Firearm Safety Certificate Overview

In order to own a firearm a person must earn a Fire Safety Certificate. The Fire Safety Certificate is issued after a person has successfully passed the necessary test. The Fire Safety Certificate is required because any person wanting to own a firearm should understand and follow the firearm safety practices, have a basic understanding of operating and handling their firearm and be aware of the responsibilities that go along with being the owner of a firearm.

In order to help a person pass the exam, firearm safety study guides have been created. The study guides have been designed to help a person studying for the exam. The study guide alone will not help someone pass the exam, however, it can be a great tool in learning the basics.

The study guide that you choose to utilize should include the following information (each solid bullet point is a MAIN topic that should be covered, the other bullet points are what is covered with in that main topic):

• A Basic Introduction
  • What is firearm safety
  • certificate information
  • causes of accidents
• Basic Gun Safety Rules
  • treat all guns as if they are loaded
  • keep the gun pointed in the safest possible direction
  • keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot
  • know your target, surroundings and beyond
  • know how to operate your gun
  • store your gun safely and securely
• Firearm Owner Responsibility
  • storing firearm safely
  • instilling a mindset of safety and responsibility
• Rules About Firearms and Children
  • laws regarding children and storage
  • being extra careful with children in the home
  • talking to children about guns
• Firearm Operation and Safe Handling
  • operating and safely handling different types of firearms
  • operating and safely handling different types of ammunition
• Ownership of a Firearm
  • enrolling in a firearm training course
  • cleaning and repairing
  • childproofing
• Firearm Laws
  • sales and transfers
  • new resident requirements
  • use of lethal force in self-defense
  • loaded firearms in public
  • ineligible persons

In order to obtain a Fire Safety Certificate a person must take the DOJ written exam and receive a passing score of 75% or better. The Fire Safety Certificate is valid for five years from the date it is issued.

Firearms can be dangerous if they are not handled properly in both their usage and during storage. The purpose of the Firearm Safety Course is to make sure anyone who owns a firearm understands the necessity of being safe with their firearm at all times.