In order to purchase a handgun in the State of CA, the handgun purchaser must first succesfully take and pass a
Firearms Safety Certificate test (prior name was Handgun Safety Certificate test). The test is 30 questions,
and consists of safe gun handling skills. You must pass with a score of 23 of 30. Typically, this test
is $25.00.
The test proctor must be a certified through the CA DOJ (Department of Justice). Most FFL's (Dealers) are
certified with the DOJ.
After passing this test, you will immediately receive an FSC (HSC certificate) which is valid for 5 years.
Present this FSC/HSC to the Firearms Dealer, every time that you purchase a gun.
To purchase a handgun in CA, you will pay for the gun and have a 10 day waiting period/background
check (also known as a cooling off period). To view the current and revised FSC Study Guide,
click on this link to a pdf document. This Study
Guide is provided with courtesy from the CA Department of Justice.
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