Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Questions and Answers Part 3

Question 1

How long is a California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) valid?

Accepted Answer

5 years

Answer

A California Firearm Safety Certificate is valid for 5 years from the date of issuance. After 5 years, the holder must retake and pass the FSC test to obtain a new certificate in order to purchase another handgun in California.

Question 2

Which California agency administers the Firearm Safety Certificate program?

Accepted Answer

California Department of Justice (CA DOJ)

Answer

The California Firearm Safety Certificate program is administered by the California Department of Justice. DOJ-certified instructors at licensed firearms dealers administer the FSC test and issue certificates to qualifying purchasers.

Question 3

What score must you achieve on the California FSC written test to pass?

Accepted Answer

At least 75%

Answer

Applicants must correctly answer at least 75% of the questions on the 30-question FSC test, meaning at least 23 correct answers, to receive a passing score and be issued a Firearm Safety Certificate.

Question 4

Who is exempt from the California FSC requirement when purchasing a handgun?

Accepted Answer

Active duty military personnel and peace officers who meet statutory requirements

Answer

California law provides specific exemptions from the FSC requirement for active duty military members, peace officers, and certain other qualified individuals. These exemptions are narrowly defined and do not apply to the general public based on prior ownership or age.

Question 5

Where must the California FSC test be taken?

Accepted Answer

At a California licensed firearms dealer that employs a DOJ-certified instructor

Answer

The FSC test must be administered in person by a DOJ-certified instructor at a California licensed firearms dealer. The test cannot be taken online, at the DMV, or at a DOJ facility. You receive the certificate from the licensed dealer after passing.

Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Test

Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Test

Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Questions and Answers Part 3