Get a California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)

Description

Get a California Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC)

Effective January 1, 2015, the Handgun Safety Certificate program was replaced with the Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) program. Under the FSC program, requirements that previously applied to handguns only; NOW APPLY to all firearms (handguns and long guns), unless exempt. A list of exemptions is listed below.

Once a Firearm Safety Certificate, FSC is obtained, it is valid for both handgun and long gun purchases/acquisitions for a period of five-years.

How much does the Firearm Safety Certificate cost?

The fee for taking the FSC Test and obtaining an FSC is twenty-five dollars ($25). The $25 fee entitles you to take the test twice (from the same DOJ Certified Instructor) if necessary.

California Firearm Safety Card - Schedule your FSC study & review and take the 30-question test after the class. $25

NRA Pistol Marksmanship Simulator Training

This NRA course is ONLY presented simultaneously with the NRA Basic Pistol Shooting Course.

The NRA Pistol Marksmanship Simulator Training Course teaches the basic knowledge & skills for owning and operating a firearm safely. This course provides shooters with the ability to learn the basics of firearm safety & shooting skills in a safe classroom setting. With state-of-the-art computer-based simulation. The Pistol Marksmanship Simulator provides individuals a learning opportunity where live fire is not a requirement.

Students Learn:

• NRA's rules for safe gun handling

• Shooting fundamentals

• Stance or platform

• Combat grip

• Point Shooting

• Sight alignment/picture

• Trigger control

• Breath control

• Follow-through

• Recovery

NRA course completion certificate awarded.

Details Call or email

714-680-5500 • annie.5150.heat@gmail.com   or  kc.5150.heat@gmail.com

Testing Requirements

The State of California requires that all firearm purchasers have a California Firearm Safety Certificate. A Firearm Safety Certificate is acquired by taking and passing a written test, generally at participating firearms dealers and private firearms training facilities.

The test covers firearm safety and the basic firearms laws and requires a 75% score on a 30-question exam. To help individuals prepare for the test, a Firearm Safety Certificate Study Guide is available. A Spanish version is also available, as is a webinar for viewing or downloading: Webinar.

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and must present clear evidence of identity and age by presenting a California Driver’s License or California Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card.

The firearm safety demonstration protocols and DOJ Certified Instructor standards have been established and implemented by DOJ. An explanation of the firearm safety demonstration can be found starting on page 12 of the Firearm Safety Certificate Study Guide.

How To Take the FSC Test

If you attend our Basic Handgun Class, you will be able to take the FSC test in class before you leave. (Please note that the FSC test may be offered by a Third Party, NOT 5150 HEAT LLC – Firearms Training Academy.)

Firearm Safety Certificate Cost

The cost of taking the CA FSC test is $25.00 in addition to the class. (Please note that the FSC test may be offered by a Third Party, NOT 5150 HEAT LLC – Firearms Training Academy.)

Pro Tip: After taking our Basic Handgun Course, all of our students pass the test and usually receive a 90% grade on the test.

Once you have passed the CA FSC test you receive the Certification Card that is good for 5 years to purchase a firearm in California 

When you are prepared to take the California Firearm Safety Certificate Test you may go to any Firearms Dealer and take the test at their location. 

Firearms Training

NOTE: The CA FSC Test or Study booklet DOES NOT PROVIDE YOU ANY INFORMATION ON HOW TO SHOOT!

Pro Tip: The best idea is to take our Basic Handgun Class FIRST. This class is an excellent step toward improving your knowledge & skills in shooting and firearms safety.

Below is some helpful information for you to obtain your Firearm Safety Certificate.  In order to obtain your (FSC) contact us for additional information or to schedule getting your FSC testing requirements completed.

Additional Information:

A copy of the California Firearms Laws (2021) in .pdf

A copy of the NRA Synopsis of State Firearm Laws for California.

Topics Covered

Introduction
Why Firearm Safety? 
Firearm Safety is the Law 
Firearm Safety Certificate Information 
Causes of Firearm Accidents 
Preventing Misuse Tragedies 
Becoming a Safe and Responsible Firearm Owner 

Chapter 1: Gun Safety Rules
The Six Basic Gun Safety Rules 
Additional Safety Points 

Chapter 1: Self Test 

Chapter 2: Firearms and Children
Firearm 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 Set of Safety and Responsibility 
Rules for Kids 

Chapter 2: Self Test

Chapter 3: Firearm Operation and Safe Handling
Safe 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 

Chapter 3: Self Test 

Chapter 4: Firearm Ownership
Understand the Safety Aspects of Your Firearm
Carefully Read All Instructional Material
Enroll in a Firearm Training Course 
Cleaning and Repair
Safety and Storage Devices
Methods of Childproofing 

Chapter 4: Self Test 

Prohibited Firearms Transfers and Straw Purchases 

Chapter 5: Firearms Laws
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 
The 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 

Chapter 5: Self Test 

Safe Handling Demonstration Glossary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Expectations and Outcomes

Types

Advanced, Basic, Intermediate, Church / Business - Safety / Security, Classes offered in SPANISH, NRA Courses, Rifle, Shotgun, Specialty Other, USCCA Courses, Women's Only Courses

Documentation Requirements

Firearms Safety Certificate Requirement Exemptions:

There are several FSC requirement exemptions. In addition to the previous Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) exemptions, a person issued a valid hunting license is exempt from the FSC requirement for long guns only. (Pen. Code, § 31700, subd. (c).)

