Washington Concealed Pistol License (CPL) Practice Exam

Which of the following disqualifies an individual from obtaining a CPL in Washington?

1. Being under 21 years old

2. Having a misdemeanor conviction

3. Lack of firearm safety training

4. Never owning a firearm

The correct answer is: Being under 21 years old

The correct answer is that being under 21 years old disqualifies an individual from obtaining a CPL in Washington. According to Washington state law, a person must be at least 21 years of age to qualify for a concealed pistol license. This age requirement is in place to ensure that individuals have reached a certain level of maturity and responsibility before being allowed to carry a concealed weapon. Having a misdemeanor conviction may affect an individual’s ability to obtain a CPL, depending on the nature of the offense, but it does not automatically disqualify someone. It's also worth noting that while lack of firearm safety training is important, it is not a disqualifying factor per se. Licensing requirements do have provisions for training, but applicants without documented training may be able to seek alternative means to fulfill that requirement. Similarly, never owning a firearm does not inherently disqualify a person; it is possible to apply for a CPL without prior ownership, as long as the applicant meets other criteria. The focus on age reflects the importance of maturity in legislating responsible firearm ownership and use.