PAL Test Questions and Answers – Printable CFSC Practice

50 CFSC practice questions on ACTS and PROVE, ammunition, actions, carries, storage and transport, with a separate answer key. Print or save as PDF. Free.

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The written test of the Canadian Firearms Safety Course checks that you understand safe handling before you apply for a PAL. This sheet gives you 50 original questions to work through on paper, mixed across our twelve topics: firearm parts and classes, the Vital Four ACTS and PROVE, basic safety practices, ammunition, misfires, actions and safeties, loading and unloading, muzzleloaders, range and field safety, firing and care, owner responsibilities, and storage and transport.

We never copy the RCMP handbook or any exam. Every question is written from the CFSC Student Handbook and current RCMP Canadian Firearms Program pages, and the answer key on the last pages explains each answer. Mark any question you get wrong and reread that topic's study notes. Print the sheet, or choose Save as PDF to keep it on your phone.

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1.A shot makes only a weak pop with almost no recoil. What could have happened?
1. A squib load may have left the bullet stuck in the barrel
2. The choke tube came loose and reduced the noise
3. The firearm is clean, so it fires more quietly
4. The cartridge was a normal round with a light bullet
2.What is FFFFg black powder used for?
1. The main charge in large muskets
2. Priming the pan of a flintlock only
3. The main charge in cap-and-ball revolvers
4. Loading modern centre-fire cartridges
3.How often must a Possession and Acquisition Licence be renewed?
1. Every 10 years
2. Never, it is for life
3. Every 5 years
4. Every year
4.Which carry does the course call the least safe of all?
1. The cradle carry
2. The elbow carry
3. The two-hand carry
4. The shoulder carry
5.What are the two common types of magazine on repeating long guns?
1. Box and tubular
2. Rotary and stripper
3. Clip and cylinder
4. Drum and belt
6.During the Verify step, how do you confirm a magazine is truly empty?
1. Shake the firearm and listen for rounds
2. Look at the ejection port from the side
3. Count how many rounds you have removed
4. See or feel the magazine follower
7.What is the correct order when unloading a semi-automatic rifle with a detachable magazine?
1. Work the action to clear the chamber, then remove the magazine
2. Remove the magazine, then pull the trigger to check it is clear
3. Remove the magazine, then work the action to clear the chamber
4. Pull the trigger to empty the chamber, then remove the magazine
8.What is the purpose of rifling inside a barrel?
1. To spin the bullet so it flies stable and accurate
2. To let the shotgun pellets spread more evenly
3. To keep the barrel cool during rapid shooting
4. To slow the bullet down so it does not travel too far
9.What is the purpose of the trigger guard?
1. To set the trigger pull for target shooting
2. To lock the action closed while you are aiming and firing
3. To protect the trigger from being touched by accident
4. To hold spare cartridges near the trigger
10.You want to display a non-restricted shotgun on your living-room wall. What do the rules require?
1. Unloaded, with the safety switched on
2. Unloaded, with ammunition kept in a drawer below
3. Loaded, as long as the room door is locked
4. Unloaded, locked, and no accessible ammunition
11.With open sights, what must you line up to aim correctly?
1. The rear sight, the front sight and the target
2. The scope cross-hairs, the muzzle and the trigger guard
3. The barrel rib and the receiver top
4. The front bead and the trigger guard
12.Why must firearms be unloaded before they go into a vehicle or boat?
1. Ammunition goes bad in moving vehicles
2. Loaded firearms weigh more and can tip small boats over
3. Motion can make you stumble or drop the firearm
4. Engines interfere with the firing pin
13.How is ammunition most safely carried?
1. Mixed together in a single pouch
2. On the dashboard of the vehicle
3. Loose in a jacket pocket
4. In its original container
14.Your muzzleloader misfires. How long should you keep it pointed in a safe direction?
1. Until you count to 10
2. At least 60 seconds
3. No wait is needed
4. About 5 seconds
15.Your hunting partner has had two beers at lunch. What should you do?
1. Make him use a shotgun instead of a rifle
