California FSC Practice Test (Free, 30 Questions)

The California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) test has 30 questions, and you need 23 correct (75%) to pass. Take the free practice test below: each run draws 30 questions from our bank, grades you instantly and explains every answer. The questions are based on the official California DOJ FSC Study Guide.

Questions 30, multiple choice and true/false
Passing score 23 correct (75%)
Fee $25, covers two attempts with the same instructor
Valid for 5 years
Minimum age to take it 18 (you must be 21 to buy a handgun)
Bring California driver license or DMV ID card
Where A DOJ Certified Instructor, usually at a licensed gun store
If you fail Retake a different version after 24 hours

Free California FSC practice test

30 questionsPass: 23 correct (75%)

    FSC study guide: what the test covers

    The real test draws from the DOJ’s FSC Study Guide. These are the topics that come up most, in plain language.

    Basic firearm safety rules

    • Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
    • Keep the muzzle pointed in the safest possible direction.
    • Keep your finger off the trigger and outside the trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
    • Know your target and what is beyond it. Never shoot at a sound, movement or shape you cannot identify.
    • Bullets can travel more than a mile and can ricochet off water and hard, flat surfaces.
    • Never handle firearms after drinking or using drugs, and always wear eye and ear protection.

    Safe storage and children

    • Since January 1, 2026, a firearm in a home must be locked with a DOJ-approved device or kept in a secure gun safe unless its owner is carrying it or keeping it within immediate reach.
    • Criminal storage laws apply when a child under 18 gets access to a firearm, with the most serious penalties when a loaded firearm causes death or great bodily injury.
    • Avoid nightstands, mattresses and closet shelves: children find guns there. Cable and trigger locks prevent firing but not theft.
    • Teach children who find a gun to stop, not touch it, leave the area and tell an adult.

    Buying and transferring firearms

    • You must be 21 to buy a handgun from a dealer, with a California ID and proof of residency.
    • Every sale is reported to the DOJ (DROS) and has a 10-day waiting period.
    • Private party sales must go through a licensed California dealer.
    • Handgun buyers perform a safe handling demonstration before pickup.
    • Each purchase needs a DOJ-approved safety device or proof you own an approved lock box or safe.
    • Parent-child and grandparent-grandchild transfers can skip the dealer but must be reported to the DOJ within 30 days. New residents must report firearms they bring in within 60 days.

    Transporting and carrying

    • Without a concealed carry license, a handgun in a vehicle must be unloaded and in a locked container or the trunk.
    • Carrying a loaded firearm in public is generally illegal without an exemption or license.
    • Unauthorized firearms are prohibited on school grounds.

    Ammunition, cleaning and malfunctions

    • Buy ammunition from a licensed ammunition vendor, and use only the caliber the manufacturer specifies.
    • Never fire old, corroded or wet ammunition.
    • If a gun fails to fire, keep it pointed safely and wait about 30 seconds before clearing it.
    • Unload before cleaning, keep ammunition out of the area, and wash your hands afterward to remove lead.
    • Removing a pistol’s magazine does not unload the chamber, and spinning a revolver’s cylinder does not unload it.

    Who cannot own firearms

    • A felony conviction is a lifetime prohibition; many misdemeanors carry a 10-year prohibition.
    • People served with a domestic violence or gun violence restraining order must give up firearms within 24 hours.

    After you pass: choosing a handgun

    New to handguns? Start with our best handguns for beginners in California.

    Only handguns on the California DOJ roster can be sold new. See the most popular California legal handguns by type, or search all 996 certified handguns.

    Frequently asked questions

    How many questions are on the California FSC test?

    The test has 30 multiple-choice and true/false questions about firearm safety and basic California gun law.

    What score do you need to pass the FSC?

    You need at least 75%, which is 23 correct answers out of 30.

    How much does the FSC cost?

    The fee is $25. It covers two attempts with the same DOJ Certified Instructor. A replacement certificate costs $5.

    How long is the FSC valid?

    Five years from the date it is issued.

    What if I fail the FSC test?

    You can take a different version of the test after 24 hours. Your $25 fee covers the second attempt with the same instructor.

    Where do I take the FSC test?

    At a DOJ Certified Instructor, usually located at a licensed gun store. Bring a California driver license or DMV ID card.

    How old do you have to be to get an FSC?

    You must be at least 18 to take the test. You must be 21 to buy a handgun from a dealer.

    Do I need an FSC to buy a rifle or shotgun?

    Yes. Since 2015 the FSC is required for all firearms, not only handguns. A valid hunting license exempts you for long guns only.

    Sources

    This practice test is an independent study aid and is not affiliated with the California DOJ. Questions are written from the official study guide but are not the actual test questions. Last reviewed October 30, 2026.