FSC FAQ

FSC stands for Firearm Safety Certificate. It's a document issued by the California Department of Justice, Bureau of Firearms, showing you passed a written safety test. It is required before most people can complete a firearm purchase in California.

California doesn't have a single document called a "gun license." The closest equivalent is the combination of a valid FSC and a passed DOJ background check — together, those are what let a licensed dealer transfer a firearm to you.

The FSC card is the certificate you're issued after passing the test at a DOJ Certified Instructor. It's valid for 5 years, and a dealer will ask to see it (or an equivalent exemption) before releasing a firearm to you.

The official written test has 30 multiple-choice questions, and you need 75% (23 correct) to pass. This app's mock exams use the same question count and passing threshold so your practice score is a realistic signal.

At a DOJ Certified Instructor — commonly found at gun stores and shooting ranges. This site is a practice tool only; it is not affiliated with the California DOJ and does not administer or report the official test.

Start with the official DOJ Firearm Safety Certificate Study Guide — read it directly as a PDF from oag.ca.gov. It covers six chapters: the safety rules, firearms and children, handling for revolvers/pistols/long guns, ownership and storage, straw purchases, and California firearms law. This app's question bank is built directly from that guide — every question links back to a page citation. See our FSC study guide overview for a chapter-by-chapter breakdown.

Common exemptions include active or honorably-retired peace officers, valid hunting license holders (for long gun purchases), and people who already hold a current FSC from a prior purchase. Exemption rules can change — confirm current ones with your DOJ Certified Instructor or dealer before assuming you qualify.

The FSC written test itself is the same regardless of firearm type. What differs is the additional purchase process — handguns have extra requirements (like the handgun safety certificate roster and a 10-day wait), while long guns have their own but generally lighter process. The FSC is the common thread across both.

Not entirely — the first 3 questions of every exam are a free sample, no signup required. After that, full access to all 184 questions, unlimited retakes pulling fresh questions, and per-chapter study mode is a one-time $4.99, no subscription.

No. This is a practice tool only. Your official FSC card comes only from passing the real written test administered by a DOJ Certified Instructor.