Exemptions:

X01 = Special Weapons Permit Holder
 X02 = Operation of Law Representative
 X03 = Handgun being returned to the owner
 X13 = FFL collector with COE (curio and relic firearms only)
 X21 = Military – Active Duty
 X22 = Military – Reserve
 X25 = Military – Honorably Retired
 X31 = Peace Officer – California – Active
 X32 = Peace Officer – Federal – Active
 X33 = Peace Officer – California – Honorably Retired
 X34 = Peace Officer – California – Reserve
 X35 = Peace Officer – Federal – Honorably Retired
 X41 = Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Permit Holder
 X81 = P.O.S.T. 832 PC (Firearms) Training
 X91 = Particular and Limited Authority Peace Officers
 X95 = Law Enforcement Service Gun to Family Member
 X98 = Valid Hunting License (long guns only)

The instructor requires a copy of your Government Issued ID once you register.

Requirements

1. What is the Firearm Safety Certificate Program?Pursuant to Senate Bill 683 (Stats 2013, ch. 761), effective January 1, 2015, the existing Handgun Safety Certificate (HSC) program will be expanded and renamed the Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) program. Under the FSC program, requirements that currently apply to handguns only, will apply to all firearms (handguns and long guns).
2. What are the exemptions from the Firearm Safety Certificate requirement?There are a variety of FSC requirement exemptions. In addition to the previous HSC exemptions, a person issued a valid hunting license is exempt from the FSC requirement for long guns only [Penal Code 31700(c)].
3. If I already have a Handgun Safety Certificate, will I still need a Firearm Safety Certificate?A valid HSC can still be used to purchase/acquire handguns until it expires. For long gun purchases/acquisitions made January 1, 2015, and thereafter, an FSC will be required. An FSC can be used for both handgun and long gun purchases/acquisitions.
4. Will I need a Firearm Safety Certificate if I begin a long gun transaction prior to January 1, 2015, but don’t take possession of the long gun until after December 31, 2014?Yes. Effective January 1, 2015, an FSC must be obtained prior to taking possession of a long gun, regardless of when the DROS transaction was initiated
5. Can I get a Firearm Safety Certificate prior to January 1, 2015?No. DOJ Certified Instructors are not authorized to issue FSCs until the statutory provisions establishing the FSC program go into effect on January 1, 2015.
6. How will I be able to obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate?To obtain an FSC you must score at least 75% (23 correct answers out of 30 questions) on the FSC Test covering firearm safety and basic firearms laws. The true/false and multiple choice test is given by DOJ Certified Instructors who are generally located at firearms dealerships.
7. How much will the Firearm Safety Certificate cost?The fee for taking the FSC Test and obtaining an FSC is twenty-five dollars ($25). The $25 fee entitles you to take the test twice (from the same DOJ Certified Instructor) if necessary.
8. Are there any minimum qualifications/requirements for a person who wants to take the Firearm Safety Certificate Test?Yes. The FSC applicant must be at least 18 years of age and must present clear evidence of identity and age by presenting a California Driver License or California Department of Motor Vehicles Identification Card.
9. If I don't pass the test, can I take it again?Yes. The $25 fee entitles you to take the test twice if necessary. If you fail the test the first time, after 24 hours have elapsed you may retake another version of the test from the same DOJ Certified Instructor without any additional fee. The DOJ Certified Instructor is required to offer or make available to you the FSC Study Guide or refer you to view the webinar.
10. How long will a Firearm Safety Certificate be valid?An FSC will be valid for five (5) years from the date of issuance.
11. Will I need a Firearm Safety Certificate if I receive a firearm from my mother or father?Yes. Prior to taking possession of the firearm, you must have a valid FSC. Pursuant to Penal Code section 27875, subdivison (c), within 30 days of the transfer you must also report the acquisition to DOJ on Form BOF 4544, pdf.
12. Will a Firearm Safety Certificate be required when a firearm is being loaned?It depends on the specific circumstances. Generally, a person being loaned a firearm must have a current FSC. However, an FSC is not required if the loan does not exceed three days in duration and the person loaning the firearm is at all times within the presence of the person being loaned the firearm.
13. I am moving into California and intend to bring my firearm(s) with me. Will I need a Firearm Safety Certificate?No, you do not need an FSC to move into California with your firearm(s). However, pursuant to Penal Code section 17000, there are important personal firearm importation responsibilities that are explained on this website.