2. Let him shoot if he feels fine
3. Not go shooting with him for the rest of the day
4. Let him carry an unloaded firearm only
16.A guest without a licence wants to shoot at the range. What level of supervision is required?
1. A licensed supervisor within arm's reach at all times
2. Any adult who is watching from somewhere behind the firing line
3. A licensed supervisor somewhere on the range
4. A Range Officer checking in every few minutes
17.What is the most important safety device on any firearm?
1. The half-cock notch
2. The trigger lock
3. The person handling it
4. The cross-bolt safety
18.In the Vital Four ACTS, what does the letter A stand for?
1. Aim only at targets you can identify
2. Always keep the safety switched on
3. Ask the owner before you touch it
4. Assume every firearm is loaded
19.What does a magazine disconnect do on some semi-automatic firearms?
1. Locks the magazine in place when firing
2. Ejects the magazine after the last shot
3. Prevents firing when the magazine is removed
4. Limits the magazine to five cartridges
20.Can you safely fire .22 Long Rifle cartridges in a rifle stamped .22 Magnum?
1. Yes, as long as the safety is used properly
2. No, the two cartridges are not interchangeable
3. Yes, all .22 cartridges fit any .22 rifle
4. Yes, if you only load one round at a time
21.Why did the flintlock replace the wheel lock as the standard firearm?
1. It was lighter, simpler and cheaper to make
2. It used metal cartridges that kept out rain
3. It could fire several shots without reloading
4. It did not need any powder in the priming pan
22.You plan to fly to a hunting trip with your rifle. What should you do first?
1. Contact the air carrier for its rules
2. Mail the rifle and its ammunition together
3. Ask the airport police on arrival
4. Pack it loaded in your checked bag
23.What does "anticipation" mean in the course's approach to marksmanship?
1. Guessing where a moving target will stop
2. Flinching just before the firearm goes off
3. Thinking through where every shot could go before firing
4. Pulling the trigger the very moment that game appears in view
24.When should a firearm be loaded?
1. Only when you intend to shoot, where it is safe and legal
2. As soon as you arrive at the shooting range parking lot
3. Whenever you hear animals moving nearby
4. Whenever you leave the house to go hunting
25.Why does a bullet's path cross the line of sight twice on the way to the target?
1. The wind pushes it up before it falls back down
2. The bullet speeds up after it leaves the barrel
3. The rifling makes the bullet rise and fall in a spiral
4. The muzzle is angled up slightly to make up for gravity
26.Which step helps confirm that a percussion muzzleloader is not primed to fire?
1. Tap the stock on the ground to settle the charge
2. Pull the trigger with the hammer at full cock to see if it fires
3. Check that no cap is on the nipple and remove any you find
4. Pour water down the barrel to dampen any powder
27.Your firearm is stolen. Whom must you tell?
1. Only your insurance company
2. Nobody, if it was locked up properly
3. Only the store that sold it to you, so it can update its records
4. The local police and the Canadian Firearms Program
28.If you slip and fall while carrying a firearm, what should your first action be?
1. Control the direction of the muzzle
2. Grab the trigger guard to stop the fall
3. Put your hands down to break the fall
4. Throw the firearm clear of your body
29.Some lever-action rifles will not fire unless what happens?
1. The lever is squeezed fully against the stock
2. The magazine tube is removed from the stock
3. The hammer is lowered fully onto the firing pin
4. The action is opened and closed twice in a row
30.A rifle has a detachable box magazine. When you PROVE it safe, what do you do first after pointing it safely?
1. Pull the trigger to make sure it is empty
2. Open the action, then remove the magazine
3. Remove the magazine, then open the action
4. Check the bore before touching the magazine
31.After breaking open a hinge-action shotgun, a fired hull stays in the chamber. What do you do?
1. Close the action and open it again quickly
2. Leave it, since a fired hull is harmless
3. Shake the shotgun muzzle-down until it drops
4. Remove it by hand and check every chamber
32.What does the calibre of a rifle measure?
1. The diameter of the bore
2. The length of the barrel
3. The amount of powder in the case
4. The weight of the bullet
