California Firearm
Safety Certificate
In California, a valid Firearm Safety Certificate is required by law before you can purchase or receive any firearm. ERE's DOJ Certified Instructors prepare you to pass the written test with confidence and walk away a safe, responsible firearm owner.
ISSUED BY
California Department of Justice
CERTIFICATE VALIDITY
5 Years from Date of Issuance
TEST FORMAT
30-Question DOJ Written Test - 75% Passing Score Required
DOJ
CALIFORNIA
CERTIFIED TESTING
75%
MINIMUM PASSING
SCORE REQUIRED
5 YR
CERTIFICATE
VALIDITY
LAW
REQUIRE TO PURCHASE ANY
FIREARM IN CALIFORNIA
ABOUT THE FSC
California law requires it. ERE makes it simple.
The California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) is a state-mandated requirement under California Penal Code section 31615. No person may purchase or receive any firearm in California without a valid FSC — and no dealer may sell or transfer a firearm to anyone who does not hold one.
To obtain your FSC, you must pass a California Department of Justice written test administered by a DOJ Certified Instructor. The test covers firearm safety rules, safe handling and storage, basic firearm operation, California firearms laws, and responsible ownership practices.
ERE's DOJ Certified Instructors are authorized to administer the FSC test and provide the preparation you need to pass it. We walk you through the material, answer your questions, and make sure you understand not just how to pass the test — but how to be a genuinely safe and responsible firearm owner.
TEST PREPARATION
what the test covers
The FSC test draws from eight core areas. Here's what you need to know to pass - and why it matters as a responsible firearm owner.
01
The Six Basic Firearm Safety Rule
The foundational rules every firearm owner must know and follow at all times — the non-negotiable basis for all responsible firearm handling.
02
Safe Handling of Handguns & Long Guns
Proper safe handling procedures for revolvers, semi-automatic pistols, and long guns — loading, unloading, and verifying firearm status correctly and safely.
03
Firearms & Children - Preventing Accidents
California law and best practices for preventing firearm access by children — storage requirements, childproofing methods, and how to respond if a child encounters a firearm.
04
Emergency Safe Storage & Security Devices
California storage laws, approved safety devices, locking mechanisms, and best practices for securing firearms to prevent unauthorized access, accidents, and theft.
05
Ammunition Calibers & Dangerous Range
Ammunition types, cartridge components, firearm and ammunition calibers, and the physics of gunfire — including how far a bullet can travel and why this matters for safe operation.
06
Malfunction Recognition & Response
How to safely identify and respond to common firearm malfunctions — including misfires, hangfires, and squib loads — and the correct procedures for handling each situation.
07
California Firearms Laws
An overview of state law governing firearm sales and transfers, concealed carry, loaded firearms in public, large-capacity magazines, prohibited acts, and who may not possess firearms.
08
Responsible Ownership & Preventing Misuse
The legal and ethical responsibilities of firearm ownership — including household risk factors, suicide prevention, and the role every responsible owner plays in reducing firearm accidents.
WHO NEEDS AN FSC
Required for almost everyone purchasing a firearm in california
Under California Penal Code section 31615, a valid FSC is required before any firearm sale or transfer - with a limited number of statutory exemptions.
A First-Time Firearm Buyer in California - You must hold a valid FSC before any licensed dealer can complete a firearm transfer to you.
A Current Owner Purchasing a New Firearm - If your existing FSC has expired, you must obtain a new one before your next firearm purchase.
A New California Resident Buying a Firearm - Out-of-state certifications or licenses do not satisfy California's FSC requirement.
YOU MAY BE EXEMPT IF YOU ARE:
Active, Reserve, or Honorably Retired Military - Documentation of military status must be provided to the dealer at the time of acquisition.
A Valid CCW Permit Holder - A current California Carry Concealed Weapon permit may satisfy the FSC requirement.
POST Firearms Training Completers - Individuals who have completed Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) section 832 firearms training.
FFL Collectors (Curio & Relic Only) - Federal Firearms License Collectors with a Certificate of Eligibility — for Curio and Relic transactions only.
Exemptions require documentation provided to the firearms dealer at the time of acquisition.
For the complete exemption list, visit oag.ca.gov/firearms or contact us with your questions.
HOW IT WORKS
THREE SIMPLE STEPS TO YOUR FSC
From scheduling to certificate in hand - here's what to expect
STEP 01
SCHEDULE YOUR TEST
Contact ERE to book your FSC test appointment. We'll confirm your date, let you know what to bring, and give you access to the California DOJ study guide so you can prepare.
STEP 02
PREPARE & STUDY
Review the California DOJ Firearm Safety Certificate Study Guide before your appointment. ERE's Certified Instructors are available to answer questions as you prepare.
STEP 03
TEST & RECEIVE YOUR CERTIFICATE
Take the 30-question DOJ written test at our Hollywood Production Center. Pass with 75% or higher and receive your FSC on the spot — valid for five years from the date of issuance.
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The FSC is a California Department of Justice requirement under Penal Code section 31615. You must have a valid FSC before you can purchase or receive any firearm in California (with limited exemptions). No licensed dealer can legally complete a firearm transfer to a person who does not hold a valid FSC.
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Your FSC is valid for five years from the date of issuance. If your FSC expires before your next firearm purchase, you will need to retake the test and obtain a new certificate.
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Yes. Exemptions include active duty, reserve, and honorably retired military; valid CCW permit holders; individuals who have completed POST (section 832) firearms training; and FFL Collectors with a Certificate of Eligibility for Curio and Relic transactions. Documentation must be provided to the dealer at the time of acquisition. Visit oag.ca.gov/firearms for the complete list.
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We strongly recommend reviewing the California DOJ Firearm Safety Certificate Study Guide before your appointment. The material is straightforward but the test has a minimum passing score. ERE's Certified Instructors want every person who walks out of our facility to be genuinely prepared — not just certified on paper.
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The FSC test is a 30-question written test administered by a DOJ Certified Instructor. You must score at least 75% — answering at least 23 of 30 questions correctly — to receive your certificate. The test covers firearm safety rules, safe handling, storage, California firearms laws, and responsible ownership.
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If your FSC is lost, stolen, or destroyed, a replacement can be obtained from the DOJ Certified Instructor who issued your original certificate. If ERE administered your original test, contact us and we'll assist you with the replacement process.
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No. A valid FSC covers all firearm purchases made within its five-year validity period. You only need to retest when your current FSC has expired.
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You will need a valid government-issued photo ID. Contact us when you schedule your appointment and we'll give you a complete list of what to bring and what to expect on the day of your test.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Got Questions?
WE’ve got answers
Required by california law. made simple by emergency response experts.
Schedule your Firearm Safety Certificate test with ERE's DOJ Certified Instructors — and walk away confident, certified, and ready.