An RPAL practice test is built for one job: getting you through the written test of the Canadian Restricted Firearms Safety Course (CRFSC), the course you need on top of the CFSC for a licence with restricted privileges. Most practice sites are PAL pages that mention RPAL in passing. This one is restricted first: handguns, restricted storage and display, the Authorization to Transport (ATT), registration and the CFO's role, plus the safety core that both courses share.
If you have not yet done the non-restricted course, start with our free PAL practice test. If you are still deciding whether you need restricted privileges at all, read PAL vs RPAL first.
Canada Licence Prep is an independent study aid. We are not affiliated with the RCMP, any Chief Firearms Officer or any course provider.
What the CRFSC exam is and who takes it
The CRFSC is required by Firearms Act s.7(2) for anyone who wants a licence covering restricted firearms. Like the CFSC, it ends with a written test and a practical handling test, both given by an instructor designated by your province's Chief Firearms Officer (CFO). The RCMP lists the course on its safety courses page.
| Item | What we know (checked October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Required, along with the CFSC, for a PAL with restricted privileges ("RPAL") |
| Who may take it | Adults 18 and older |
| Tests | A written test and a practical test with handguns and dummy ammunition |
| Pass mark | 80% on each test, as stated by CFO delivery agents |
| Number of questions and time | Not published nationally; course providers report about 50 questions |
| Course length | Set provincially. Ontario FSESO: at least 6 hours, or 4 hours when taken back to back with the CFSC |
| Challenge test | Not available to new applicants |
Key fact: You cannot get an RPAL with the CRFSC alone. Both courses and all four tests must be passed.
Why take the CRFSC in 2026
Since 21 October 2022, individuals in Canada generally cannot acquire handguns by transfer. That freeze has been part of the Firearms Act since December 2023. People still take the CRFSC because restricted privileges are needed to possess restricted firearms that are not handguns, to keep and use handguns already lawfully owned, and for some narrow professional and sport exceptions. The course tests the rules, not lists of models. Check the RCMP classes of firearms page for current status before your course.
RPAL test topics and how our mocks weight them
The RCMP's CRFSC syllabus has eight topics, centred on handguns and restricted firearm rules. Our mocks combine those with the safety core from the CFSC, because instructors routinely test ACTS, PROVE and the legal basics again on the restricted paper. The shares below are our blueprint, not an official breakdown.
| Topic | Share of our mock | About how many of 50 | Drill it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safe storage, display and transport | 16% | 8 | Topic drill |
| Legal responsibilities, registration, transfers | 13% | 6–7 | Topic drill |
| Restricted firearms: handguns and specific rules | 11% | 5 | Topic drill |
| Basic safety: ACTS and PROVE | 11% | 5 | Topic drill |
| Operating actions (including revolvers and pistols) | 11% | 5 | Topic drill |
| Safe handling and carry | 11% | 5 | Topic drill |
| Ammunition | 8% | 4 | Topic drill |
| Evolution, parts and classes | 5% | 2–3 | Topic drill |
| Firing techniques | 5% | 2–3 | Topic drill |
| Social responsibilities | 5% | 2–3 | Topic drill |
| Care of firearms | 4% | 2 | Topic drill |
Storage, transport, the law and restricted-specific rules together make up roughly 40% of each mock. That is where the restricted paper differs most from the PAL paper, and where people who passed the CFSC comfortably get caught.
How our CRFSC mock exams work
- 50 questions in 60 minutes, with 40 correct needed to pass (80%).
- Four options per question, so guessing does not carry you.
- 40 knowledge and 10 situation questions. Situation questions put you in a scene: a range cease-fire, a car stop on the way home from the club, a friend asking to borrow your pistol.
- Drawn from a bank of 1,863 CRFSC questions across ten different mocks.
- An explanation for every answer, pointing to the rule behind it.
The 20-question RPAL diagnostic and mock 1 are free. Mocks 2 to 10, practice by topic and the full notes are in Pro.
How to prepare with the RPAL practice test
- Take the diagnostic first. It covers both the shared core and the restricted topics, so it shows straight away whether your gaps are in the new material or in the basics you thought you had nailed for the PAL.
- Read the free CRFSC exam guide. It lists the eight official topics and the classic questions.
- Study the two restricted notes. The handgun actions and firing note covers revolvers, pistols, trigger systems and grips. The restricted rules note covers registration, transfers, the ATT and restricted storage.
- Drill restricted storage and transport until you score above 85%. These are the questions with the most conditions to remember.
- Sit mock 1 under time, then review every wrong answer against the notes.
