PAL and RPAL Firearms Safety Courses in Ottawa and Eastern Ontario
Firearms Safety Training
Firearms Safety Training
Backed by Real-World Experience
Learn from a Certified Instructor with 33 Years of Law Enforcement Experience
Getting Your Canadian Firearms Licence Starts with the Right Training
Hawthorne Research, Training and Development provides the Canadian Firearms Safety Courses (CFSC) for your PAL licence and the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC) for your RPAL licence across Ottawa and Eastern Ontario.
Our lead instructor brings over 33 years of operational law enforcement experience to every course — real-world firearms knowledge and safety expertise that no classroom-only instructor can match. Course sizes are kept deliberately small (8-10) so every student receives personal attention and leaves fully prepared for their exam.
CFSC — Canadian Firearms Safety Course (PAL)
The required course to obtain your Non-Restricted Possession and Acquisition Licence in Canada.
Covers safe handling, storage, and transportation of non-restricted firearms
Includes hunting rifles and shotguns
Written and practical exam included
Results submitted digitally to the RCMP
Ideal for: First-time firearm owners, hunters, recreational shooters, new PAL applicants.
CRFSC — Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (RPAL)
Required to obtain your Restricted PAL covering handguns and restricted firearms.
Covers safe handling, storage, and transportation of restricted firearms
Includes handguns and restricted semi-automatic rifles
Written and practical exam included
Must hold valid PAL or complete CFSC first
Ideal for: Sport shooters, competitive shooters, approved gun range members
Most Popular
Combined CFSC/CRFSC Weekend Course
Complete both your PAL and RPAL in a single weekend — Ottawa's most in-demand format.
Full PAL and RPAL licensing in one booking
Most cost-effective option
Ideal for anyone wanting complete firearms licensing
Courses fill quickly — early registration recommended
Ideal for: Anyone wanting full firearms licensing in the shortest time
Private Group Course
Our private group course is available for families, couples, and small groups of up to 10 students.
Female Only Course
A comfortable, supportive, pressure-free learning environment specifically designed for women pursuing their PAL or RPAL. Beginner-friendly instruction from an experienced law enforcement professional.
Why Choose Hawthorne Research, Training & Development?
Unmatched Credentials
Our lead instructor brings 33 years of operational law enforcement experience, including decades of professional firearms training and instruction at a national level
Small Class Sizes
Personal attention for every student. You are never just a number in a large group course
Complete Exam Preparation
Every student is fully prepared for both the written and practical components of their licensing exam
Ottawa and Eastern Ontario
Every student is fully prepared for both the written and practical components of their licensing exam
Safe and Professional Environment
Courses delivered with the professionalism and safety standards from someone with a career law enforcement background
Myself and my son (12) recently had the opportunity to do the Canadian Firearms Safety course in a class setting of eight people. The instructors were an incredible wealth of knowledge and did an outstanding job with the pre-teens, and the adults being keeners to make sure we protect the kids when handling guns.
Their love for the safety and proper handling of firearms was definitely communicated. We were engaged and thirsting for the knowledge which is incredible when you have three pre-teens, all with ADHD. To say these guys were patient would be an understatement. Thank you for making learning such a positive experience.
Kristy
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the PAL course take?
The CFSC standalone course is typically completed in 10 hours, which includes the written and practical exam. The combined CFSC/CRFSC weekend course completes both your PAL and RPAL over a single weekend, starting Friday nights and ending on Sunday.
Do I need prior firearms experience?
No prior experience is required. Our courses are designed for complete beginners as well as those with some firearms background. Every student learns at a comfortable pace in a supportive environment.
What is the difference between a PAL and RPAL?
A PAL covers non-restricted firearms such as hunting rifles and shotguns. An RPAL also covers restricted firearms, including handguns. We strongly recommend the combined course to obtain both licences at once — standalone RPAL courses can be difficult to find once you have completed only the PAL.
Can you come to our location for a private course?
Yes. We offer private CFSC and CRFSC courses for small groups (10). We may be able to come to your Ottawa-area address, depending on your location and whether you have space for classroom instruction and room setup. Contact us directly to arrange a private session.
How do I register?
Registration for all courses is by email. Contact us at HRTandD@gmail.com to check upcoming dates, confirm availability, and reserve your spot.
How much do courses cost?
Please contact us directly for current pricing, as it will depend on the courses selected.
How long does it take to receive my PAL after completing the course?
After passing your exam your results are submitted to the RCMP. Processing times vary but typically range from 45 to 90 days from the date your application is received by the Canadian Firearms Program.
Reserve Your Spot Today
Ready to Get Your Firearms Licence? Spots in our courses fill quickly. Contact us today to check upcoming dates and reserve your place.