SB 948: The Exemption Guide

California's new 4-hour training mandate, explained plainly.

Our position first: We're against this law. Tying a training mandate to a constitutional right is wrong, and we won't pretend otherwise to sell courses. But it is the law — so here's exactly where you stand, without the noise.

The timeline

  • January 1, 2027 — SB 948 takes effect as statute.
  • January 1, 2028 — New California residents must obtain a Firearm Safety Certificate within 180 days of arrival.
  • January 1, 2029 — The training requirement begins. From this date, FSC applicants must have completed a 4+ hour course with live-fire range exercises within the prior year.

The course must cover firearm safety and handling plus live-fire shooting exercises on a firing range, including a demonstration of basic shooting proficiency. The DOJ is authorized to issue implementing regulations — they haven't yet. We'll update this page when they do.

Do I need the 4-hour course?

Only if you're applying for a new Firearm Safety Certificate on or after January 1, 2029. The mandate attaches to the FSC application — not to firearms you already own.

FSCs already issued remain valid for their full 5-year term.

Who's exempt

The bill's author confirmed existing exemptions stay in place. You don't need an FSC — and the 4-hour course goes away with it — if you hold:

  • A valid California CCW permit
  • An exposed-firearm permit (armed security)
  • Active or retired law enforcement status
  • Military / veteran status
  • A valid hunting license
  • An FFL 03 + Certificate of Eligibility

The CCW path

A California CCW exempts you from the FSC requirement entirely. No FSC means the 4-hour mandate never touches you — not for purchases, not at renewal.

That's why so many gun owners are getting their CCW now. One course, and the mandate is behind you.

→ Book the 16-Hour CCW Initial Course

Buying your first gun? The live-fire question

You don't need to own a firearm to complete the training — that's the instructor's problem to solve, and it's ours. Final details depend on the DOJ's regulations, which are still pending.

New to California?

Starting January 1, 2028, new residents must obtain an FSC within 180 days of bringing firearms into the state.

Skip the mandate entirely.

A California CCW exempts you from the FSC — which means the 4-hour requirement never touches you.

→ Book the 16-Hour CCW Initial Course