- Repeat with fresh mocks until you score 90% or more three times in a row.
Exam tip: If you are taking a combined CFSC and CRFSC course, study the shared core once, then spend your remaining time on the restricted differences. Do not prepare for two separate exams from scratch.
Key restricted facts you must know cold
What makes a firearm restricted
Under Criminal Code s.84, a restricted firearm is:
- a handgun that is not prohibited;
- a semi-automatic centre-fire firearm with a barrel shorter than 470 mm that is not prohibited;
- a firearm that can fire when folded or telescoped to under 660 mm;
- any firearm prescribed as restricted by regulation.
Handguns with a barrel of 105 mm or less, or chambered for .25 or .32 calibre, are prohibited (with an exception for prescribed competition pistols). Expect at least one question that hinges on those numbers.
Registration, transfers and possession
- Every restricted firearm must have a registration certificate. Possession without one is an offence.
- A CFO must approve every transfer of a restricted firearm, and only for a lawful purpose such as target practice or competition at an approved club or range, a lawful occupation, or a collection (for restricted long guns).
- You may possess a restricted firearm only at your dwelling-house as recorded in the registry, or at another place a CFO authorizes. You cannot simply leave it at a friend's house.
- Shooting clubs and ranges must be approved by the provincial minister. Restricted firearms are used for target practice only at approved ranges.
Storage, display and transport of restricted firearms
These rules come from the storage regulations, SOR/98-209.
| Situation | Rule for restricted firearms |
|---|---|
| Storage (s.6) | Unloaded, and either a secure locking device plus a locked container or room that cannot readily be broken into, or a vault, safe or room built or modified for restricted firearms, kept locked. Ammunition not readily accessible unless locked up the same way |
| Display at home (s.9(1)) | Unloaded, secure locking device, securely attached to a non-portable structure, not with ammunition |
| Display elsewhere (s.9(2)) | Unloaded, locking device, attached by a chain, metal cable or similar device; ammunition only in a locked container |
| Transport (s.11) | Unloaded, secure locking device, locked container of opaque material, plus an ATT. In an unattended vehicle the container goes in the locked trunk or out of sight in the locked vehicle |
Key fact: Restricted transport needs four things: unloaded, locking device, locked opaque container and an ATT. Questions often drop one of the four and ask whether the trip is legal.
Compare this with non-restricted storage, where a locking device or a removed bolt or a locked container is enough. On the restricted side it is a locking device and a locked container, unless you use a purpose-built vault. Our firearm storage rules page sets the classes side by side.
The Authorization to Transport
An ATT lets you move a particular restricted firearm between specified places for a good reason: target practice at an approved range, moving house, going to a peace officer or CFO for registration or disposal, repair, sale, export, appraisal or a gun show. When an RPAL is issued or renewed, the holder is automatically authorized to transport restricted firearms within the province to and from all approved clubs and ranges. Other trips need a separate ATT from the CFO.
On a trip to the range, carry three documents: your licence, the registration certificate and the ATT. More detail is in our guide to transporting firearms in Canada.
Handgun actions and safe handling
- Revolvers hold cartridges in a rotating cylinder. Swing-out cylinders open on a crane; single-action revolvers often load through a gate, one chamber at a time.
- Semi-automatic pistols feed from a detachable magazine in the grip. Each shot ejects the empty case and chambers the next cartridge, but every shot still needs a separate trigger pull.
- Single action only releases a hammer that is already cocked. Double action only cocks and releases on every pull. DA/SA fires the first shot double action and the rest single action.
- Unloading a pistol: magazine out first, then pull the slide back to eject the chambered round and lock it open, then PROVE. Unloading a revolver: open the cylinder, eject all cartridges, look into every chamber.
- A magazine disconnect stops a pistol from firing with the magazine out. Never treat a pistol with no magazine as safe; a round can still be in the chamber.
Firing technique and range discipline
- On a revolver, never cross your thumbs behind the cylinder or hammer: hot gas escapes from the gap between cylinder and barrel.
- On a semi-automatic, keep both thumbs low and forward along the frame, clear of the slide.
- The handgun stays within your sight and arm's reach at all times on the range.
- No cross-range shooting: fire only at your own target.
- On a cease-fire, stop, unload, open the action and set the handgun down as directed. Nobody goes forward until the Range Officer clears the line.
Loaded restricted firearms
Possessing a loaded restricted or prohibited firearm, or an unloaded one with readily accessible ammunition, without the needed authorization and registration certificate is a serious offence under Criminal Code s.95. Load only on the firing line of an approved range.
