What's on the California FSC test

The format

Questions

30 [11 CCR §4253(a)]

True/false

10

Multiple choice

20

To pass

23 correct (75%) [11 CCR §4253(g)]

Given by

A DOJ Certified Instructor, generally at a gun dealer [DOJ FAQ]

Fee

$25 at most, which covers a second try if you fail [11 CCR §4252(b)]

What it covers

The regulation lists seven subjects the test covers, “but not limited to” these: [11 CCR §4253(a)]

• The laws on carrying and handling firearms, particularly handguns
• The responsibilities of owning a firearm, particularly a handgun
• Current law on the private sale and transfer of firearms
• Current law on the permissible use of lethal force
• What counts as safe firearm storage
• The issues that come with bringing a firearm into the home
• Ways to prevent those issues

In practice the study guide is the syllabus. The DOJ says it “contains all the information necessary to pass the test.” [DOJ FAQ] Its chapters line up with those subjects:

• Firearm safety rules: the six basic rules and the extra safety points [DOJ guide pp.4–5]
• Firearms and children: owner responsibility, the storage laws, and the four rules for kids [DOJ guide pp.7–8]
• Firearm operation: how revolvers and semiautomatic pistols work, ammunition and calibers, dangerous range, and malfunctions [DOJ guide pp.10–24]
• Firearm ownership: cleaning, safety devices, safes and lock boxes, and childproofing [DOJ guide pp.26–28]
• Straw purchases: what they are and what they can cost you [DOJ guide p.30]
• Firearms laws: sales and transfers, carrying, self-defense, loaded firearms in public, prohibited acts, and who may not own a firearm [DOJ guide pp.31–39]

Our chapter-by-chapter summary goes through each one.

What is not on it

The guide’s step-by-step safe handling demonstrations for each kind of firearm “will not appear on the DOJ written test.” [DOJ guide p.10] You still do one with an instructor before you take a gun home: see the safe handling demonstration.

The rules in the room

• Once you start, no notes, no review materials and no help from anyone. The instructor watches to make sure. [11 CCR §4253(d)]
• The instructor may only give you administrative instructions while you take it. [11 CCR §4253(c)]
• If you are unable to read, a translator may read the test to you. The translator may only read or interpret the test itself, with no further explanation. [11 CCR §4253(e)]
• You can’t keep a copy of the test or your answer sheet. [11 CCR §4253(f)]
• Using reference materials or getting help disqualifies you on the spot. You can retest after 24 hours, but you pay the full $25 again. [11 CCR §4253(i)]

What the questions look like

The DOJ gives the test materials only to its certified instructors. [DOJ FAQ] The closest thing you can see is the self-test at the end of five of the guide’s six chapters, which uses the same two formats with the answers printed underneath. Two of the DOJ’s own examples:

• “It is safe to store a loaded firearm in your bedside table.” True or false? False. [DOJ guide p.29]
• “Firearm or ammunition caliber refers to: A. Barrel length. B. Magazine capacity. C. Barrel or bullet diameter. D. Bullet velocity.” C. [DOJ guide p.25]

The self-tests are on pages 6, 9, 25, 29 and 40. After them, try our 30 practice questions; each answer links to the guide page it comes from.

If you don’t pass

You can take a different version of the test after 24 hours, from the same instructor, at no extra charge. [11 CCR §4253(h)] How to get your FSC covers the rest: what to bring, the fee, and how long the certificate lasts.