33.A hunter owns a modern reproduction of a percussion-cap muzzleloading rifle. Which is true?
1. It is an antique and needs no licence at all
2. It is a prohibited device that cannot be owned
3. It is a non-restricted firearm and needs a licence
4. It is a restricted firearm that must be registered
34.Can ammunition be stored in the same locked container as a non-restricted firearm?
1. No, ammunition must always be in another room
2. Yes, but only if the firearm has a trigger lock
3. Yes, if the container is securely locked
4. No, unless the ammunition is still in its box
35.Your rifle's trigger feels gritty and sometimes slips. What should you do?
1. File the sear until it feels smooth
2. Have a qualified gunsmith repair it
3. Fix it later and keep using it
4. Adjust the trigger spring yourself
36.Which precaution best addresses the hazard of firearms being used by unauthorized people?
1. Keep firearms loaded so they are ready for defence
2. Leave the safety on when the firearm is stored
3. Hide firearms under a bed or at the back of a closet shelf
4. Disable or lock firearms and store ammunition separately
37.Which force pulls a bullet downward and curves its path?
1. Air pressure from the muzzle
2. Rifling
3. Recoil
4. Gravity
38.Why must a black-powder firearm be cleaned after every firing session?
1. The residue slowly turns into smokeless powder
2. The residue makes the next ball too loose
3. Barrels with black-powder residue are illegal to transport
4. The residue is corrosive and can leave a glowing ember
39.What must a first-time applicant pass before applying for a Possession and Acquisition Licence?
1. A medical exam with a family doctor
2. A provincial hunter education exam
3. The Canadian Firearms Safety Course
4. A shooting accuracy test at a range
40.For the most hearing protection while shooting, what should you wear?
1. A thick wool hat pulled down over the ears
2. Earplugs alone
3. Earmuffs alone
4. Earplugs and earmuffs together
41.Which action opens by tipping the barrel down near the breech, like a door hinge?
1. Pump or slide action
2. Semi-automatic action
3. Lever action
4. Hinge or break action
42.After a firearm incident, what does the course say you will almost always find?
1. The ammunition was old, corroded or hand-reloaded
2. At least one of the ACTS rules was broken
3. The firearm had a mechanical defect
4. The shooter had no firearms licence
43.A tubular magazine has no removable inner tube. How do you empty it, and what extra care is needed?
1. Cycle the action repeatedly, keeping the muzzle safe each time
2. Tip the firearm muzzle-down and tap the stock firmly on the floor
3. Pull the trigger after each cycle to free the next round
4. Remove the barrel so the rounds fall out the front
44.What are the four basic parts of a rifle cartridge?
1. Bullet, wad, hull and primer
2. Shot, powder charge, wad and case
3. Bullet, powder charge, case and primer
4. Bullet, cap, flint and powder charge
45.Which three classes are firearms divided into under Canadian law?
1. Hunting, sporting and military
2. Antique, modern and automatic
3. Long guns, handguns and high-powered air guns
4. Non-restricted, restricted and prohibited
46.How should you carry a firearm through a public place, such as a parking lot or a hallway?
1. Openly, so people can see it is unloaded
2. Over your shoulder with a sling
3. In a case or opaque container
4. In your hands with the action closed
47.Which of these is an acceptable target?
1. A bottle floating on a calm lake
2. A sign post along a back road
3. One that is identified, safe to shoot and legal
4. Any animal you can hear moving in the bushes ahead
48.You hear brush moving and see a brown shape. What should you do?
1. Hold your fire until you identify it positively
2. Fire a warning shot into the air
3. Fire low so the shot cannot go far
4. Fire once, because deer in that area are usually brown
49.You pull the trigger and nothing happens. What should you do first?
1. Open the action at once and remove the round
2. Look down the barrel to see what went wrong
3. Pull the trigger again to see if it fires
4. Keep the muzzle pointed safely and wait 60 seconds
50.You find an old original muzzleloader in a relative's attic. What should happen before anyone fires it?
1. Use smokeless powder for a cleaner burn
2. A qualified gunsmith should inspect it
3. Fire a light charge to test it first
4. Clean it and fire it with a full charge

