You need a Firearm Safety Certificate to buy a gun in California. Here is the test's pass mark and retake rule, from the Department of Justice FAQ.
The short answer
23 right out of 30 passes. That's 75%.
The test is 30 true/false and multiple-choice questions from the DOJ study guide, given by a DOJ Certified Instructor, usually at a gun dealer. You must be 18 and show a California driver license or ID.
Checked October 24, 2026 against the official sources listed at the bottom of this page.
The $25 fee covers the test and one retake with the same instructor. You can retake it after 24 hours.
If you passed
The certificate is good for five years. A lost one can be replaced for $5 by the instructor who issued it. The safe-handling demonstration you do when you buy a gun is a separate step, not part of the written test.
More questions
How many questions do you need to pass the California FSC test?
23 of 30 (75%).
Can you retake the FSC test?
Yes. The $25 fee covers one retake with the same instructor after 24 hours.