Psychological assessment for a firearm in Brazil: what it covers, cost and validity

The psychological assessment for a firearm is the evaluation that proves psychological fitness to handle a firearm, required by Law 10.826/2003 (Lei 10.826/2003, the Disarmament Statute) to buy, register, renew and carry a firearm. Only a psychologist accredited by the Federal Police (Polícia Federal, PF) can perform it. By law, the price may not exceed the average of the Federal Council of Psychology (Conselho Federal de Psicologia, CFP) fee table, which is R$ 697.22 (Brazilian reais) in the table in force since July 1, 2025.

Note: this text explains the rules and does not include or discuss psychological test material. It is for information only and does not replace guidance from the psychologist or the Federal Police.

What is the psychological assessment for a firearm?

It is a psychological evaluation carried out by a psychologist with active registration at the Regional Council of Psychology (Conselho Regional de Psicologia) and accredited by the PF. The result is a report that concludes whether the candidate is fit or unfit.

Art. 4, III, of Law 10.826 requires "proof of technical proficiency and psychological fitness to handle a firearm". For this reason, the report is required in firearm ownership, carry permit and registration renewal applications, together with the PF shooting test.

What does the psychologist evaluate?

CFP Resolution No. 01/2022 regulates this assessment. According to the CFP, the procedure must be carried out "based on cognitive aspects, personality traits, critical judgment and behavior".

In practice, according to CFP rules and the CFP manual on psychological assessment for handling firearms:

• the psychologist chooses the methods, techniques and instruments, as long as they are approved by the CFP;
• the tests used must have a favorable opinion in the Psychological Test Assessment System (Sistema de Avaliação de Testes Psicológicos, Satepsi);
• the assessment includes an individual interview;
• the candidate is entitled to a feedback interview at the end, to learn the result.

The length of the assessment depends on the instruments and on the candidate. The professional may not promise a result or a fixed duration, according to the 2024 guideline of CRP-RS (the Regional Council of Psychology of Rio Grande do Sul).

There is no "answer key" and no legitimate way to practice for the tests. Answer calmly and honestly.

How much does the psychological assessment for a firearm cost?

Art. 11-A, § 1, of Law 10.826 states that the amount charged by the psychologist "may not exceed the average professional fee for psychological assessment listed in item 1.16 of the Federal Council of Psychology table".

Amounts for the item "Psychological assessment for the granting of firearm registration and/or carry permit", checked in the CFP/Fenapsi fee table in force from July 1, 2025 on October 19, 2026.

Under § 3 of the same article, charging above the cap leads to the professional's loss of accreditation by the PF.

How long is the psychological report valid?

There are two different rules, and the shorter one applies to your application:

• CFP: CFP Resolution No. 01/2022 states that the assessment is valid for "at most, two years" from issuance.
• PF: PF Normative Instruction No. 78-DG/DPF/2014 (IN 78) requires an assessment carried out no more than 1 year before the application (art. 2, § 2). The official service pages for firearm purchase and for the carry permit repeat the rule.

In other words, to buy a firearm or apply for a carry permit with the PF, take the assessment no more than 1 year before filing the application.

Where to take it and what to check

• PF-accredited psychologist: only this professional can issue the report. Search the professionals directory.
• Accredited location: the assessment must take place at the address accredited with the PF.
• No conflict of interest: under CFP Resolution No. 01/2022, the assessment may not be done by someone with ties to a shooting club, training school, security guard training center or private security company, nor by a relative or spouse of the candidate.
• Price within the cap: up to R$ 697.22, under the table in force on October 19, 2026.

Want to become an accredited psychologist? See psychologist accreditation with the PF.

What if I am found unfit?

You may take a new assessment after 30 days, under art. 2, § 5, of IN No. 78-DG/DPF/2014, the PF rule on accredited psychologists. The psychologist sends a copy of the unfitness report, in a sealed envelope, to the PF unit (art. 2, § 4). In the feedback interview, you can ask questions about the result.

Next step

Choose a PF-accredited psychologist, confirm the price before the appointment and schedule the assessment close to the date you will file the application. See where the report fits in how to own a gun in Brazil.