What I wrote is literally true, the basic law did start in 1994 and the HSC came into effect in 2003. However, it is somewhat incomplete, so I'll explain further.
The BFSC did go into effect with the original law in 1994 and it did have a test and a certificate. However, the BFSC had several exemptions, the most common of which was possession of a hunting license. I'll venture a guess that's why bikerbill doesn't remember taking the test; he probably had an exemption and used it instead. I know that's why *I* didn't have a BFSC.
The HSC in 2003 dropped the hunting license and most of the other exemptions, which made taking the test and having a certificate mandatory for most people.