The CRFSC practical test
The written test is half the job. On the practical, expect to identify revolver and semi-automatic actions, find the cylinder release, slide stop and safeties, load and unload with dummy rounds, PROVE each handgun and apply a secure locking device. Handguns are short, which makes muzzle control harder: the muzzle swings across a room with a small turn of the wrist. Keep it in the safe direction throughout, including when you set the handgun down. Our ACTS and PROVE page has the full routine.
After you pass: fees and the application
As of October 2026, the RCMP fee for a restricted or prohibited licence is $93.84, and $46.92 to upgrade an existing non-restricted PAL, according to the RCMP service fees page. From 31 March 2027 these rise to $96.47 and $48.24. First-time applicants wait at least 28 days; licences are valid for 5 years. Course fees are separate. In Ontario, FSESO lists $170 for the CRFSC and $380 for the CFSC and CRFSC together, before tax and manual.
The application steps are the same as for a non-restricted licence; see how to get a PAL.
Your study plan
- Take the free RPAL diagnostic and note whether your gaps are in the shared core or the restricted topics.
- Read the free CRFSC guide and the ACTS and PROVE note.
- Learn the restricted storage, display and transport table until you can write it from memory.
- Sit free RPAL mock 1 under a 60-minute timer and review every wrong answer.
- Drill your weakest topics, then sit fresh mocks until you score 90% or more three times in a row.
- If you are also sitting the CFSC, run the PAL mock in the same week so the shared core stays sharp.
10 free RPAL (CRFSC) practice questions with answers
Try each one, then open the answer. For a timed experience use the free mock exam.
1. When holstering a handgun where club rules allow it, what is the main safety concern?
- A. The grip panels coming loose
- B. The sights picking up dust
- C. Something catching the trigger
- D. Scratching the holster's finish
Show answer
C. Something catching the trigger
The finger must be off the trigger, and clothing or holster straps must be clear, because anything pressing the trigger during holstering can fire the handgun.
2. Why do ranges usually prohibit shooting at targets placed on the ground in front of the backstop?
- A. It makes targets too easy to hit
- B. Shots can ricochet off the ground
- C. It damages the grass
- D. It is too hard to see
Show answer
B. Shots can ricochet off the ground
Shooting at the ground, especially at shallow angles, can cause ricochets that leave the range. Targets should be at a height where shots hit the backstop (CFSC Handbook, Module 8).
3. Racking the slide of her pistol, where should Zara place her support hand?
- A. Over the muzzle, to pull the slide back
- B. Wrapped around the trigger guard
- C. Flat across the open ejection port
- D. On the rear serrations, behind the port
Show answer
D. On the rear serrations, behind the port
The slide is grasped at the rear serrations, with the hand behind the ejection port and well clear of the muzzle, while the pistol stays pointed downrange.
4. How is a typical single-shot break-open pistol loaded?
- A. Open it on its hinge and insert one round
- B. Insert a magazine into the grip
- C. Load a cylinder through a gate
- D. Pour powder down the barrel
Show answer
A. Open it on its hinge and insert one round
A break-open (hinge-action) single-shot pistol opens on a hinge to expose the chamber. One cartridge is inserted, the action is closed, and after firing it is opened again to remove the case.
5. Yves's pistol is in a locked safe, but he tells guests at a party the safe code so they can 'look at his collection' while he is outside. What is the risk?
- A. None, as long as the safe met the regulations
- B. Careless storage under Criminal Code s.86(1)
- C. Only a breach of his shooting club's rules
- D. Only a delay in renewing his licence
Show answer
B. Careless storage under Criminal Code s.86(1)
Criminal Code s.86(1) makes it an offence to store a firearm carelessly or without reasonable precautions for others' safety. Giving the code to unsupervised guests defeats the lock and risks misuse.
6. Hal keeps spare 9 mm cartridges rattling in his jacket with his car keys for weeks. What is the concern?
- A. It makes the cartridges more accurate
- B. It keeps the cartridges warm in winter
- C. It stops the cases from corroding
- D. Primers or bullets can be damaged or pushed in
Show answer
D. Primers or bullets can be damaged or pushed in
Loose ammunition can be knocked, dented or have its bullet pushed back into the case, which can raise pressure. Carry it in its box or a proper holder.
7. You inherit an old rifle with no data stamp showing its calibre. What should you do before firing it?
- A. Have a qualified gunsmith examine and identify it
- B. Fire one reduced load to test it
- C. Try the most common calibre for its age
- D. Match it by sliding cartridges into the chamber
Show answer
A. Have a qualified gunsmith examine and identify it
Without a data stamp you cannot be sure which ammunition is safe. A gunsmith can identify the chambering and check that the firearm is safe to use.