Answer key with explanations

1. A — A squib load may have left the bullet stuck in the barrel
A squib load or primer pop happens when a cartridge has little or no powder. The primer may push the bullet only partway down the barrel. Firing another round behind it can rupture the barrel, so stop and PROVE the firearm.
Ballistics, misfires and ammunition storage · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Ballistics, misfires and ammunition storage, Module 5.10 — Hazards
2. B — Priming the pan of a flintlock only
FFFFg is the finest grade, also called priming powder. It is used only in the priming pans of flintlocks and never as the main powder charge.
Muzzleloaders and black powder · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Muzzleloaders and black powder, Module 2.1 — Types of black powder
3. C — Every 5 years
The PAL is the only licence available to new adult applicants and is renewed every five years. The Canadian Firearms Program sends a renewal notice about three months before expiry.
Owner responsibilities and licensing · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Owner responsibilities and licensing, RCMP — Canadian residents
4. D — The shoulder carry
The shoulder carry gives poor muzzle control in a fall. It must not be used with a loaded firearm or when others are with you.
Range rules, carries and field safety · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Range rules, carries and field safety, Module 7.8 — Carrying positions
5. A — Box and tubular
The handbook names two common types: box magazines, which may be fixed or removable, and tubular magazines, under the barrel or in the stock.
Actions, safeties and magazines · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Actions, safeties and magazines, Module 6.8 — Operating repeating firearms
6. D — See or feel the magazine follower
Verify means inspecting the feeding path for cartridges, empty cases or objects. Seeing or feeling the follower confirms nothing is left between it and the action; rounds can hang up inside tubular magazines.
The Vital Four ACTS and PROVE it safe · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 The Vital Four ACTS and PROVE it safe, Module 6.4.1 — Unloading procedure
7. C — Remove the magazine, then work the action to clear the chamber
Take out the magazine first, then operate the cocking handle or bolt to extract the round in the chamber. Working the action first would chamber another round from the magazine.
Loading and unloading by action type · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Loading and unloading by action type, Module 6.12 — Semi-automatic action repeaters
8. A — To spin the bullet so it flies stable and accurate
Rifling is a set of spiral grooves with lands between them. It makes the bullet spin, which keeps it stable in flight and more accurate.
Ammunition, calibre and gauge · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Ammunition, calibre and gauge, Module 5.1 — Rifling
9. C — To protect the trigger from being touched by accident
The trigger guard is a rigid loop around the trigger that keeps objects and fingers from touching it unintentionally. It does not lock the action, hold ammunition or adjust the trigger.
Firearm history, parts and classes · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Firearm history, parts and classes, Module 3.1.3 — Trigger
10. D — Unloaded, locked, and no accessible ammunition
A displayed non-restricted firearm must be unloaded, fitted with a secure locking device or locked in a hard-to-break cabinet, and ammunition may not be displayed with it or be accessible to it.
Storing, displaying and transporting firearms · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 12 Storing, displaying and transporting firearms, RCMP — Displaying firearms safely
11. A — The rear sight, the front sight and the target
Open sights require you to line up the rear and front sights with the target. This is sight alignment, and placing it on the target creates the sight picture.
Firing techniques and firearm care · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Firing techniques and firearm care, Module 8.3.1 — Aiming rifles
12. C — Motion can make you stumble or drop the firearm
Many incidents happen while firearms are put into or taken out of vehicles. Movement can make you stumble or drop the firearm, and a loaded firearm can then discharge.
Basic safety practices and your target · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Basic safety practices and your target, Module 4.2.2 — Load only for actual use
13. D — In its original container
The handbook says ammunition is most safely carried in its original container, and only for the firearm you are using. Loose and mixed ammunition leads to loading errors.
Ballistics, misfires and ammunition storage · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Ballistics, misfires and ammunition storage, Module 5.12 — Ammunition safety points
