer 0 92

August 12, 2026

Can You Keep a Firearm Ready for Bear Defence in Canada?

BC FIREARMS ACADEMY • FIREARMS LAW & WILDERNESS SAFETY Can You Keep a Firearm Ready for Bear Defence in Canada? Canada has specific ...

Eric Beer 0 181

June 30, 2026

2026–2028 BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Synopsis: Complete Hunter’s Guide

NEW • EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2026 2026–2028 BC Hunting & Trapping Regulations Guide Everything British Columbia hunters need to understand ...

Eric Beer 0 504

June 23, 2026

Is a Firearm in a Case Considered Concealed in Canada?

🇨🇦 Canadian Firearms Law Explained Is a Firearm in a Case Considered Concealed in Canada? Many Canadian firearm owners wonder whether ...

Eric Beer 0 460

June 15, 2026

Can You Challenge the PAL Course in Canada?

CANADIAN FIREARMS LICENSING Can You Challenge the PAL Course in Canada? Learn what changed under Bill C-42, why challenge exams were ...

Eric Beer 0 346

June 9, 2026

Firearms Amnesty Extended in Canada: June 2026 Update on the 2020 Firearms Ban

June 2026 Firearms Law Update Canada Extends Amnesty for Prohibited Firearms and ASFCP Compliance Public Safety Canada has announced that the ...

Eric Beer 0 424

June 8, 2026

IBI DEUCE 2.0 Review: Canada’s Ultimate NRL22 and PRS Rimfire Action

NRL22 • PRS Rimfire • Precision Rifle Competition DEUCE 2.0 Review: The Canadian Rimfire Action Built for NRL22 and PRS Rimfire The DEUCE ...

Eric Beer 0 419

June 7, 2026

What Is the WATC Course of Fire? Understanding the Proof of Proficiency Assessment

What Is The WATC Course Of Fire? Learn exactly what is required to pass the Wilderness Authorization to Carry (WATC) Proof of Proficiency ...

Eric Beer 0 287

June 5, 2026

How To Search The RCMP Firearms Reference Table (FRT)

BC Firearms Academy Resource Guide How To Search The RCMP Firearms Reference Table (FRT) Learn how to search the Firearms Reference Table, ...

Eric Beer 0 486

June 2, 2026

What Are My Chances of Winning the LEH Draw in BC?

BC LIMITED ENTRY HUNTING What Are My Chances of Winning the LEH Draw in BC? Every hunter wants to know their odds. Learn how the BC LEH draw ...

Eric Beer 0 360

June 2, 2026

What Happens If I Win the LEH Draw in BC?

BC HUNTING EDUCATION What Happens If I Win the LEH Draw in BC? Congratulations. Now it is time to understand your authorization, check the ...

Eric Beer 0 289

ABOUT BC FIREARMS ACADEMY

Firearms Safety & CORE Hunter Courses - How to buy a gun in Canada

ABOUT US

British Columbia's most experienced team of firearms educators and safety educators.

OUR MISSION

As one of Canada's leading firearms training schools, The British Columbia Firearms Academy creates an exceptional learning environment that fosters universal interest in all disciplines of firearms, outdoor safety, advances a civil and sustainable firearms community, and supports partnerships to serve the firearms community of British Columbia and Canada.

OUR VISION

BC Firearms Academy, through its students, instructors, staff, and alumni strives for excellence and educates students to the highest standards.

OUR STRATEGY

The BC Firearms Academy embodies the highest standards of service and stewardship of training new shooters and professionals and works within the wider community to enhance societal good.

I'm currently taking the CORE Hunter Education course. The course is informative and the material is delivered in a clear, concise manner. The instructor Eric is awesome and always incorporates humor which keeps the class' attention and makes for a fun learning environment.

LYNDSAY WILIAMS

CORE Hunter Education Student

Took the CFSC Non-Restricted and Restricted course with my wife this past weekend. I can not speak highly enough of the instructor Eric Beer. He was charismatic, funny, knowledgable, articulate, and overall an incredible instructor. His knowledge of firearms is astonishing and had an answer for everything. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is looking to learn more about firearms, wanting to get into shooting as a sport or for hunting. The deactivated guns to practice with were a great asset, especially for my wife. She found it very comforting and stress relieving to have them available. The various firearms to PROVE were very helpful.

FATMA BADRY

CFSC / CRFSC Student

FATMA BADRY

CFSC / CRFSC Student

Great educational experience with Eric Beer!

