ACTS and PROVE — Core Firearm Safety Protocols
ACTS and PROVE are the two fundamental firearm safety protocols tested on every CFSC and CRFSC exam. ACTS applies every time you handle a firearm. PROVE applies when verifying a firearm is unloaded. You must demonstrate both protocols correctly for a 100% score on the practical exam — zero errors are permitted.
| Entity | Attribute | Value |
|---|---|---|
| ACTS — A | Meaning | Assume every firearm is always loaded |
| ACTS — C | Meaning | Control the muzzle direction at all times |
| ACTS — T | Meaning | Trigger finger off the trigger until ready to fire |
| ACTS — S | Meaning | See that the chamber is empty before handling |
| PROVE — P | Meaning | Point the firearm in a safe direction |
| PROVE — R | Meaning | Remove all cartridges from the magazine |
| PROVE — O | Meaning | Observe the chamber is empty |
| PROVE — V | Meaning | Verify the feeding path is clear |
| PROVE — E | Meaning | Examine the bore for obstructions |
What Does ACTS Stand for in Canadian Firearm Safety?
ACTS stands for: Assume every firearm is always loaded, Control the muzzle direction at all times, Trigger finger off the trigger until ready to fire, See that the chamber or action is empty before handling. Apply ACTS every single time you pick up any firearm — even if you watched someone empty it seconds ago.
What Does PROVE Stand for?
PROVE stands for: Point the firearm in a safe direction, Remove cartridges from the magazine, Observe the chamber, Verify the feeding path is clear, Examine the bore. PROVE is performed whenever you need to confirm a firearm is unloaded. On the CFSC practical exam, skipping any step of PROVE results in a failure.
Why Are ACTS and PROVE So Important on the Exam?
The CFSC practical exam requires 100% — zero errors. Any deviation from ACTS or PROVE protocols, including muzzle sweep of another person or not starting every interaction with ACTS, results in an automatic fail. Practice both protocols until they are entirely automatic before your course day.