California CCW Practice Test (2026)
50 free questions on carry law, self-defense, prohibited persons, sensitive places, storage and transport — updated for SB 2, the Supreme Court’s June 2026 Wolford decision, and the July 2026 law changes.
What questions are on the California CCW test?
Each training provider writes its own written exam, but every California CCW test covers the same law: where you can and can’t carry, who is prohibited from owning guns, when deadly force is legal, how to store and transport firearms, and the SB 2 license rules. Initial training is 16 hours and renewal is 8 hours, both with live-fire qualification.
Carry law is moving fast. Here’s what changed in 2026.
June 25: Wolford v. Lopez struck down “no carry unless the owner says yes” rules for businesses open to the public. July 1: AB 1127 ended dealer sales of machinegun-convertible pistols; AB 725 expanded lost/stolen reporting to frames and receivers. Some SB 2 sensitive places remain in litigation — your SOTC instructor covers the current list in class. This is education, not legal advice.
Topics covered
Study list: every question, answer & explanation
Prefer to read? Tap any question to see the answer and why.
1.Who issues a California CCW license?
Answer: The county sheriff, or the chief of police of the city where you live
Licenses are issued by your county sheriff or, in some cities, the chief of police. DOJ runs the background check and sets the standard forms. In San Diego County, apply through the Sheriff's CCW portal.
Source: PC 26150, 26155
2.A California CCW license lets you carry concealed in all 50 states.
Answer: False
Each state decides whether to recognize out-of-state permits. Very few recognize California's. Always check the destination state's law before you travel.
Source: State reciprocity laws
3.How many hours of training are required for a first-time California CCW?
Answer: 16 hours
SB 2 raised the minimum to 16 hours for an initial license, including live-fire qualification, plus specific required topics such as safe storage, de-escalation and the law on where you may not carry.
Source: PC 26165 (as amended by SB 2)
4.How many hours of training are required to RENEW a California CCW?
Answer: 8 hours
Renewals require at least 8 hours of training, including live-fire qualification.
Source: PC 26165(b)
5.What is the minimum age to receive a California CCW license?
Answer: 21
Applicants must be at least 21 years old.
Source: PC 26150; PC 26202
6.After SB 2, California still requires applicants to show "good moral character" to get a CCW.
Answer: False
SB 2 replaced the subjective "good moral character" standard with an objective list of reasons a person is a "disqualified person" — such as certain convictions, protective orders, or recent conduct showing danger.
Source: PC 26202 (SB 2)
7.A standard California CCW license is generally valid for:
Answer: 2 years
Standard licenses are valid for up to two years. Renewal requires the 8-hour course.
Source: PC 26220
8.A CCW license issued by San Diego County is valid throughout California.
Answer: True
A California license is valid statewide, subject to the license's conditions and all the places where carry is prohibited.
Source: PC 26150
9.Under SB 2, a CCW license may list up to how many firearms?
Answer: 3
A license may list up to three firearms, and you may carry only the firearms listed on your license. You must qualify with each one.
Source: PC 26220 (SB 2)
10.Under SB 2, a CCW licensee may drink alcohol or use controlled substances while carrying, as long as they are not legally drunk.
Answer: False
SB 2 prohibits licensees from consuming alcohol or controlled substances while carrying a firearm, and violating license conditions can lead to revocation.
Source: SB 2 (2023) — license conditions
11.Penal Code 25400 makes it a crime to:
Answer: Carry a concealed firearm on your person or in a vehicle without a license
Carrying a concealed firearm without a valid license (or another exemption) is illegal under PC 25400.
Source: PC 25400
12.Penal Code 25850 makes it a crime to:
Answer: Carry a loaded firearm in a public place or vehicle in an incorporated city (or prohibited unincorporated area) when not exempt
PC 25850 covers carrying a LOADED firearm in public. A CCW license is one of the exemptions.
Source: PC 25850
13.Without a CCW, a handgun transported in a vehicle in California must be:
Answer: Unloaded and in a locked container (the glove box does not count)
Without a license, handguns must be unloaded and in a locked container. The trunk counts as a locked container; the utility or glove compartment does not.
