Firearm Licences : Proficiency
Firearm Proficiency
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Firearm Proficiency means that you have completed the necessary training with a registered
training provider for one of the four possibly relevant unit standards (handgun, shotgun,
rifle, re-licensing) and that you have passed the test. This means you have been proven to
be proficient in the safe handling of a firearm and that you have sufficient knowledge of the
relevant sections of the Firearms Control Act of 2000.
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Two kinds of proficiency:
- one for licensing of a new firearm
- one for re-licensing of legally owned and already licensed firearms
License for a new firearm: Complete the relevant training course with a SASSETA accredited training provider (click here to see the training providers the NSA has agreements with). Complete the test (theory and practical) for the Unit Standard you require; i.e. handgun (US 10748), rifle (US 10750), or shotgun (US 10754).
The NSA recommends that it's members complete all three the unit standards as this is a once off exercise which covers all necessary training the Regulations of new Act requires - also good for re-licensing of already licensed firearms.
The training provider will forward the test results to SASSETA (SETA responsible for Safety and Security), who will issue a formal certificate of the unit standards passed.
Re-lecensing of legally owned firearms under the 1996 Arms & Ammunitions Act: Complete the training course for Unit Standard 117705 (re-lecensing - theoretical knowledge of the Firearms Control Act of 2000) with a SASSETA accredited training provider (click here to see the training providers the NSA has agreements with). The training provider will forward the test results to SASSETA (SETA responsible for Safety and Security), who will issue a formal certificate of the unit standards passed.
All of these tests are open-book tests and are really not difficult to pass. Especially if a group of shooting or hunting buddies do the training together. If you are a bona fide hunter under the old Act your training provider will give you recognition of prior learning (RPL) and you will not have to attend classes - just do the theoretical test and the practical shoot at the range, which is fun. The theory really teaches one a lot and is not time wasted - be positive about the process and it will render the dividends which you want.
You now hold a firearms proficiency certificate for the specific unit standard(s) you have successfully completed and that you can now apply for a fierarm competency certificate with the SAPS (Central Firearms Registry) so that you can be awarded a license for you new firearm, or be issued with a new license for your firearm that was licensed under the old Act.
