Brazil's Federal Police shooting test: format and passing scores
Brazil's shooting test for gun ownership: 20 questions with 60% to pass and 20 shots at 5 and 7 m, scoring 30 of 50 at each distance. Plus the carry exam.
The shooting test for firearm ownership has two parts: a theory exam with 20 questions, with a minimum score of 60%, and a practical exam with 20 shots at 5 and 7 meters. In the practical exam with a pistol or revolver, you must score at least 30 of the 50 possible points at each distance. For a carry permit, there is a second, more demanding practical stage.
Note: any safety violation can fail the candidate, even with a good score. This text is for information only and is based on the Federal Police (Polícia Federal, PF) regulation; the accredited instructor gives the exam according to these rules.
What is the technical proficiency test?
The technical proficiency test (teste de capacidade técnica) is the exam that proves you know the safety rules and the parts of the firearm, and that you can use it. It is required by Law 10.826/2003 (Lei 10.826/2003, the Disarmament Statute) to buy, register, renew the registration of, transfer and carry a firearm. For ownership and carry permits, the PF accepts a report that is at most 1 year old, counted from the date of the assessment, according to the official service pages for firearm purchase and for the carry permit.
Only a Firearms and Shooting Instructor (Instrutor de Armamento e Tiro, IAT) accredited by the PF can give the test. The rules are in Annex I to Normative Instruction No. 111-DG/PF/2017, checked on the PF guidance page for instructor accreditation on October 19, 2026.
What is the theory exam like?
There are 20 multiple-choice questions, and you pass by getting at least 60% right, that is, 12 questions. The topics, under Annex I, are:
Topic | Questions |
|---|---|
Safety rules | 6 |
Parts: names and how they work | 6 |
Conduct on the range | 3 |
Firearms legislation | 5 |
Total | 20 |
In the legislation part, the Annex I published by the PF still cites Decrees 9.845, 9.846 and 9.847 of 2019 and Decree 10.030/2019. Today, Law 10.826 is regulated by Decree 11.615/2023 (Decreto 11.615/2023) (art. 1). If in doubt, ask the instructor which material they use.
IN 111 requires the instructor to point the candidate to the PF Firearms and Shooting Handbook (Cartilha de Armamento e Tiro) as preparation material (art. 2, § 1).
What is the practical exam for ownership (handgun) like?
For the purchase, registration and transfer of a pistol or revolver (rifled-barrel handgun), Annex I provides:
Item | Rule |
|---|---|
Target | Standard SAT/ANP/PF silhouette, with zones from 5 to 0 points |
Shots | 20 in total: 10 at 5 meters and 10 at 7 meters |
Time | 20 seconds for each string of 5 shots, or 40 seconds for each string of 10 |
Passing | At least 30 of 50 points at each distance (60%) |
Ammunition | Original; reloaded ammunition is prohibited |
Double-action pistols fire the first shot in double action and the rest in single action. With revolvers, every shot is fired in double action.
The candidate starts in the retention position. Firearms with a manual safety stay on safe until the instructor's start command.
What about long guns and smoothbore firearms?
Annex I has specific rules for each type:
Firearm | Distance | Shots and time | Passing |
|---|---|---|---|
Smoothbore handgun | 10 m | 2 strings of 2 shots, 4 seconds each | Hit 2 of the 4 shots |
Rifled long gun | 20 m | 2 strings of 5 shots, 30 seconds each | 30 of 50 points |
Smoothbore long gun | 15 m | 2 strings of 2 shots, 20 seconds each | Hit 2 of the 4 shots |
Which caliber is used in the test?
PF Ordinance No. 008-CGCSP/DIREX/PF/2021 sets the minimum calibers for the firearms used in the test:
- revolver: .38 or larger;
- pistol: .380 or larger;
- rifled long gun: .38 or larger;
- smoothbore handgun or long gun: any caliber.
According to the official purchase service page, the certificate must be in the caliber of the firearm you want to buy or a larger one. The instructor supplies the firearm and ammunition for the test (art. 3, § 1, of IN 111). Exceptionally, you may use your own firearm, after requesting a transit permit (guia de trânsito) from the PF (art. 3, § 4).
What is the practical exam for a carry permit like?
For a self-defense carry permit with a rifled-barrel handgun, the exam has two parts.
Part I: the same as the ownership exam. It is 20 shots at 5 and 7 meters, with a minimum of 30 of 50 points at each distance.
Part II: four-color center-fire target, SAT/ANP standard, 46 cm x 64 cm.
Item | Rule |
|---|---|
Shots | 24, in 6 strings of 4 |
Distance | 7 meters |
Time | Up to 10 seconds per string |
Command | 2 shots on each color, in the order given by the examiner |
Scoring | 0, 3, 4 or 5 points per shot |
Passing | At least 72 of 120 points (60%) |
In Part II, there is a 5-point deduction for each shot fired after the end-of-time whistle or on the wrong color. A shot that misses the target is lost, with no deduction. Color-blind candidates receive the command as numbers from 1 to 4.
Annex I also states that, in Part II, "a candidate who does not follow the safety rules and/or fires an accidental shot will be eliminated".
What makes you fail the shooting test?
- Score below the minimum in theory (less than 60%) or in practice.
- Safety or range conduct violation: the instructor may fail the candidate, "given the seriousness of the act", even with a good score.
- Accidental discharge in Part II of the carry permit exam: elimination.
In every case, the candidate signs an acknowledgment of the failure on the form.
I failed the shooting test. What now?
You may take a new assessment after 30 days, under art. 4 of IN 111 and Annex I. The instructor must report the failure to the PF unit.
Use this period to study the theory and practice at a regular range, with guidance. To learn how much the test costs and how to choose an instructor, see shooting course: cost and how to choose an instructor. Site supporters have a practice theory exam.
How much does the shooting test cost?
At most R$ 80.00 (Brazilian reais) plus the cost of ammunition, under art. 11-A, § 2, of Law 10.826/2003. An instructor who charges more may lose accreditation. To find accredited instructors, use the professionals directory.
Next step
Study the PF Firearms and Shooting Handbook and the safety rules before booking the test. Also read how to own a gun in Brazil to see at which stage the report comes in.
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