14. B — At least 60 seconds
Treat a muzzleloader misfire as a hangfire that could fire at any moment. Keep the muzzle pointed safely for at least 60 seconds.
Muzzleloaders and black powder · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Muzzleloaders and black powder, Module 2.2.3 — DOs and DON'Ts
15. C — Not go shooting with him for the rest of the day
Never consume alcohol or drugs around firearms, and do not go shooting with anyone who has. Alcohol and some medications affect judgment, reactions and balance.
Owner responsibilities and licensing · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Owner responsibilities and licensing, Module 10.6 — Social responsibilities and ethics
16. A — A licensed supervisor within arm's reach at all times
Minors and guests without a valid licence must be under direct and immediate supervision. The course defines that as the supervisor being within arm's reach of the shooter at all times.
Range rules, carries and field safety · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Range rules, carries and field safety, Module 7.3.1 — Direct and immediate supervision
17. C — The person handling it
Mechanical safeties can fail, so the course says safe handling by the person holding the firearm will always be the most important safety device.
Actions, safeties and magazines · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Actions, safeties and magazines, Module 6.2.0 — Safeties
18. D — Assume every firearm is loaded
A stands for Assume every firearm is loaded: treat any firearm as a potential danger. Using the safety, identifying targets and asking permission are good habits, but they are not the A in ACTS.
The Vital Four ACTS and PROVE it safe · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 The Vital Four ACTS and PROVE it safe, Introduction — The Vital Four ACTS
19. C — Prevents firing when the magazine is removed
A magazine disconnect is an internal safety that stops the firearm from firing when the magazine is not in place. Like any safety, it should never be relied on.
Loading and unloading by action type · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Loading and unloading by action type, Module 6.12.0 — Semi-automatic action repeaters
20. B — No, the two cartridges are not interchangeable
Although both are called .22, the .22 Long Rifle and the .22 Magnum are different cartridges and are not interchangeable. Always use the exact cartridge named on the data stamp.
Ammunition, calibre and gauge · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Ammunition, calibre and gauge, Module 5.3.2 — Types of cartridges
21. A — It was lighter, simpler and cheaper to make
The flintlock made its spark by striking flint against steel. It weighed less and was simpler and cheaper than the wheel lock, so it became the standard. Cartridges and repeaters came much later.
Firearm history, parts and classes · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Firearm history, parts and classes, Module 1.1.4 — Flintlocks
22. A — Contact the air carrier for its rules
Before transporting firearms on an aircraft, contact the air carrier, which will explain its own regulations and requirements.
Storing, displaying and transporting firearms · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 12 Storing, displaying and transporting firearms, Module 11.5 — Transportation
23. C — Thinking through where every shot could go before firing
Anticipation means always thinking about possible situations: where your group is, what could deflect a bullet, who might be over the hill and where a bullet goes if it passes through the target.
Firing techniques and firearm care · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Firing techniques and firearm care, Module 8.1 — Anticipation
24. A — Only when you intend to shoot, where it is safe and legal
Load a firearm only when you intend to use it and only where it can be safely and legally discharged. At all other times it should be unloaded.
Basic safety practices and your target · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Basic safety practices and your target, Module 4.2.2 — Load only for actual use
25. D — The muzzle is angled up slightly to make up for gravity
Because gravity pulls the bullet down, the barrel is angled slightly upward relative to the sights. The bullet rises through the line of sight and later drops back through it.
Ballistics, misfires and ammunition storage · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Ballistics, misfires and ammunition storage, Module 5.9 — Trajectory
26. C — Check that no cap is on the nipple and remove any you find
With the muzzle pointed safely and finger off the trigger, check the hammer is not at full cock, then look for a percussion cap or primed pan and remove the cap or priming powder.
