What Score Do You Need to Pass the CRFSC & CFSC Exam?

Written Exam Details

The written exam is a multiple-choice test. All questions have four answer options (A, B, C, D) and only one correct answer. There is no negative marking, which means you are not penalised for wrong answers — you should always make your best guess rather than leaving a question blank. Questions test knowledge of safety procedures, firearm operation, storage and transport regulations, and Canadian firearms law.

The CFSC and CRFSC written exams are scored independently. If you take a combined course, you will receive two separate scores — one for the CFSC section and one for the CRFSC section. You must achieve 80% or higher on EACH section to pass. Scoring 90% on the CFSC but 70% on the CRFSC means you fail the CRFSC, even though your combined average might be above 80%.

Score Breakdown by Exam Type

Practical Exam Details

The practical exam assesses hands-on safe handling skills. A certified instructor observes and evaluates your ability to safely handle, load, unload, and PROVE each assigned firearm type. The practical exam is scored separately from the written exam, and you must achieve 80% on both components to receive your course completion certificate.

During the practical exam, you will be asked to demonstrate the ACTS and PROVE procedures on real firearms (made safe with dummy ammunition). The instructor assigns firearms of various types — typically including a bolt-action rifle, pump-action shotgun, break-action shotgun, and (for CRFSC) a semi-automatic pistol and revolver. You must demonstrate safe muzzle control, proper trigger discipline, and correct PROVE procedures for each firearm type.

What If You Fail?

If you fail either the written or practical component, your options depend on your instructor and province. Here are the most common policies:

• Immediate rewrite: Some instructors allow you to rewrite the written exam on the same day if you fail. This is at the instructor's discretion.
• Scheduled rewrite: Some instructors schedule a rewrite for a later date (often within 2–4 weeks).
• Course retake: In some cases, you may need to retake the entire course and pay an additional fee.
• No retakes: A small number of instructors do not offer retakes and require you to register with a different instructor if you fail.

There is no universal federal policy on retakes — it is at the instructor's discretion. We strongly recommend asking your instructor about their retake policy before the course begins. This way, you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

How to Guarantee You Pass

While no preparation method can guarantee a pass, students who follow this approach report the highest success rates:

1. Pay close attention during the course. The official course covers everything you need to know. Take detailed notes and ask your instructor questions.
2. Take practice tests before the exam. Our free practice tests mirror the format and difficulty of the real exam. Students who take 3+ practice exams pass at significantly higher rates.
3. Focus on weak areas. Use our topic-specific tests to drill the areas where you scored lowest on practice exams.
4. Aim for 90%+ on practice. Exam-day nerves can cost you 5–10%. Build a comfortable margin by aiming for 90% or higher on all practice exams.
5. Practice hands-on PROVE procedures. If possible, practise the physical PROVE procedure before the practical exam. Muscle memory helps under pressure.

Score Interpretation Guide