FAQ’s

Common frequently asked questions.

How do I get a Restricted License?

To obtain a license of a restricted firearm, an individual must first successfully complete the Canadian Firearm Safety Course for Non-Restricted Firearms.

Is there an age limit to take the Canadian Firearm Safety Course?

The minimum age limit for the Canadian Firearms Safety Course is twelve years old. Anyone under the age of eighteen years old is classed as a minor and a letter of consent from their parent(s).

What are the differences in classes of firearms?

There are three classes of firearms: Non-Restricted (rifles), Restricted (handguns), and Prohibited.

Examples of Prohibited weapons are Non-Restricted firearms that have been modified to a barrel length less than 18 inches and/or overall length  less than 26 inches; handguns that have a barrel length equal to or less than 105 millimetres.

 

How long are the courses?

The Non-Restricted course is a designated 8 hour course and the Restricted 6 hours. This would be done in a classroom setting, complete with instruction, videos, breaks, etc. In  reality, when I teach the course, it is finished when everyone is up to speed. Times have ranged from 4 hours to 14 hours, depending on the target audience. As my groups are small (10 students at the most) we usually do not take the full 8 hours to complete the course. Read  the Comments for evaluations.

Times may vary depending upon group size, experience, and discussion. Some classes may run longer than eight hours

If I lost my course form, do I have to do the course over again?

If you have lost your course form, contact your instructor as all instructors have to maintain copies for a minimum of five years for all students that they instructed. If you have taken the course from me, I have copies of course form from 2015 forward. If your licence has run passed your renewal date, in most cases, you do not have to take the course again as there will be a copy on file with the program. Contact 1 800 731 4000 extension 9026 to confirm.

Who can challenge the courses?

As of June 18 2015, challenging a course is no longer an option.

I am interested in taking the Canadian Firearms Safety Course certification.  I got your name from the sporting goods store.  They suggested I buy the book from the store first however wanted to confirm with you how best to proceed.

Do not buy the book unless you want two of them. When you take the course the instructor is mandated by Alberta Hunter Education Instructors Association to provide you with a book. During the class you will be provided with the manual, application forms, picture forms, and, of course the Canadian Firearms Safety Course form at the end of the session. Everything you need for submission will be provided.

If you feel you need to peruse or study the manual ahead of time, you may pick it up prior the course class once you have registered, assuming you are taking the course through me (albertagunsafety.com).

What do I need to bring the class?

Bring some form of official Photo Identification such as your operators licence or passport. Payment is in cash or personal cheque or e-transfer.

Can I do both courses in one day?

No. With the designated time for each course, it would make it too long of a day. Also retention of information from the two courses would be impaired.

Is there a need to take the Restricted course if at the present time there is no purchases or transfers allowed?

The moratorium on purchases and transfers may be temporary. If it is lifted, it is anticipated that there will be a high demand for the Restricted course as well as purchases. For this reason, some people are taking the Restricted course in anticipation of this happening.

Another consideration is that the federal government may move semiautomatic long guns to the Restricted class. People that already own, or intend to purchase semiautomatics are taking the Restricted course now in case that happens. They will already have their RPAL.

I am in a situation where I will gain possession of a Restricted firearm such as part of an estate that may include heirlooms. How do I handle this considering the present ban on transfers.

As each situation is unique, call the Alberta Chief Firearms Officer office at 1 800 731 4000 extension 9026. This will get you the Alberta office. They will tell you what can and cannot be done. I some unique cases/situations it has been successful.

What can I expect in the way of instruction if I take the course(s) from albertagunsafety.com?

The instructor will actually teach the course rather than present it with a powerpoint. Classes are small. There is a hands-on  component as well as background history regarding firearm development. All questions are answered regardless of experience level. The course is designed assuming you have no experience with firearms. The main focus of the instructor is that you know how to be safe and know how to be legal at the completion of the course. To walk the talk so to speak, every participant is given a bore light (to be safe) and a trigger lock or cablelock (to be legal). You may want to peruse the evaluative comments page.

If you have any questions that you would like answered, email me at jlazzari@shaw.ca and I will personally answer your questions.