Muzzleloaders and black powder · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Muzzleloaders and black powder, Module 2.2.1 — Loading muzzleloaders
27. D — The local police and the Canadian Firearms Program
Owners are required to report the loss or theft of firearms to the local police service and to the Canadian Firearms Program (1-800-731-4000).
Owner responsibilities and licensing · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Owner responsibilities and licensing, Module 10.3 — Firearms reported lost, missing or stolen
28. A — Control the direction of the muzzle
The handbook says that if you fall, your first action should be to control the muzzle of the firearm.
Range rules, carries and field safety · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Range rules, carries and field safety, Module 7.2.3 — Slips and falls
29. A — The lever is squeezed fully against the stock
A trigger-block safety on some lever actions prevents firing unless the lever is pressed firmly against the stock.
Actions, safeties and magazines · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Actions, safeties and magazines, Module 6.2.4 — Trigger block/lever safety
30. C — Remove the magazine, then open the action
Take the magazine out first, then open the action to clear the chamber. If you open the action first, closing it could feed another cartridge from the magazine into the chamber.
The Vital Four ACTS and PROVE it safe · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 The Vital Four ACTS and PROVE it safe, Module 6.4.1 — Unloading procedure
31. D — Remove it by hand and check every chamber
Opening a hinge action should partly extract or eject cases. Anything left is removed by hand, and you make sure every chamber is empty of hulls and live shells.
Loading and unloading by action type · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Loading and unloading by action type, Module 6.6.1 — Hinge action unloading
32. A — The diameter of the bore
Calibre is a measurement of bore diameter, given in thousandths of an inch or in millimetres. It is not a length, a weight or a powder charge.
Ammunition, calibre and gauge · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Ammunition, calibre and gauge, Module 5.2 — Calibre
33. C — It is a non-restricted firearm and needs a licence
Reproductions of flintlock, wheel-lock and matchlock long guns made after 1897 are antiques, but reproductions of percussion-cap muzzleloaders are non-restricted firearms. You need a licence to possess one; registration is not required.
Firearm history, parts and classes · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Firearm history, parts and classes, RCMP — Specific types of firearms, Antique firearms
34. C — Yes, if the container is securely locked
Store ammunition separately or lock it up. The RCMP says it may be stored in the same locked container as the firearm.
Storing, displaying and transporting firearms · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 12 Storing, displaying and transporting firearms, RCMP — Storing firearms safely
35. B — Have a qualified gunsmith repair it
A firearm that does not work properly is unsafe. Users should only do basic cleaning and lubrication; repairs and modifications must be made by qualified gunsmiths.
Firing techniques and firearm care · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Firing techniques and firearm care, Module 9.1 — Firearm servicing
36. D — Disable or lock firearms and store ammunition separately
For unauthorized access, the course lists disabling the action or using a lock, locking firearms out of view, storing ammunition separately and supervising unqualified users.
Basic safety practices and your target · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Basic safety practices and your target, Module 10.5 — Table 8, Firearm hazards and precautions
37. D — Gravity
Gravity pulls the bullet down as it travels forward, giving the trajectory a downward curve. Air resistance slows it, and velocity and mass also affect the path.
Ballistics, misfires and ammunition storage · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Ballistics, misfires and ammunition storage, Module 5.9 — Trajectory
38. D — The residue is corrosive and can leave a glowing ember
Black-powder residue is very corrosive and attracts moisture. Poor cleaning causes carbon build-up (coking) that can keep an ember glowing and ignite the next charge.
Muzzleloaders and black powder · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Muzzleloaders and black powder, Module 2.2.2 — Cleaning a muzzleloader
39. C — The Canadian Firearms Safety Course
First-time licence applicants must pass the Canadian Firearms Safety Course (CFSC), which has a written test and a practical test, before applying for a PAL.
Owner responsibilities and licensing · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 11 Owner responsibilities and licensing, RCMP — Safety courses
40. D — Earplugs and earmuffs together
