A Non-Restricted Firearm Safety Course is a course designed to teach individuals about the safe handling and use of non-restricted firearms. Non-restricted firearms are a category of firearms in Canada that include most ordinary hunting rifles and shotguns.

A Restricted Firearm Safety Course is a course designed to teach individuals about the safe handling and use of restricted firearms. Restricted firearms are a category of firearms in Canada that include handguns and some semi-automatic rifles and shotguns.