Source: PC 25610, 16850
14.When flying with a firearm on a commercial airline you must:
Answer: Declare it, unload it, lock it in a hard-sided case, and check it — never carry on
TSA requires firearms to be unloaded, in a locked hard-sided container, declared at check-in, and transported as checked baggage only.
Source: TSA / 49 CFR 1540.111
15.Possessing a firearm in a federal building or federal courthouse is allowed with a California CCW.
Answer: False
Federal law prohibits firearms in federal facilities. A state CCW does not override federal law.
Source: 18 U.S.C. 930
16.CCW holders may generally carry in National Parks in California in accordance with state law.
Answer: True
Since 2010, federal law lets people carry in national parks as allowed by the state's law. Federal facilities inside parks (visitor centers, ranger stations) are still off-limits.
Source: 54 U.S.C. 104906; 18 U.S.C. 930
17.California's waiting period before you can take possession of a purchased firearm is:
Answer: 10 days
California has a 10-day waiting period for firearm transfers.
Source: PC 26815, 27540
18.Having a CCW license exempts you from the 10-day waiting period.
Answer: False
A CCW license is not an exemption to the waiting period. Everyone completes the 10 days.
Source: PC 26950–27140 (exemptions)
19.In California, private-party gun sales between individuals:
Answer: Must go through a licensed dealer (with limited exceptions such as certain family transfers)
Most transfers must be processed through a licensed dealer so the background check, waiting period and records apply.
Source: PC 27545
20.California's Handgun Roster is a list of:
Answer: Handguns that passed state testing and may be sold new by dealers to the public
Dealers may generally sell only rostered handguns to the public. Private-party transfers and some exemptions are treated differently.
Source: PC 32000–32030
21.A Firearm Safety Certificate (FSC) is required to buy:
Answer: Any firearm — handguns and long guns
Since 2015, an FSC is required for any firearm purchase or acquisition, with limited exemptions.
Source: PC 31615
22.California law limits detachable magazines to a capacity of:
Answer: 10 rounds
California restricts "large-capacity magazines" (over 10 rounds). The law has been heavily litigated (Duncan v. Bonta) — stay current before buying or traveling.
Source: PC 16740, 32310
23.Starting July 1, 2026 (AB 1127), what changed for semiautomatic pistols that can be easily converted into machineguns?
Answer: Licensed dealers may no longer sell or transfer them; the law does not ban possessing one you already lawfully own
AB 1127 is a restriction on dealer sales and transfers of pistols with a cruciform trigger bar that can be readily converted. It does not criminalize possession of an unconverted pistol you already own. Converting any firearm to full-auto remains a serious crime.
Source: AB 1127 (2025), eff. July 1, 2026
24.If a firearm — or, as of July 2026, a frame, receiver or precursor part — is lost or stolen, you must report it to law enforcement within:
Answer: 5 days
California requires reporting within five days of when you knew or reasonably should have known it was lost or stolen. AB 725 extended this duty to frames, receivers and precursor parts.
Source: PC 25250; AB 725 (2025)
25.It is illegal to give a firearm to someone you know is prohibited from owning one, even as a gift.
Answer: True
Knowingly transferring a firearm to a prohibited person is a crime under both state and federal law, whether or not money changes hands.
Source: PC 27500; 18 U.S.C. 922(d)
26.Penal Code 29800 makes it a felony for which people to own or possess a firearm?
Answer: Anyone convicted of a felony, addicted to narcotics, or with certain other disqualifying convictions
Felons and narcotics addicts (among others) are prohibited for life under PC 29800, unless rights are restored (for example, a felony reduced to a misdemeanor or a pardon).
Source: PC 29800
27.Someone subject to an active domestic violence restraining order is prohibited from possessing firearms under both California and federal law.
Answer: True
California prohibits firearm possession for the duration of protective orders, and federal law prohibits it for qualifying orders.
Source: PC 29825; 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(8)
28.Under federal law (18 U.S.C. 922(g)(3)), who is prohibited from possessing firearms?