Gunshot noise causes hearing loss. The handbook recommends earmuff-type protectors on the range and both earplugs and earmuffs for maximum protection.
Range rules, carries and field safety · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 9 Range rules, carries and field safety, Module 7.2.2 — Hearing protection
41. D — Hinge or break action
A hinge (break) action opens, or breaks, near the breech like a door hinge. It usually has one or two barrels.
Actions, safeties and magazines · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 6 Actions, safeties and magazines, Module 6.1 — Action types
42. B — At least one of the ACTS rules was broken
The course teaches that whenever an incident happens, at least one of the Vital Four ACTS has been broken. Most incidents come from handling, not from defects or paperwork.
The Vital Four ACTS and PROVE it safe · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 2 The Vital Four ACTS and PROVE it safe, Module 4.1 — Overview
43. A — Cycle the action repeatedly, keeping the muzzle safe each time
If the inner tube cannot be removed, work the action repeatedly until the magazine is empty. Each cycle can chamber a live round, so the firearm is ready to fire and muzzle control is critical. Then see or feel the follower.
Loading and unloading by action type · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 7 Loading and unloading by action type, Module 6.8.2 — Tubular magazine
44. C — Bullet, powder charge, case and primer
A rifle cartridge has four parts: the bullet, the powder charge, the case that holds everything, and the primer that ignites the powder. Wads and hulls belong to shotgun shells.
Ammunition, calibre and gauge · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 4 Ammunition, calibre and gauge, Module 5.3.1 — Cartridge components
45. D — Non-restricted, restricted and prohibited
Canadian law sorts firearms into three classes: non-restricted, restricted and prohibited. Prohibited firearms face the tightest controls and non-restricted firearms the least.
Firearm history, parts and classes · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 1 Firearm history, parts and classes, Module 3.4 — Classification of firearms
46. C — In a case or opaque container
The handbook recommends carrying firearms in a case or opaque container so they are not displayed in public.
Storing, displaying and transporting firearms · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 12 Storing, displaying and transporting firearms, Module 11.6 — Handling
47. C — One that is identified, safe to shoot and legal
An acceptable target is positively identified, safe to shoot at and lawful to shoot. Unidentified movement, water and road signs fail at least one of these tests.
Firing techniques and firearm care · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 10 Firing techniques and firearm care, Module 8.5 — Targets
48. A — Hold your fire until you identify it positively
Positively identify your target before shooting. Never fire at a movement, a colour, a sound or a shape.
Basic safety practices and your target · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 3 Basic safety practices and your target, Module 4.2.4 — Be sure of your target and beyond
49. D — Keep the muzzle pointed safely and wait 60 seconds
The round could be a hangfire. Keep the muzzle in a safe direction and wait 60 seconds. Then open the action, unload, and PROVE the firearm, checking the bore for an obstruction.
Ballistics, misfires and ammunition storage · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 5 Ballistics, misfires and ammunition storage, Module 5.10 — Hazards
50. B — A qualified gunsmith should inspect it
Older firearms may not be safe to fire. Have an old muzzleloader dismantled, examined and declared safe by a qualified gunsmith before use.
Muzzleloaders and black powder · Based on: CFSC Student Handbook 5th ed. (2014) and RCMP firearms pages (Oct 2026), Ch. 8 Muzzleloaders and black powder, Module 2.2.0 — Muzzleloading firearms

Original practice questions by Canada Exam Prep, written from the official handbook. Not official test questions. Free to print for personal study.

FAQ

PAL test questions and answers (printable PDF): common questions

Is there an official PAL test PDF with answers?

No. The CFSC written test is not published, so any answer-key PDF found online is unofficial. This sheet is original practice written from the RCMP's own course material.

What score on this sheet means I am ready?

The RCMP does not publish a pass mark. Course providers often mention 80 per cent, which is 40 out of 50 here. Aim for 45 or more so you have a margin.

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Press the print button and choose Save as PDF as the printer. Menus and ads are left out, and the answer key starts on its own page.

PAL Test Questions and Answers – Printable CFSC Practice