8. Sara wants to lend her restricted pistol to her brother for a club match she will not attend. He holds only a non-restricted PAL. May she lend it?
- A. Yes, if she lends him the certificate
- B. Yes, if he signs a loan form
- C. Yes, any PAL holder may borrow it
- D. No, he needs a licence for restricted firearms
Show answer
D. No, he needs a licence for restricted firearms
Firearms Act s.33(a) allows an unsupervised loan only if the lender has reasonable grounds to believe the borrower holds a licence for that kind of firearm, and lends the registration certificate. A non-restricted PAL is not enough.
9. Neil's paper-hulled shotshells got wet and have swollen. One is hard to push into the chamber. What should he do?
- A. Hammer it in with the heel of his hand
- B. Trim the hull with a knife
- C. Not force it; set damaged shells aside
- D. Dry it by the campfire
Show answer
C. Not force it; set damaged shells aside
Damaged or swollen shells may not chamber or extract properly and can be unsafe. Never force ammunition into a chamber, and never heat it (CFSC Handbook, Module 5).
10. Why must you never fire a modern smokeless-powder cartridge in an old firearm designed only for black powder?
- A. It will leave no fouling residue
- B. Higher pressure can burst the firearm
- C. It will be far too quiet to hear
- D. Smokeless powder cannot be ignited
Show answer
B. Higher pressure can burst the firearm
Smokeless powder generates much higher pressures than black powder. Firearms designed for black powder, especially old ones, may not withstand those pressures and can burst. Use only the ammunition or powder the firearm was designed for.
Frequently asked questions
+Is the RPAL test harder than the PAL test?
Most candidates find the CRFSC a little harder because the storage, display and transport rules for restricted firearms have more conditions and the handgun actions are less familiar. The pass mark is the same 80%. If you know the CFSC material well, the extra content is manageable with a few focused study sessions.
+Do I have to pass the PAL test before the RPAL test?
You need to pass both the CFSC and the CRFSC to get a licence with restricted privileges. Many people take them back to back in one combined course. Your instructor decides the order of the tests.
+Can I still get an RPAL in 2026 if I can't buy a handgun?
Yes. The handgun transfer freeze that started on 21 October 2022 limits acquiring handguns, but the RPAL is still issued and still needed to possess other restricted firearms, to keep handguns already owned, and for some sport and workplace exceptions.
+How old do you have to be to take the CRFSC?
The CRFSC is for adults 18 and older. Minors aged 12 to 17 can take the CFSC tests but not the restricted course tests.
+How much does the RPAL cost?
As of October 2026 the RCMP fee for a restricted or prohibited licence is $93.84, or $46.92 to upgrade an existing non-restricted PAL. Course fees are separate and set by instructors; in Ontario FSESO lists $170 for the CRFSC alone.
+What documents do I need to take a handgun to the range?
Carry your licence, the registration certificate for the firearm and your Authorization to Transport. For approved ranges in your province, the ATT is normally part of your licence conditions when it is issued or renewed.
+How many questions are on the RPAL test?
The RCMP does not publish a fixed number. Course providers report papers of about 50 questions, and the pass mark is 80%. Ask your instructor what their paper looks like.
+Is there a free CRFSC practice test?
Yes. The 20-question RPAL diagnostic, full mock exam 1 and a 25-question quick practice are free. Pro adds mocks 2 to 10, practice by topic and all study notes.
Study offline on your phone too
The Canada Licence Prep app has the same questions with audio, French explanations and an ACTS & PROVE coach.
Keep reading
- Free PAL Practice Test (CFSC)Free 50-question CFSC mock exam for the PAL test: 80% pass mark, timed like the real thing, scored instantly with explanations. Start with a diagnostic.
- PAL vs RPAL: What's the Difference?PAL covers non-restricted rifles and shotguns; RPAL adds restricted firearms. Compare courses, exams, fees, storage rules and 2026 handgun limits.
- Transporting Firearms in CanadaHow to legally transport non-restricted, restricted and prohibited firearms in Canada, when you need an ATT, vehicle rules, provinces and flights.
- Firearm Storage Rules in CanadaPlain-English firearm storage rules from SOR/98-209 for every class, plus display, vehicles, locks and ammo. Includes 'Is it legal?' scenarios.
- How Many Questions Are on the PAL Test?The CFSC written test is reported at about 50 questions with an 80% pass mark, plus a practical test. Format, timing, fees and what each part covers.