Answer: An unlawful user of or person addicted to a controlled substance
Unlawful users of controlled substances are prohibited. Note: marijuana remains a federally controlled substance, which has been the subject of recent litigation.
Source: 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(3)
29.A person convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence against a spouse is prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law.
Answer: True
The Lautenberg Amendment prohibits firearm possession after a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. California also imposes its own 10-year prohibition for many misdemeanors.
Source: 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(9); PC 29805
30.Which would most likely result in a CCW denial?
Answer: A current felony conviction or outstanding felony warrant
Prohibited status (such as a felony conviction) is disqualifying. Minor old infractions are not.
Source: PC 26202; PC 29800
31.A dishonorable discharge from the U.S. military prohibits firearm possession under federal law.
Answer: True
Persons discharged from the Armed Forces under dishonorable conditions are federally prohibited.
Source: 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(6)
32.A person taken into custody under WIC 5150, assessed, and admitted to a facility as a danger to self or others is generally prohibited from possessing firearms for:
Answer: 5 years
WIC 8103(f) imposes a five-year prohibition after such an admission. A person may petition the court for relief earlier. (A separate, open-ended prohibition applies to court adjudications of dangerousness.)
Source: WIC 8103(f)
33.A person who is unlawfully present in the United States may legally possess a firearm in California if they have lived here peacefully for years.
Answer: False
Federal law prohibits firearm possession by persons unlawfully present in the U.S., regardless of how long they have lived here.
Source: 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5)
34.California's "Castle Doctrine" (PC 198.5) means that when someone unlawfully and forcibly enters your home and you know it:
Answer: You are presumed to have reasonably feared imminent death or great bodily injury
PC 198.5 creates a legal presumption of reasonable fear when an intruder unlawfully and forcibly enters your residence and you know or have reason to believe it. It does not apply to a member of your household, and the presumption can be rebutted.
Source: PC 198.5
35.In California, a person lawfully defending themselves must retreat before using force if retreat is possible.
Answer: False
California has no "stand your ground" statute, but its jury instructions say a person lawfully defending themselves is not required to retreat and may stand their ground — as long as all elements of self-defense are met.
Source: CALCRIM 505
36.To justify deadly force in self-defense, you must reasonably believe you face:
Answer: Imminent danger of death or great bodily injury
Deadly force requires a reasonable belief in imminent danger of death or great bodily injury, a reasonable belief that deadly force is immediately necessary, and using no more force than necessary.
Source: PC 197; CALCRIM 505
37.For self-defense purposes, "imminent" means:
Answer: Immediate and present — not future or speculative
An imminent threat is one that must be dealt with immediately. Fear of future harm, however great, is not imminent.
Source: CALCRIM 505
38.Penal Code 417 (brandishing) makes it a crime to:
Answer: Draw or exhibit a firearm in a rude, angry, or threatening manner in another person's presence, other than in lawful self-defense
Displaying a firearm in a threatening way when not legally justified is brandishing. Many CCW incidents start with a holder who displayed a gun in an argument.
Source: PC 417
39.Using deadly force to stop someone from stealing your unoccupied car is legally justified in California.
Answer: False
Deadly force cannot be used to protect property alone. Report the theft and be a good witness.
Source: PC 197; CALCRIM 505–506
40.California law allows deadly force to defend another person who reasonably appears to face imminent death or great bodily injury.
Answer: True
Defense of others follows the same standard as self-defense: a reasonable belief that the other person is in imminent danger of death or great bodily injury.
Source: PC 197; CALCRIM 505
41.If you started a fight, you can regain the right to self-defense if:
Answer: You clearly try to stop fighting, communicate that you want to stop, and the other person keeps attacking
An initial aggressor may regain the right of self-defense only by actually trying to stop fighting, communicating that intent, and giving the opponent a chance to stop.
Source: CALCRIM 3471
42.Feeling afraid is, by itself, enough to justify deadly force.
Answer: False
The fear must be reasonable — what a reasonable person would believe in the same situation — and the danger must be imminent.
