CRFSC & CFSC Quick Reference Guide
All the key facts you need to pass the CFSC and CRFSC exams — organized for fast review.
🎯 ACTS Safety Rules
- A
- Assume every firearm is loaded
- C
- Control the muzzle direction at all times
- T
- Trigger finger off trigger until ready to fire
- S
- See that the firearm is unloaded — PROVE it safe
🔍 PROVE Procedure (in order)
- P
- Point in the safest available direction
- R
- Remove all cartridges
- O
- Observe the chamber
- V
- Verify the feeding path is clear
- E
- Examine the bore (from breech end only)
🔓 Storage Rules
Non-Restricted (OR rule): Unloaded + ANY ONE of:
- Trigger/cable lock
- Locked container
- Locked room (built for storage)
Restricted (AND rule): Unloaded + BOTH:
- Trigger/cable lock
- AND locked container/vault
📋 Magazine Limits
- Semi-auto centrefire rifle
- 5 rounds maximum
- Semi-auto handgun
- 10 rounds maximum
- Rimfire rifle
- No federal limit
- Pump/bolt/lever action
- No federal limit
- Shotguns (most)
- No federal limit
⚖️ Classification Quick Guide
- Handgun barrel > 105mm
- RESTRICTED
- Handgun barrel ≤ 105mm
- PROHIBITED
- Semi-auto rifle (barrel < 470mm)
- RESTRICTED
- Bolt-action rifle
- NON-RESTRICTED
- Shotgun (standard)
- NON-RESTRICTED
- Full-auto converted
- PROHIBITED
🚗 ATT Key Facts
- Automatic on RPAL since December 5, 2015
- Covers: home ↔ approved range, gunsmith, dealer, firearms show
- Requires: unloaded + trigger lock + locked opaque container
- Route must be reasonably direct
- No unnecessary stops allowed
- Police may inspect firearms during transport
Emergency Procedures Quick Reference
| Situation | What Happens | What To Do |
|---|---|---|
| Hangfire | Noticeable delay between trigger pull and firing | WAIT 60 SECONDS. Keep pointed safe. Then PROVE safe. |
| Misfire | Complete failure to fire — just a click | WAIT 60 SECONDS. Then PROVE safe and inspect. |
| Squib load | Weak discharge — projectile may be stuck in bore | STOP. Do NOT fire again. Inspect bore from breech end. |
| Dropped firearm | Firearm falls from hands or surface | Do NOT catch it. Let it fall. Pick up using ACTS. |
| Bore obstruction | Foreign object stuck inside the barrel | Do NOT fire. Examine bore from breech end only. |
PAL Licensing Quick Facts
- Minimum age: 18 years old (minors aged 12–17 may apply with parental consent for a Minor's Licence).
- PAL validity: 5 years from date of issue. You must renew before expiry.
- RPAL: Requires both CFSC and CRFSC course completion. Allows possession of restricted firearms (handguns).
- Background checks: Continuous eligibility screening — not just at the time of application. The RCMP can revoke your licence at any time if you become ineligible.
- Address change: You must notify the CFP of a change of address within 30 days.
- Transfer/sale: Both buyer and seller must have valid licences of the appropriate class. Restricted firearm transfers must be verified through the RCMP.
- Application form: RCMP Form 5592 for new applications; Form 5614 for renewals.
Transport Rules Summary
Non-Restricted Transport
- Must be unloaded
- Keep out of sight in vehicle
- Lock vehicle when unattended
- No ATT required
Restricted Transport
- Must be unloaded
- Trigger or cable lock engaged
- In a locked, opaque container
- ATT required (automatic with RPAL)
- Reasonably direct route only
How to Use This Quick Reference
This page is designed to be your go-to review sheet before the exam. Here is how to use it most effectively:
- First pass: Read through the entire page once to refresh your memory on all topics. Highlight any facts you are unsure about.
- Focus on weak areas: Take a mock exam to identify your weakest topics, then come back here to review those specific sections.
- Night-before review: The night before your exam, read through this entire page one more time. Focus on memorizing the key numbers (80% pass mark, 5-round limit, 10-round limit, 60-second wait).
- Morning-of review: On exam day, quickly scan the ACTS/PROVE and storage rules sections. These are the most commonly tested topics.
Ready to test your knowledge?
After reviewing this cheatsheet, take a practice test to see how well you have retained the information.