California Firearms Safety Certificate

Prior to purchasing or acquiring a firearm, unless exempted, you must have a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC). You must present your FSC to the firearms dealer at the time you begin a transaction to purchase or acquire a firearm. This course satisfies the requirement to receive and FSC.

To obtain an Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC) you must score at least 75% (23 correct answers out of 30 questions) on the FSC Test covering firearm safety and basic firearms laws. The true/false and multiple choice test is administered by Instructors certified by the Department of Justice.
The FSC applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must present clear evidence of identity and age by presenting a California Driver License or California Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card.

California Firearms Safety Certificate

1 Hour

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Firearms Safety Certificate Study Guide

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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

Firearms Safety Certificate - Details

The exam is a 30 question exam prescribed by the Department of Justice. There is no training course required to take the exam. The exam typically takes 15 – 30 mins. You will recieve the card same day. This card is valid for 5 years.

Commonly Asked Questions

What are the Firearm Safety Certificate requirements?
- Prior to purchasing or acquiring a firearm, unless exempted, you must have a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC). You must present your FSC to the firearms dealer at the time you begin a transaction to purchase or acquire a firearm.
What are the exemptions from the Firearm Safety Certificate requirement?
- There are several FSC requirement exemptions. (For this list, see the next section) In addition to the previous Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) exemptions, a person issued a valid hunting license is exempt from the FSC requirement for long guns only. (Pen. Code, § 31700, subd. (c).)
If I already have a Handgun Safety Certificate, do I still need a Firearm Safety Certificate?
- A valid HSC can still be used to purchase/acquire handguns until it expires. For long gun purchases/acquisitions made on or after January 1, 2015, an FSC is required. An FSC can be used to purchase/acquire both handgun and long guns.
Do I need a Firearm Safety Certificate if I begin a long gun transaction prior to January 1, 2015, but don’t take possession of the long gun until after December 31, 2014?
- Yes. Effective January 1, 2015, an FSC must be obtained prior to taking possession of a long gun, regardless of when the DROS transaction was initiated.
How do I get a Firearm Safety Certificate?
- To obtain an FSC you must score at least 75% (23 correct answers out of 30 questions) on the FSC Test covering firearm safety and basic firearms laws. The true/false and multiple choice test is administered by Instructors certified by the Department of Justice who are generally located at firearms dealerships.
How much does the Firearm Safety Certificate cost?
- The fee for taking the FSC Test and obtaining an FSC is twenty-five dollars ($25). The $25 fee entitles you to take the test twice (from the same DOJ Certified Instructor) if necessary.
Are there any minimum qualifications/requirements for a person who wants to take the Firearm Safety Certificate Test?
- Yes. The FSC applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must present clear evidence of identity and age by presenting a California Driver License or California Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card.
How can I prepare for the Firearm Safety Certificate Test?
- The best way to prepare for the FSC Test is to read the FSC Study Guide. The study guide contains all the information necessary to pass the test. The FSC webinar is also a useful study tool.
How can I get a Firearm Safety Certificate Study Guide?
- The FSC Study Guide is available to view or download from this website at http://www.oag.ca.gov/sites/all/files/agweb/pdfs/firearms/forms/hscsg.pdf.
If I don’t pass the FSC test, can I take it again?
- Yes. The $25 fee entitles you to take the test twice if necessary. If you fail the test the first time, you may retake another version of the test from the same FSC Program DOJ Certified Instructor without any additional fee after 24 hours have elapsed. The FSC Program DOJ Certified Instructor is required to offer or make available to you the FSC Study Guide or refer you to view the webinar.
How long is a Firearm Safety Certificate valid?
- An FSC is valid for five years from the date of issuance.
If I lose my Firearm Safety Certificate, can I get a replacement
- Yes. A replacement FSC is available only through the FSC Program DOJ Certified Instructor who issued your FSC. The FSC replacement cost is $5. The replacement FSC will reflect the same expiration date as your original FSC.
Do I need a Firearm Safety Certificate if I am receiving a firearm from my mother or father?
- Yes. Prior to taking possession of the firearm, you must have a valid FSC. Pursuant to Penal Code section 27875, subdivison (c), within 30 days of the transfer, you must also report the acquisition to DOJ on Form BOF 4544, pdf.
Do I have to carry my Firearm Safety Certificate with me whenever I possess or transport my firearm?
- No. Mere possession/ownership of a firearm does not require an FSC. However, you do have to present your FSC to the firearms dealer at the time you begin a transaction to purchase/acquire a firearm.
Is a Firearm Safety Certificate required when a firearm is being loaned?
- It depends on the specific circumstances. Generally, a person being loaned a firearm must have a current FSC. However, an FSC is not required if the loan does not exceed three days in duration and the person loaning the firearm is at all times within the presence of the person being loaned the firearm.