“Flatter me, and I may not believe you. Criticize me, and I may not like you. Ignore me, and I may not forgive you. Encourage me, and I will not forget you. Love me and I may be forced to love you.”
– William Arthur Ward

Being a State of California Department of Justice certified instructor for the FSC program, I would like to help people with some general information for reference.   Just a reminder, I am not an attorney and am not an employee of the DOJ. Please contact the California Department of Justice or visit their official websites for assistance with further questions and current information.  The following are only some of the common questions and for informational purposes only.                                                                                        

1) What is FSC? 

Each local and state government has different laws and rules in regards to the responsibility of firearm possession and requirements of ownership.  The Firearm Safety Certificate, also known as "FSC", is a firearm educational program provided by the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ).  A firearm is inherently dangerous if the firearm user neither understands the safety rules nor follows correct safety practices.  After studying the basics of firearm safety, operation, handling, and responsibility, a person should be familiar with the requirements of firearm ownership.  However, the FSC program does not include any live fire shooting training.  It is important that a responsible firearm user learn how to safely and properly use any firearm through hands-on training and practice.

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2) Why is FSC? 

Required by California law (Penal Code section 26840), anyone acquiring a firearm must have an FSC unless he/she is statutorily exempt.  Since every qualified firearm purchaser must receive the education and pass the FSC test, the CA DOJ believes the FSC program not only prevents firearm accidents from happening but also helps the firearm owners/users to understand basic firearm knowledge, responsibilities, and related firearm laws.

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3) How to obtain an FSC? 

An FSC applicant is required to pass the FSC written test.  The standardized written test consists of 30 multiple-choice questions.  The required minimum passing grade is 75% or 23 correct answers.  English and Spanish are the only two official languages for the written test.  Any person taking the FSC test is not allowed to retake it until 24 hours have lapsed if the applicant fails to pass the test, according to California Penal Code section 31645(b).  Failing to comply, the person may face legal consequences pursuant to California Penal Code 31615, subdivisions(a)(1) and (b).

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4) Who may take the FSC test? 

The FSC applicant must meet two requirements.  First, the applicant must be at least 18 years old.  Second, the applicant must present clear proof of identity and age by providing a valid California Driver License or California Identification Card.  The applicant does not need to reveal other personal information such as social security number, immigration status, or nationality for the FSC test. 

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5) How to prepare for the FSC test?  

All test questions are based on the information in the FSC study guide.   There are five chapters consisting of Gun Safety Rules, Firearms & Children, Firearm Operation & Safe Handling, Firearm Ownership, and Firearm Laws.  Although there are five chapters of study materials, the FSC test is relatively simple to pass.  However, it is important to take the time and effort to learn the details of the FSC studying materials.   

6) Where to find the official FSC study guide? 

The FSC study guide is provided by the California Department of Justice (CA DOJ) and can be found on their official website with both English and Spanish versions.  No other languages are available as of Jan 2021.              

7) Who is authorized to administrate the FSC test? 

The FSC test can be given by a California Department of Justice Certified Instructor like myself, or others and are usually available in a firearm shooting range, a gun shop/firearm dealership, a firearm training facility, etc.  

8) How much does the FSC cost?  

Taking the FSC test and obtaining the certificate costs $25 including a re-test if necessary.

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9) How long is a valid FSC from the date of issuance? 

The FSC is valid for five years.  When the FSC expires, you may choose to retake the FSC test to obtain a new one or choose to do nothing.

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10) What happens if the FSC is expired? 

There are two options.  First, a firearm owner may choose to do nothing that results in no change at all for his/her firearms ownership.  Second, the firearm owner may choose to retake the FSC test if needed for any reason, such as for purchasing another firearm or inheriting a firearm from family members, etc.

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11)Is a person required to have a valid FSC if receiving a firearm from his/her parents or his/her grandparents? It is required to have a valid FSC before taking possession of the firearm.  

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12)Is a person required to have the FSC when a firearm is being loaned?

Generally speaking, the person being loaned a firearm must have a valid FSC.  However, an FSC is not required if the person loaning the firearm stays with the person at all times.   In addition, the duration of the firearm loan must not be more than three days. 

References:                                       

CA Firearm Safety Certificate Publications: click here   

CA Department of Justice FSC FAQ:           click here                  

CA FSC Study Guide (English):                   click here

CA FSC Study Guide (Spanish):                    click here

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