🚨 Important Update: RCMP Now Requires All PAL Exams to Be in English or French Only (2025)
If you’re planning to take the Canadian PAL (Possession and Acquisition Licence) course, there’s an important new regulation from the RCMP and the Canadian Firearms Program (CFP) that you need to know about.
As of 2025, all firearms safety exams across Canada must now be completed only in English or French — the country’s two official languages. This update applies to both the Non-Restricted (PAL) and Restricted (RPAL) courses.
🔍 What Changed?
Previously, many certified firearms instructors across Canada offered PAL courses in multiple languages such as Mandarin, Punjabi, Spanish, and others — especially in regions with diverse communities.
Under the new policy:
- ✅ Classroom teaching can still include explanations in other languages.
- ❌ Exams (written and practical) must be completed in either English or French only.
- ❌ Instructors are no longer allowed to translate full sentences or test questions into any other language during the test.
- ✅ Instructors may still explain key terminology or concepts in another language, but not read or interpret test content.
💬 Why This Matters
This change has a significant impact on newcomers and individuals whose first language is not English or French. Many students previously relied on fully translated instructions to pass the firearms safety test. Now, they will need to be prepared to read, understand, and answer questions in English or French only.
For anyone applying for a PAL or RPAL licence, this means:
- You must have basic reading comprehension in English or French.
- You should prepare by reviewing sample PAL exam questions in one of the official languages.
- You may benefit from bilingual instructors who can help explain key terms in your native language during the course (but not during testing).
💡 Tips to Prepare
- Download PAL practice questions in English or French ahead of time.
- Learn the key firearms terminology in your native language and in English/French.
- Attend our bilingual prep sessions (offered in select locations).
- Ask us about one-on-one tutoring or customized group sessions.
👉 Book your PAL course HERE
Stay safe. Stay legal. Stay informed.
Rangeview Sports – Your trusted firearms retail store in Canada.