Firearms Safety Course Online Study Guide
FREE CANADIAN FIREARMS SAFETY COURSE STUDY RESOURCES
PAL Online
Study Guide
Prepare for your PAL and the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) with BC Firearms Academy’s free online PAL study guide. Review firearm safety, ACTS & PROVE, ammunition, firearm actions, safe handling, Canadian firearms laws, videos, flashcards and PAL practice tests.
✓ 100% Free
CFSC Study Material
ACTS & PROVE
Practice Resources
START PREPARING TODAY
Get Ready for Your PAL Course
The Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) introduces new firearm users to the knowledge and practical safety skills needed to handle firearms responsibly in Canada.
BC Firearms Academy created this free online study guide to help you prepare before attending your in-person course and review important concepts afterward.
✓
Learn the Vital Four ACTS of Firearm Safety
✓
Understand and practise the PROVE procedure
✓
Learn major firearm parts and common firearm actions
✓
Study cartridges, shotgun shells, calibre and gauge
✓
Review safe handling, storage and transportation
✓
Prepare for the written and practical examinations
IMPORTANT:
This free online study guide is supplemental learning material. It does not replace the Canadian Firearms Safety Course or required instructor-led training and testing.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
Build Your Firearms Safety Knowledge
Work through the study material to build a strong foundation before attending your Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
01
Firearms Safety
Learn the fundamental safety principles that apply every time you handle a firearm.
02
ACTS & PROVE
Learn the safety procedures at the heart of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course.
03
Firearm Parts
Learn major firearm components and important terminology used throughout the course.
04
Firearm Actions
Study hinge, bolt, lever, pump and semi-automatic firearm actions.
05
Ammunition
Understand cartridges, shotgun shells, calibre, gauge and ammunition identification.
06
Safe Handling
Review safe loading, unloading, carrying, passing and range procedures.
07
Laws & Responsibilities
Review firearm classifications, legal responsibilities, storage and transportation.
08
Test Preparation
Reinforce your knowledge with review material, videos, flashcards and practice resources.
START WITH SAFETY
Master ACTS & PROVE
Don’t just memorize the letters. Learn what each step means and how it is applied while safely handling a firearm.
The Vital Four ACTS
A
Assume every firearm is loaded.
C
Control the muzzle direction at all times.
T
Trigger finger must be kept off the trigger and out of the trigger guard.
S
See that the firearm is unloaded. PROVE it safe.
PROVE It Safe
P
Point the firearm in the safest available direction.
R
Remove all ammunition.
O
Observe the chamber.
V
Verify the feeding path.
E
Examine the bore for obstructions.
KNOW YOUR AMMUNITION
Learn to Identify Firearms Ammunition
Ammunition identification is an important part of firearms safety. Learn how cartridges and shotgun shells are constructed and identified and how ammunition relates to the firearm it is intended for.
✓ Rim-fire vs. centre-fire
✓ Cartridge components
✓ Shotgun shell components
✓ Calibre and gauge
✓ Shotgun shell lengths
✓ Head stamps & data stamps
MORE THAN MEMORIZATION
Prepare for the Practical Side of Your PAL Course
The Canadian Firearms Safety Course includes both knowledge and practical firearm-handling skills.
Studying is important, but safe firearm handling is something you must be able to demonstrate, not simply describe.
✓ Maintain safe muzzle direction
✓ Keep your finger outside the trigger guard
✓ Apply ACTS and PROVE
✓ Identify firearms and ammunition
✓ Understand loading and unloading procedures
✓ Demonstrate safe handling habits
✓ Keep your finger outside the trigger guard
✓ Apply ACTS and PROVE
✓ Identify firearms and ammunition
✓ Understand loading and unloading procedures
✓ Demonstrate safe handling habits
Ready to Start Studying?
The online PAL study guide is free. Sign up for the online course to access and track your lessons, even if you are already registered for an in-person BC Firearms Academy course.
FREE PAL PRACTICE RESOURCES
Test What You’ve Learned
Studying for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course is more than reading. Test your knowledge with BC Firearms Academy’s free PAL practice tests, CFSC chapter quizzes, flashcards and firearm identification activities.
TOPIC BY TOPIC
CFSC Chapter Quizzes
Test your knowledge as you work through the major Canadian Firearms Safety Course topics.
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW 100-Question PAL Practice TestChallenge yourself with a larger Canadian Firearms Safety Course practice quiz.
FREE PRACTICE PAL & RPAL QuizReview important non-restricted and restricted firearms safety concepts.
QUICK REVIEW Firearms Safety FlashcardsReinforce important CFSC and CRFSC concepts with fast study cards.
KNOW THE LANGUAGE CFSC & CRFSC TerminologyReview common firearms terminology used throughout PAL and RPAL training.
IDENTIFICATION Firearm Actions QuizPractise identifying common non-restricted and restricted firearm actions.
FREE PAL STUDY LESSONS
Choose a Lesson and Start Learning
PAL STUDY GUIDE FAQ
Canadian Firearms Safety Course Study Questions
Quick answers for students preparing for their Canadian Firearms Safety Course and PAL training.
Is the BC Firearms Academy PAL study guide free?
Yes. BC Firearms Academy provides this online PAL study guide as a free supplemental resource for students preparing for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC) and for students who want to review course concepts afterward.
Can I take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course online?
This online study guide is supplemental learning material. It does not replace the required Canadian Firearms Safety Course, instructor-led training or required testing.
What should I study before my PAL course?
Important study areas include firearm safety, ACTS and PROVE, firearm parts and actions, ammunition, safe handling, loading and unloading concepts, firing procedures, firearm care, storage, transportation and Canadian firearms laws and responsibilities.
What are ACTS and PROVE?
ACTS and PROVE are fundamental firearm safety procedures taught during the Canadian Firearms Safety Course. Students should understand what each letter represents and how the procedures are applied during safe firearm handling.
Does BC Firearms Academy have free PAL practice tests?
Yes. BC Firearms Academy provides free PAL practice resources including CFSC chapter quizzes, a 100-question practice quiz, PAL and RPAL quizzes, terminology flashcards, firearm-action quizzes and other study activities. Explore the PAL practice quizzes.
Will studying online prepare me for the practical portion of the PAL course?
Online study can help you understand the concepts and procedures you will encounter, but firearm handling is a practical skill. During your Canadian Firearms Safety Course you will receive instructor-led training and have opportunities to apply safe handling procedures with training firearms.
Can I use the study guide after completing my PAL course?
Yes. The study guide, videos, manual, flashcards and quizzes can also be used to review firearm safety concepts after completing your course.