Competency & Proficiency

Once the decision to own a firearm is made, training becomes indispensable, and this is the starting point for anyone seeking to possess a firearm. 

Interested in applying for a firearm license for self-defense? Here’s what you need to know.

There are two Unit Standards that all first-time applicants need to complete. One is the Legal Test and relates to the new Firearms Control Act 60/2000, and the other involves Basic Firearm Training, which covers firearm safety, practical handling, and section 49 of the Criminal Procedures Act, which covers the law around firearm use for the purpose of self-defence. 

First-time applicants for a firearm license need to complete two Unit Standards. The first one is the Legal Test, which pertains to the Firearms Control Act 60/2000. The second one involves Basic Firearm Training, covering crucial aspects like firearm safety, practical handling, and Section 49 of the Criminal Procedures Act, which deals with the lawful use of firearms for self-defence. 

To initiate the process, you must book a course, by clicking on the “Booking” menu in the top right-hand corner of our web site. Upon making the booking you will be contacted by our accredited trainers, and arrange to collect your training material, or we can have it couriered to your address. 

Within the training manual, there is an open book test that must be completed before the course commencement. All the answers are provided in the training manual. During the course, the instructor will go through the content with you and provide practical instruction on safe firearm handling and usage. 

Subsequently, you will be required to take a closed book exam, covering the same questions as the open book exam. Passing the open book, closed book, and practical exams qualifies you for the Unit Standards. 

For more information or assistance with the process of applying for your firearm, contact Info@BrinksAcademy.co.za 

Renewing your Firearm License

As a responsible firearm owner, it is essential to ensure that your firearm license remains valid and up to date without any expiration. To accomplish this, it is mandatory to visit your local SAPS station and meet with the Designated Firearm Officer (DFO) at least ninety days before your existing license is due to expire. 

To successfully renew your firearm license, you will need to complete the following forms: 

In addition to these forms, you must provide a copy of your Firearm Training Certificate and your PFTC Statement of Results, both of which were issued by the training centre where you underwent your firearm training. 

Please note that some SAPS stations may request a copy of your motivation for the license renewal. For more detailed information on the renewal process, you can find additional resources at this link. 

It’s crucial to be aware of the validity period for firearm licenses. 

Non-accredited Training

Developing your skills as a firearm owner.

Non-accredited training focuses on skill development for firearm owners but is not based on unit standards. In contrast, unit standard based training provides the minimum necessary skills to use your firearm confidently and proficiently in life-threatening situations. 

Brinks Academy offers Skills Builder Courses at various levels, where you can learn proper firearm holstering, drawing techniques, and precise targeting. The course also covers clearing firearm malfunctions and conducting magazine changes while on the move. 

For first-time firearm owners, participating in these skills builder courses after obtaining their firearm license is highly recommended, as it helps build confidence and muscle memory. 

Accredited Training

Private Use and Competency.

Individuals seeking to obtain a firearm license for self-defence must fulfil two unit standards. The first one is the “Knowledge of the Act” (U/S 117705), and the second pertains to the basic unit standard corresponding to the specific firearm they wish to license. For instance, if someone intends to license a handgun for self-defence, they must complete both the “Handle & Use a Handgun” (U/S 119649) unit standard and the U/S 117705. 

The “Knowledge of the Act” unit standard covers the legal aspects of licensing a firearm for self-defence and encompasses relevant information from the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. To pass this unit standard, learners are required to undergo two written tests: a formative exam (open book, with no time limit) and a summative exam (closed book, conducted in a classroom setting after classroom-based training). 

The basic unit standard, such as “Handle & Use a Handgun,” includes the laws related to firearm usage, understanding firearm components and functions, maintenance, dealing with malfunctions, and essential skills for accurate and safe firearm use. Similar to the U/S 117705, learners must complete both formative and summative exams, and a practical qualification shoot on the shooting range is also mandatory to demonstrate competency in meeting the unit standard requirements. 

Upon successfully completing these unit standards, learners will receive a certificate from the Training Provider that conducted their training, along with a Statement of Results (SoR) from the Quality Assurer, the Professional Firearm Trainers Council. These documents are essential for the Application of the Competency Certificate, and the Training Provider can offer assistance with the application process if needed. 

Once the Competency Certificate is issued (usually taking around 90 days), individuals can proceed to apply for their firearm license. You can track the application progress on the following link, or download the following app. 

For further details on these applications and access to the respective application forms, please refer to the SAPS site, by clicking on the following link.

BUSINESS SERVICES

The business purposes unit standards cater to individuals who are involved in handling and utilizing firearms within a professional setting, in compliance with the existing legislation. This applies to various roles such as security personnel, armed response guards, employees working in gun-shops, casinos, or airports where firearms are required for safe-keeping or repair purposes. 

If you intend to seek a Dealers Competency or a Competency to Trade in Firearms/Ammunition, it is mandatory to have successfully fulfilled the business purposes unit standards.