To buy a firearm in California you usually need a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC). The written test has 30 questions and you need 23 correct (75%) to pass. It costs $25, is given by DOJ-certified instructors (usually at licensed dealers) and the certificate is valid for five years.
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If you want to buy a firearm in California, the first step is usually the Firearm Safety Certificate, or FSC. It is a short written test on safe handling and basic law. It is not a shooting test, but it is a good test of whether you have learned the basics.
The numbers
- Questions: 30, multiple choice and true/false.
- Pass mark: at least 75%, which means 23 correct answers.
- Fee: $25 for the test and the certificate.
- Valid for: five years from the date it is issued.
These figures come from the California Department of Justice's own FSC FAQ. Check it before you go in case anything has changed.
Where you take it
The test is given by DOJ-certified instructors, most often at licensed firearm dealers. Bring a government-issued photo ID. If you fail, you can retake it, but there is a short wait before you can try again and you pay again.
What it covers
The DOJ publishes a free study guide. Expect questions on:
- The basic safety rules and safe handling.
- How to store firearms safely, especially around children.
- Carrying and transporting firearms legally in California.
- Who is prohibited from owning firearms.
- Responsibilities of an owner after a purchase.
Other rules to expect at the counter
California also has a waiting period between purchase and pickup (currently 10 days) and age minimums (21 for most purchases). A handgun purchase also needs a safe-handling demonstration with the dealer. Rules here change often, so confirm the current list with the California Department of Justice.
How to prepare
Read the study guide twice, and take a beginner safety class before the test. A good instructor will explain the reasons behind the rules, which makes the questions easy. You will also leave knowing how to handle a firearm safely, which the test alone cannot teach.
Common questions
How many questions are on the California FSC test?
30 questions. You need at least 23 correct (75%) to pass.
How much does the FSC cost?
$25 for the test and certificate, according to the California DOJ.
How long is an FSC valid?
Five years from the date it is issued.
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