As an American, you are guaranteed the right to keep and bear arms. But in the state of California, firearm safety is the law. To legally purchase or acquire a firearm, you must have a valid Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC).
Fortunately, applying for a certificate is a fairly straightforward process. The FSC test is administered by California Department of Justice Certified Instructors. You can often find them at many gun dealerships and ranges.
Passing the FSC exam, on the other hand, requires you to be familiar with general safety practices, the operation and handling of your specific firearm, and the responsibilities that come with gun ownership.
To help you meet these requirements, here are some FSC test study tips to help you obtain your certificate on the first try.
The FSC Test Outline
The California FSC exam is a written test consisting of 30 questions. All of the questions are either true/false or multiple-choice, so don’t worry about brushing up on your essay skills. Applicants need to score at least 75% on the test to pass.
The best way to prepare for the exam is to study the official study guide in its entirety. But a good place to start is the basic rules of handling a gun.
The 12 Basics of Firearm Handling
These 12 rules may as well be the 12 Commandments of carrying a gun. Most experienced gun owners can recite them in their sleep.
- Treat every gun as if it’s loaded.
- Always keep a gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Keep your finger straight and off the trigger until you are ready to fire.
- Do not load a gun until you are ready to shoot it.
- Never point a gun at anything you don’t mean to destroy.
- Be certain of your target and what is beyond it.
- Learn the mechanical and handling characteristics of your specific gun before you use it.
- Only ever use the correct ammunition.
- Make sure the barrel is clear of obstructions before loading and shooting.
- If a gun fails to fire when the trigger is pulled, hold your shooting position for a few seconds. Then point the muzzle in a safe direction and unload the weapon.
- Don’t rely on the gun’s safety to keep it from firing.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Tripping or losing your balance is all it takes for an accident to happen.
These rules lay out the standards for carrying a gun in almost any situation. If you understand these, you should have a strong fundamental base to build off as you study the test guide.
Training to Pass the FSC Test
Studying to pass the FSC test will give you the theoretical knowledge that you need to handle a firearm. But before you pick up a weapon, you should have hands-on training in its use by a professional instructor.
Persuing concealed weapons permits is only mandatory for Californians who intend to carry a weapon for daily use. However, taking a course is an excellent way for beginners to learn the fundamentals of firearm safety, handling, and law in a practical environment. If you can pass a concealed weapons course, you should have all the knowledge and practice you need to pass the FSC with ease.
Safe and Legal California Firearm Use
While firearm ownership is a right for most Californians, it carries a heavy responsibility. It falls to you to know how to handle a weapon safely and in full compliance with the law. Familiarizing yourself with these points is essential to both passing the FSC test and preventing potential accidents.
But that’s only one specific responsibility. You should always strive to carry yourself with an elite mindset. To cultivate the knowledge you need to live as your best self in all circumstances, be sure to keep up with all our lifestyle guides.