The Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC) is required for firearm purchases in California unless the purchaser is exempt. It replaced the former Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) on January 1, 2015, expanding the requirement to cover long guns as well. The FSC test consists of 30 true/false and multiple-choice questions, requires a 75% passing score, costs $25, and is valid for five years.
California law requires a person purchasing or acquiring a firearm to first obtain a Firearms Safety Certificate (FSC), unless exempt. The FSC requirement is codified in Penal Code Sections 31610 through 31670[1]. The FSC replaced the former Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) on January 1, 2015, expanding the requirement from handguns only to all firearms including rifles and shotguns.
What the FSC Covers
The FSC written test evaluates knowledge of:
- Safe firearms handling and storage practices
- California firearms laws, including prohibited persons and transfer requirements
- Responsibilities of firearm ownership
- Child access prevention laws
- General firearm operation and safety rules
Test Format and Passing Score
The FSC test consists of 30 true/false and multiple-choice questions covering the material in the DOJ's study guide. You must answer at least 23 questions correctly (75%) to pass. The $25 fee covers two test attempts from the same DOJ Certified Instructor.[2] If you fail the first attempt, you may retake a different version of the test from the same instructor after a 24-hour waiting period at no additional charge. The instructor is required to offer or make available the FSC Study Guide or refer you to the webinar between attempts. A third or subsequent attempt requires a new $25 fee. The test is administered by a DOJ-certified FSC instructor, generally at a firearms dealership.
Cost and Validity
The FSC costs $25 and is valid for five years from the date of issuance. You will receive a physical FSC card upon passing. Keep this card safe, as you will need to present it when you purchase a firearm unless you provide valid exemption documentation. If lost, you may obtain a replacement from the dealer who administered your test or request a duplicate from the DOJ.[3]
Exemptions
Certain individuals are exempt from the FSC requirement under Penal Code Section 31700,[4] including:
- Active and honorably retired law enforcement officers
- Active and reserve military members
- Holders of a valid California CCW permit
- Validly identified adults age 18 or older with an unexpired hunting license, for long guns only
- Licensed firearms dealers acting within the course and scope of their licensed activities
- Individuals with a special weapons permit
HSC to FSC Transition
If you hold a valid Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) that has not yet expired, it remains valid for handgun purchases only until its expiration date. To purchase a long gun (rifle or shotgun), you must obtain an FSC unless exempt, even if your HSC is still current. All new certificates issued after January 1, 2015 are FSCs covering all firearm types.
Safe Handling Demonstration
In addition to the FSC, California requires a safe handling demonstration at the time of purchase. This is a separate requirement from the FSC test. An FSC Program DOJ Certified Instructor will observe you demonstrate safe handling procedures specific to the firearm you are purchasing, including safe loading, unloading, and application of the safety lock or device.