California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC): Test, Cost and What to Expect

By Ray Alipanah, California DOJ-certified CCW instructor, POST-certified law enforcement instructor and NRA Training Counselor. Updated October 2026.

Before you can buy or receive a firearm in California, you generally need a Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) from the California Department of Justice. The good news: it's a short written test, and with a little preparation most people pass the first time.

The test at a glance

• Questions: 30.
• Passing score: 23 correct (75%).
• Who gives it: DOJ-certified instructors, usually at firearm dealers or training schools.
• Valid for: five years.
• Retest: if you don't pass, you can take a different version after 24 hours.
• Bring: a California driver license or DMV ID card. You must be 18 or older.

What's on it

The test comes from DOJ's Firearm Safety Certificate study guide. Expect questions on:

• The basic rules of firearm safety and safe handling.
• Safe storage, especially around children, and California's storage laws.
• Transporting firearms legally in a vehicle.
• Who can and can't possess firearms, and the rules for transfers.
• Responsibilities of firearm owners under California law.

How to prepare

Read the DOJ study guide once, then take a class that reviews the material and gives the test in the same visit. Our Firearm Safety Certificate class is $99 and includes your test and certificate, taught by a DOJ-certified, POST-certified law enforcement instructor in Lake Forest.

After the FSC: learn to shoot safely

An FSC proves you know the rules; it doesn't teach you to shoot. If you're new to handguns, our Introduction to Handguns & Defensive Skills class ($195, bring a friend for $95) covers safe handling, how handguns work and defensive basics. Guns, targets and ammo are included; a $45 range fee is paid separately.

Thinking about carrying? Read how to get a CCW in Riverside County or how to get an LAPD CCW.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the FSC test?

30. You need 23 correct (75%) to pass.

How long is the FSC valid?

Five years from the date it's issued.

Can I retake the FSC test if I fail?

Yes, after 24 hours you can take a different version of the test.

Do I need an FSC if I have a CCW?

Check the current DOJ exemptions with your dealer before you buy. Most first-time buyers need an FSC.

This article is general information, not legal advice. Agency rules change; always confirm current requirements with your issuing agency. The issuing agency alone decides who receives a license.