Nova Scotia Hunter Education Practice Test 2026
Practise for Nova Scotia's first-time hunter training: the Canadian Firearms Safety Course and the online Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course, each with an 80% pass mark. Practice test 1 covers Nova Scotia's own rules. The other sets cover safety, ethics, wildlife and survival taught across Canada.
Quick answer
Pass mark: 80% on the online hunter education exam (80% on the firearms safety tests too). It is run by Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources (Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course); Department of Justice through Safety Services Nova Scotia (firearms course). Practise here for free with 118 questions, each with the answer and an explanation. Checked against official sources on October 10, 2026.
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Question 1 of 18
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Answer: A. A Wildlife Resources Client Card, a hunting licence and a Wildlife Habitat Stamp
Residents need a Nova Scotia Wildlife Resources Client Card, a valid hunting licence and a Wildlife Habitat Stamp.
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Question 2 of 18
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Answer: A. When they buy their hunting licence
The Wildlife Habitat Stamp is acquired when you buy your hunting licence.
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Question 3 of 18
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Answer: A. Firearm safety training and hunter education
First-time firearm hunters must complete both firearm safety and hunter education training.
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Question 4 of 18
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Answer: D. Bowhunter education
First-time bow hunters must complete bowhunter education.
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Question 5 of 18
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Answer: C. The Canadian Firearms Safety (non-restricted) Course
Firearm training has two parts: first the Canadian Firearms Safety Course, then the Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course.
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Question 6 of 18
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Answer: D. The Department of Justice, through Safety Services Nova Scotia
The CFSC in Nova Scotia is run by the Department of Justice through Safety Services Nova Scotia.
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Question 7 of 18
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Answer: C. A practical test and a written test
The course covers safe firearm handling and includes a practical test and a written test.
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Question 8 of 18
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Answer: B. 80%
The pass mark for the CFSC tests is 80%.
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Question 9 of 18
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Answer: B. Online only, ending with an online exam
The Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course is online only and ends with an online exam.
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Question 10 of 18
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Answer: A. 80%
The online exam has a pass mark of 80%.
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Question 11 of 18
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Answer: B. Hunt NS
Registration is through Hunt NS. The course is provided by the Department of Natural Resources.
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Question 12 of 18
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Answer: C. A Wildlife Resources Client Card
After training, apply for a Wildlife Resources Client Card, which you need to buy a hunting licence.
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Question 13 of 18
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Answer: A. A Minor's Firearms Licence
Anyone under 18 who wants to hunt with a firearm also needs a federal Minor's Firearms Licence.
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Question 14 of 18
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Answer: A. Only if the Minister permits it
A person under 12 may not take a hunter education course unless the Minister permits it.
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Question 15 of 18
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Answer: D. An orange cap or hat and an orange shirt, vest or coat, visible from all directions
Anyone hunting or accompanying a hunter must wear an orange cap or hat and an orange shirt, vest or coat, plainly visible from all directions.
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Question 16 of 18
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Answer: B. At least 2,581 square cm (400 square inches)
Camouflage orange is defined as a broken pattern with at least 2,581 square cm (400 square inches) of hunter orange.
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Question 17 of 18
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Answer: D. Waterfowl hunters
Exemptions include waterfowl hunting, night raccoon hunting and bow hunting in areas designated for bow hunting only.
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Question 18 of 18
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Answer: B. Yes, with satisfactory proof that it is an equivalent course
Proof of an equivalent course from another province, state or country can be accepted.
Keyboard: 1–4 to answer, Enter for the next question.
The real test: 80% on the online hunter education exam (80% on the firearms safety tests too)
What to know before the test
- Residents need a Wildlife Resources Client Card, a hunting licence and a Wildlife Habitat Stamp, plus any federal permits.
- First-time firearm hunters take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course first, then the Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course.
- The Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course is online only, and its exam has an 80% pass mark. Register through Hunt NS.
- First-time bow hunters must complete bowhunter education.
- Anyone under 18 hunting with a firearm also needs a federal Minor's Firearms Licence.
- Hunters and the people with them must wear an orange hat and an orange shirt, vest or coat, visible from all directions.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Nova Scotia hunter education online?
Yes. The Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course is online only, through Hunt NS, and ends with an online exam.
What is the pass mark?
80% on the Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course exam. The Canadian Firearms Safety Course tests also need 80%.
Which course do I take first?
For firearm hunting, take the Canadian Firearms Safety Course first, then the Atlantic Provinces Hunter Education Course.
What do I need after the courses?
Apply for a Wildlife Resources Client Card, then buy your hunting licence. The Wildlife Habitat Stamp comes with the licence.