Firearm Safety Certificate Study Guide: 2025

Introduction Firearm safety is the law in California. Every firearm owner should understand and follow firearm safety practices, have a basic familiarity with the operation and handling of their firearm, and be fully aware of the responsibility of firearm ownership.

Pursuant to Penal Code section 31615, a person shall not purchase or receive any firearm (except an antique) without a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC), unless they are statutorily exempt from the FSC requirement. Further, no person shall sell, deliver, loan, or transfer any firearm (except an antique) to any person who does not have a valid FSC.

To obtain an FSC, a person must pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) written test on firearm safety. Testing is conducted by DOJ Certified Instructors and is generally available through licensed firearms dealers.

This study guide provides the basic firearm safety information necessary to pass the test. Following the firearm safety information in this guide will help reduce the potential for accidental deaths and injuries, particularly those involving children, caused by the unsafe handling and storing of firearms.

In addition to safety information, this study guide provides a general summary of the state laws that govern the sale and use of firearms. Finally, there is a glossary that defines the more technical terms used in the study guide.

Simply reading this study guide will not make you a safe firearm owner. To be a safe firearm owner you must practice the firearm safety procedures described in the following pages.

Table of Contents
Introduction
Why Firearm Safety?
Firearm Safety is the Law
Firearm Safety Certificate Information
Causes of Firearm Accidents
Preventing Misuse Tragedies
Reasons for and Risks of Owning a Firearm
Becoming a Safe and Responsible Firearm Owner
Chapter 1: Firearm Safety Rules
The Six Basic Firearm Safety Rules
Additional Safety Points
Chapter 2: Firearms and Children
Firearm Owner Responsibility
Rules For Kids
Chapter 3: Firearm Operation and Safe Handling
Safe Handling Demonstration
Revolver Parts and Operation
Double-Action Revolver Safe Handling
Single-Action Revolver Safe Handling
Semiautomatic Pistol Parts and Operation
Semiautomatic Pistol Safe Handling
Long Gun Safe Handling
Ammunition
Physics of Gunfire
Firearm and Ammunition Calibers
Dangerous Range
Malfunctions
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 5: Prohibited Firearms Transfers and Straw Purchases
Chapter 6: Firearms Laws
Introduction to the Laws
Sales and Transfers of Firearms
New California Resident Requirement
Privately Manufactured Firearms
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
Safe Handling Demonstration Glossary