Source: CALCRIM 505
43.After a lawful defensive shooting, the most responsible first steps are:
Answer: Make the scene safe, call 911, render aid if safe, and speak with an attorney before giving a detailed statement
Call 911, identify yourself as the victim, follow officers' commands, and remember you have the right to consult an attorney before a detailed statement.
Source: Standard CCW course content
44.The federal Gun-Free School Zones Act applies within how many feet of a K–12 school?
Answer: 1,000 feet
The federal school zone is 1,000 feet. Persons licensed by the state where the school is located are exempt from the federal zone, but California separately bans carry ON school grounds.
Source: 18 U.S.C. 922(q); PC 626.9; PC 26230
45.Which of these remains a place where a California CCW does NOT allow you to carry?
Answer: A public or private K–12 school campus
School grounds are among California's prohibited places. Many SB 2 "sensitive places" have been challenged in court; some are enjoined and others in effect, so check the current list before you carry.
Source: PC 26230 (SB 2); PC 626.9
46.A business that is open to the public has posted NO sign about firearms. Under current law, a CCW holder:
Answer: May generally carry there unless the owner or their agent says otherwise, and must leave if asked
California's SB 2 "default no-carry" rule for private property open to the public has been blocked by the courts, and on June 25, 2026 the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Hawaii's identical rule in Wolford v. Lopez. Owners can still prohibit carry with a sign or by asking you to leave — refusing to leave can be trespass.
Source: Wolford v. Lopez (U.S. 2026); PC 26230(a)(26)
47.Which statement about California CCW reciprocity is most accurate?
Answer: Very few states honor a California CCW
Most states do not recognize California licenses. Some states allow carry by non-residents without a permit — research each state before travel.
Source: State reciprocity laws
48.Under California's child-access laws, firearms must be securely stored when:
Answer: A person under 18 (or a prohibited person) is likely to gain access
You can be criminally liable if a minor or prohibited person is likely to access a firearm that was not securely stored, and especially if it is taken or used.
Source: PC 25100, 25135
49.The four universal firearm safety rules are:
Answer: Treat every gun as loaded; never point it at anything you are not willing to destroy; keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot; be sure of your target and what is beyond it
These four rules are taught in essentially every reputable course and are the foundation of the live-fire portion of CCW training.
Source: Standard firearms safety curriculum
50.When your carry gun is not on your body, the best way to prevent unauthorized access is:
Answer: A quality safe or lock box designed for firearms
Locked storage is the standard. Vehicle storage has its own rules: when leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle, it must be in a locked container out of plain view.
Source: PC 25140, 25452
CCW test & training questions
Each training provider writes its own exam, but they cover the same law: who may carry and where (PC 25400, 25850, 26230), prohibited persons (PC 29800 and 18 U.S.C. 922), self-defense and use of deadly force (PC 197, 198.5, CALCRIM 505), transport and storage, the SB 2 license conditions, and safe handling. This 50-question practice test is built around those topics.
At least 16 hours for an initial license and at least 8 hours for a renewal, including live-fire qualification with each firearm you list (Penal Code 26165, as amended by SB 2). SOTC offers both courses monthly in Spring Valley.
On June 25, 2026 the U.S. Supreme Court decided Wolford v. Lopez, striking down Hawaii's rule that banned carry on private property open to the public unless the owner gave express consent; California's matching SB 2 provision was already blocked by the courts. On July 1, 2026, AB 1127 stopped dealer sales of machinegun-convertible pistols and AB 725 expanded lost-and-stolen reporting to frames, receivers and precursor parts. Sensitive-place rules from SB 2 continue to be litigated, so check the current list before you carry.
Yes. Since the Bruen decision in 2022, San Diego County issues licenses to applicants who are not disqualified, complete the required training, pass the DOJ background check, and complete the Sheriff's process. Apply through the Sheriff's online CCW portal; SOTC provides the training certificate you need.
No. They are original practice questions on the same law, with explanations and citations. Each training provider writes its own exam.
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Keep studying: CCW written test study guide · San Diego CCW guide · Firearm Safety Certificate
Knowledge is step one. Your license is step two.
SOTC’s CCW courses cover everything on this test — and the live-fire qualification — taught by instructors who do this every week.