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Free Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) Practice Tests

Answer Some Sample Questions with Our FSC Practice Test
If you want additional questions, take more FSC practice exams.
This is just a sample quiz. If you want more free FSC practice tests, click here.

All FSC Practice Tests

Listed below are all of our FSC practice exams. Make sure to use the answer explanations at the end of each exam to better understand key concepts.

Other FSC Resources

One of the best resources in order to pass your FSC test is the official study guide provided by the Office of the Attorney General California Department of Justice Bureau of Firearms.

The study guide also includes FSC practice tests to help self-check knowledge after reading each chapter.

If you want some additional resources, review the flashcard sets below.

ResourceNotesProvider
FSC Resource 127 termsQuizlet
FSC Resource 228 termsQuizlet
FSC Resource 382 termsQuizlet
FSC Resource 468 termsQuizlet

FSC Test Content Outline

The FSC Test will cover a multitude of topics all in regard to firearm safety. Obviously, there is a lot of information and only 30-questions so it is better to cover all your bases and be knowledgeable in all potential topics as you do not know the exact questions that will be asked. This makes you a more responsible firearm owner too.

Please reference the table below to see topics covered throughout the 30-question exam.

TopicSubtopic
Gun Safety RulesThe Six Basic Gun Safety Rules
 Additional Safety Points
Firearms and ChildrenFirearm Owner Responsibility
 Summary of Safe Storage Laws Regarding Children
 You Cannot Be Too Careful with Children and Guns
 Talking to Children About Guns
 Instill a Mind of Safety and Responsibility
 Rules for Kids
Firearm Operation and Safe HandlingSafe Handling Demonstration
 Revolver Parts and Operation
 How a Revolver Works
 Double-Action Revolver Safe Handling
 Single-Action Revolver Safe Handling
 Semiautomatic Pistol Parts and Operation
 How a Semiautomatic Pistol Works
 Semiautomatic Pistol Safe Handling
 Long Gun Safe Handling
 Ammunition
 Ammunition Components
 Components of a Cartridge
 Physics of Gunfire
 Firearm and Ammunition Calibers
 Dangerous Range
 Malfunctions
Firearm OwnershipUnderstand the Safety Aspects of Your Firearm
 Carefully Read All Instructional Material
 Enroll in a Firearm Training Course
 Cleaning and Repair
 Safety and Storage Devices
Firearm LawsMethods of Childproofing
 Introduction to the Laws
 Sales and Transfers of Firearms
 New California Resident Requirement
 Carrying a Concealed Weapon
 Firearms Aboard Common Carriers
 Firearms in the Home, Business or at the Campsite
 Use of Lethal Force in Self-Defense
 Loaded Firearms in Public
 Large-Capacity Magazines
 Firearm Storage During Prohibition
 Miscellaneous Prohibited Acts
 Persons Ineligible to Possess Firearms

FSC Test Administration Information

The test is a written examination and is usually taken in firearm stores.

FSC Test Administration

Session Lengths

The FSC test takes most candidates thirty minutes or less to complete. This equates to approximately answering a question a minute—which is pretty typical for most examinations. There is no time limit when taking the test though, however.

Location

To take your FSC test go to your local firearm store! Important to note is that the test requires a DOJ Certified instructor to be present. So, taking your examination at a firearm store is your best bet as DOJ Instructors are always present.

No pre-registration is necessary. Simply walk in. Easy as that!

Fees

The FSC test costs $25 to take. This one-time fee allows you to take the exam twice, if applicable. If you were to fail, all you have to do is wait 24-hours and take another modified version of the exam (no additional fee required).

FSC Exemptions and Testing Requirements

As previously mentioned above, you may be exempt from having to take an FSC test.

Please reference the list below, and corresponding exemption code, to see if there are any exemptions that may apply to you:

Code NumberDescription
X01Special Weapons Permit Holder
X02Operation of Law Representative
X03Handgun being returned to the owner
X13FFL collector with COE (curio and relic handguns only)
X21Military – Active Duty
X22Military – Reserve
X25Military – Honorably Retired
X31Peace Officer – California – Active
X32Peace Officer – Federal – Active
X33Peace Officer – California – Honorably Retired
X34Peace Officer – California – Reserve
X35Peace Officer – Federal – Honorably Retired
X41Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit Holder
X81P.O.S.T. 832 PC (Firearms) Training
X91Particular and Limited Authority Peace Officers
X95Law Enforcement Service Gun to Family Member
X98Valid Hunting License (long guns only)

In terms of qualifications or requirements to even be eligible to take the FSC test the candidate must be at least 18 years old and provide a valid California Driver’s License or “California Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card”. It is important to note that at 18 you can only purchase long guns. So, possessing a valid, unexpired hunting license is necessary if 18.

In most normal cases, you must be 21 years old to legally obtain your FSC.

Additionally, there are several other requirements that may be applicable to you if you even just being loaned or receiving a firearm from family. These requirements may be less known, so it is important to make sure you have all your bases covered in order to avoid a citation or fine.

For example, what happens if a firearm is being loaned to you? Simply put, circumstances will of course vary on the answer to this question. In general, if someone is loaning you a firearm, you must have a current FSC. That being said, if you are only being loaned the firearm for 3 days or less with the loaner being present at all times will not require an FSC.

Similarly, if your mother or father is passing you down a firearm, you do still have to have a current FSC.

Another commonly asked question is in regard to moving to California with a firearm. Do you need to have an FSC if you are moving into California with an already purchased firearm? The answer is no. You will not need to have an FSC to move into California with your firearm.

In short, it is a common misconception that the FSC is only a requirement when purchasing a firearm, but it is also a requirement when acquiring a firearm in general.

FSC Test Scores

As previously mentioned, a 75% or higher is required to pass the test and receive your certificate. This equates to answering 23 out of 30 questions correctly which with preparation can be easily achieved!

Getting Your FSC Scores

Immediately after taking the FSC test, you will find out your score. It isn’t the end of the world if you failed either. You just need to retake the test. You have to wait 24 hours to do so and there is no additional fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

A Firearm Safety Certificate is valid for 5 years after the date of issuance. So, every 5 years if you would like to renew your certificate, you just have to retake the FSC test.

No worries! The FSC replacement cost is only $5. The expiration date will remain the same just simply go to the firearm store you tested at and get in contact with your DOJ Certified Instructor who issued you your certificate.

No! The only time you need to present your FSC is when you are purchasing a firearm at a dealer.

No. Under California jurisdiction, and according to Gifford’s Law Center, “if an individual has been convicted of a felony, certain domestic violence crimes, or is addicted to narcotic drugs” they cannot purchase or possess a firearm. So, they cannot receive their certificate.

Gianni Evangelisti
Gianni has been working in the test prep industry for 6+ years. Gianni has created test prep materials across multiple different exam categories.