Rachel N Edward

CFSC / CRFSC Student

Had an amazing time with Eric as our teacher in Abbotsford. He made the course interesting and understandable. Thanks so much for helping me get my PAL.

Jordan Lehbauer

PAL Course Student

Had an awesome time taking the Cfsc an crfsc course eric made it very easy to learn an had us all laughing

Jessica Hagen

PAL Course Student

Just completed my CFSC/CRFSC training. Eric is a top rate instructor, with a voice of an angel. He offered loads of fantastic knowledge, All together was a great course.

Josh Lowen

CFSC / CRFSC Student

I took the CFSC and CRFSC courses this past weekend, and really quite enjoyed it. As you would expect the course prepared us very well for the written and practical examination, but more importantly the instructor, Eric Beer, was very personable, clearly very experienced, and had a number of really interesting anecdotal stories that "brought it all to life". The course was a lot more fun than I would have thought as a result. I and my friends that attended are already talking about scheduling our CORE course through BC Firearms Academy.

Jame Healy

PAL Course Student

I just took the PAL and CORE last week. Coming from someone that had little knowledge about guns and hunting, these courses did not seem overwhelming at all. You work at a pace that suits you, no matter the size of the class. If you have questions about anything, there is plenty of time to ask. You will not be disappointed.

Chris Wigston

CFSC / CRFSC Student

Just completed my combined PAL/RPAL Course with Eric. The course was held at Cabelas in Abbotsford. Great choice! Every break we had, we went and looked at Guns! Couldn’t be any better, the two days were super enjoyable and informative ( it helped that Eric has the “voice of an angle and the comedic presence of - insert your favourite comedian!”) All in all, great company to get trained by and I’m looking forward to booking my Core.

Spike Wallace

PAL Course Student

I took the PAL course with Eric Beer, one of the best instructors of any kind I've had. He was not only informative but he kept the course as interesting as he could with stories and examples that are memorable. The paperwork required to get my PAL was explained thoroughly to minimize any hiccups in the process and I got my PAL much earlier than my friends who applied independently.

AMADA NAWER

CFSC / CRFSC Student

I completed the CORE course with Eric, was very fascinating picking at his head and learning some useful material. highly recommend it.

LAURA GRE

CORE Student

I have to say Eric Beer is one of the best instructors I have ever had. I have taken many courses over the years, but he is one to remember. His pleasant demeanour and enthusiasm is second to none. You can tell that he loves his job. He made sure everything was perfectly clear with his taught material. I feel as though I came out knowing alot more than I went in with. I look forward to signing up for anoth one of his courses.

Steven Carrao

CORE Student

I completed the 2 day combined CFSC/CRFSC course for restricted and non-restricted firearms today and found it very informative; lots of hands of practice to help get the safe handling of the firearms down and to help tie in the theory taught in class. Eric did a fantastic job teaching everything you need to know about safe handling of firearms and his enthusiasm definitely makes you want to learn more! Highly recommended for anyone who's interested in firearms as a hobby to someone who wants to get serious in competition, hunting, or collecting!

Hansen Ginn

PAL Course Student

The courses are very interesting and very fun. The instructors are very approachable and friendly and fun.

Jun Chae

PAL Course Student

I took the Restricted/ Unrestricted Firearms possession/acquisition course and had a great time. The instructor (Eric) was extremely knowledgeable and personable

MARIA LIND

PAL Course Student

Eric Beer was an extremely welcoming and well-versed instructor. He ensured to make things crystal clear and connected the course material to real-life situations to make it more memorable. If anyone was looking to get into firearms I would highly recommend this group.

Aaron Breg

PAL Course Student

Instructor, is very informative, makes the course interesting, lots of laughs, but all the information you need. Keeps you paying attention the whole time. Whether you have no background information or tons, you will learn valuable information and be able to pass the test. The one day CORE is fantastic if you already have your PAL. Would recommend the course to everyone

Ryan Loberg

CORE Hunter Education Student

Eric's voice was...wait for it...ANGELIC! And the course was LEGENDARY. In all seriousness, Eric was able to teach us firearms safety and everything in the CORE course in a fun way. The classes are long (as per government regulations) so you want to have a teacher that can help make things more exciting.

Andrea Clemente

CORE Hunter Course Student

Myself and 2 of my coworkers took the PAL course offered by BC Firearms Academy. We all felt it was a very enjoyable 2 days. Great interpersonal skills provided by the instructor, as well as a knack for making his students comfortable. All relevant information, plus plenty of laughs, were provided. Plenty of hands-on time helped immensely during the practical examination. I recommend anyone even thinking about getting their PAL to sign up immediately. Bob

Bob Floris

PAL Course Student

Took my CORE through these guys found it extremely informative and thorough. It seemed like one on one training even though there were 8 of us in the class. I found BCFA through Cabela's in Abbotsford as they host the courses there. probably the easiest people to ask the "stupid" questions and feel like they are valid and normal.

Dan D.

CORE Hunter Education Student

Eric B was an excellent and very friendly trainer. He hammered home all the relevant safety procedures and law requirements for my PAL over the 2 day course, but he found a way to make it fun. Quite a bit of hands on experience is provided, so nerves for anyone who has never handled a restricted or non-restricted firearm need not worry. - Bob Floris

Bob Floris

PAL Course Student

I just finished the CFSC/CRFSC - CANADIAN FIREARMS SAFETY & RESTRICTED SAFETY COURSE. I had very limited experience with Firearms before the course. I found the program to be informative and engaging. Eric has a good sense of humour and keeps the course moving along at a good pace. If you are thinking about getting your PAL. My advice would be to enroll and: 1) Make good use of the resources posted on their website 2) And, get as much hands-on experience as you can with the firearms, when in class. Great experience, I will be looking to take more advanced classes in the future.

Shane G.

PAL Course Student

I found these guys after an online search to get my pal certification. Super friendly group I called ahead to see availability and they got back to me asap. The course itself is very beginner friendly, Eric was a great guy that made me feel super welcome. I found everything to be very informative and his teaching style very patient as I was a complete beginner. A great place to learn I'd highly recommend it!

Sydney W.

PAL Course Student

Eric was a great teacher for my kids 10 and 12. kids really had fun in class and all communications were fast, friendly and professional. I have another daughter ready to take the test in two years. Will defiantly be using BC firearms academy.

Jeremy L

I recently did my CORE with BC Firearms Academy and I was impressed! Eric was knowledgeable, friendly, and really worked to be entertaining in his presentation of the material. All of that adds up to making it easy and fun to learn! My thanks for an excellent experience! I'll gladly recommend you to others in the future.

James P

I’ve take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and the CORE hunting course with Eric, and they were both great. I can’t recommend them highly enough. I plan on taking further instruction with the BC Firearms Academy in the future.

John M

Excellent course, teacher is highly qualified and makes this course very interesting and entertaining. Lots of time spent handling different types of firearms and learning how to handle firearms safely. I really enjoyed this course and feel way more confident around firearms. Thanks Eric!!

Laura M

I found B.C. Firearms Academy on the internet and had no previous experience with them. Best thing I ever did. I was looking for someone to teach me hands on shooting and I couldn't have done better than finding Eric. He's patient, friendly, helpful, very meticulous, reasonably priced and just a lot of fun to learn with ! He's also very very encouraging even when I totally screw up! Their website also has a ton of great information on it. I had taken my Canadian Firearms Safety course elsewhere as I didn't know Eric or his company at the time. But I would definitely recommend Eric over anywhere else. I recently attended the CORE course he was teaching and he's one of the best teachers I have ever known. (Too bad I didn't have more teachers like him in high school! I might have stayed awake. LOL) He made the class so interesting that time just flew by. I highly recommend Eric and his company for anything you may require to do with guns and shooting.

Callie M

Great experience today doing the pal and core course with Eric great teacher, super knowledgeable and fun:)

Erika S

Just completed the PAL/RPAL course with Eric, was a great experience and I highly recommend it! Eric's a great instructor, very knowledgeable and fun. In addition to the course itself, the location was very convenient, literally right off Highway 1 in Abbotsford, so no matter where you're coming from in Greater Vanc, easy access. Also the location has easy food options (a MacDonald's across the parking lot, and couple other options) with makes lunch breaks during the 2 days easy.

Ben D

Chris W

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LATEST NEWS

ABOUT BC FIREARMS ACADEMY

LYNDSAY WILIAMS

FATMA BADRY

FATMA BADRY

Rachel N Edward

Jordan Lehbauer

Jessica Hagen

Josh Lowen

Jame Healy

Chris Wigston

Spike Wallace

AMADA NAWER

LAURA GRE

Steven Carrao

Hansen Ginn

Jun Chae

MARIA LIND

Aaron Breg

Ryan Loberg

Andrea Clemente

Bob Floris

Dan D.

Bob Floris

Shane G.

Sydney W.

Jeremy L

James P

John M

Laura M

Callie M

Erika S

Ben D

Chris W

SERVING B.C. SINCE 2007

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