SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Further Education and Training Certificate: Firearm Training

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
50480	Further Education and Training Certificate: Firearm Training
ORIGINATOR
SGB Security
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SAPFTC - South African Professional Firearm Trainers Council			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert	Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security		Safety in Society
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	141	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Regular-Unit Stds Based
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 9999/99	2018-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30		2029-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
21854	Further Education and Training Certificate: Use of Firearms	Level 4	NQF Level 04	152	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

This qualification will allow the learner to obtain a further education and training certificate in firearms training and firearm related activities. The qualification will also be valuable for those who may have been practicing within the discipline, but without formal recognition. This qualification is designed to be flexible and accessible so that recipients of this qualification will be able to contribute to effective firearm training. This qualification promotes the National Qualifications Framework ideal of life long learning and contributes to the personal development of the learner.

Qualifying learners will be able to:

Explain, apply and support legislative requirements in the training and handling of firearms.

Apply supervising techniques within a firearm-training context.

Plan and manage the operation of shooting ranges.

Select and use firearm training techniques.

Handle and use firearms in a range of contexts.

Demonstrate understanding of various types of firearms in terms of their components functions and uses.

Rationale:

With the implementation of the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000) a need has arisen within the firearms community of South Africa for professional firearm trainers. This qualification will contribute to the upliftment of all persons from the private and public sectors who train learners how to use firearms responsibly. This qualification will lead to learners from the private sector, private security agencies, public law enforcement and other government organizations receiving quality facilitation from firearms trainers. The qualification will also contribute to the standardization of firearms training in South Africa. The qualification will assist in changing skills, knowledge and attributes of people towards consistency in training standards when compared to international standards.

This qualification also provides a much broader set of unit standards, thereby allowing a learner to be trained in the use of firearms.

Members of the South African National Defence Force, the security fraternity and the South African Police Service have knowledge and skills in the use of firearms, but never gained formal qualifications without giving them a recognised qualification and thus stifling mobility in their career paths. The qualification will enhance not only the status and accountability of the learner, but more importantly, it will make the learner more employable within all the industries involved in the use of firearms. Qualifying learners will be capable of applying legal knowledge, practical skills and tactical applications of firearms which will contribute to the safety of South Africa as a whole.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Communication NQF Level 2.

Mathematical Literacy NQF Level 3.

Recognition of prior learning:

This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the RPL option towards gaining the qualification. The smallest unit for which RPL may be granted is a Unit Standard in a Qualification.

Access to the qualification:

Access to this qualification is open.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.

To be awarded the Qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 141 credits as detailed below.

Fundamental Component:

The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:

Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.

Communication at Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.

Communication in a Second South African Language at Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3.

All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

Core Component:

The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 77 credits all of which are compulsory.

Elective Component:

The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 56 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 8 credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Explain, apply and support legislative requirements in the training and handling of firearms.
2. Apply supervising techniques within a firearm-training context.
3. Plan and manage the operation of shooting ranges.
4. Select and use firearm training techniques.
5. Handle and use firearms in a range of contexts.
6. Demonstrate understanding of various types of firearms in terms of their components, functions and uses.

Critical cross-field outcomes

Communicate effectively using visual and language skills in the modes of oral and written presentation when presenting firearms training.

Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others when using firearms.

Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group organization, community in order to perform training duties while rendering a service to the community and public at large.

Organize and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by making use of time management and prioritizing of duties.

Collect, analyze, organize and critically evaluate information in order to ascertain whether a learner is competent in firearms training.

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation and that the use of firearms has a direct influence on the perceived value of human relationships, the ethos, quality of life, economy and industry of the country.

Contribute to the full personal development of the learner by ensuring that learners understand the community dynamics of which they form part and that they have an acute awareness of the need to act responsibly when using firearms so as to ensure the personal safety, dignity and rights of other citizens.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Current legislation, which governs the use and ownership of firearms, are listed within the South African context.

Current legislation is described in terms of its impact on the handling and use of firearms.

Firearms and ammunition are handled in accordance with accepted safety regulations and legal prescripts.

2.

Supervising techniques are described with examples.

Supervising techniques are selected and applied within a shooting range environment.

3.

Operating principles of shooting ranges are described in terms of regulatory requirements.

Shooting ranges are planned in accordance with accepted safety procedures.

Shooting ranges are managed within a training context.

4.

Training techniques are described within a firearms shooting range context.

Techniques are selected according to training needs pertaining to the handling and use of specific types of firearms.

Firearm training techniques are applied within a shooting range context.

5.

Firearms are handled in accordance with prescribed safety procedures.

Methods of using firearms are demonstrated within structured scenarios.

6.

Types of firearms are described in terms of their operating principles and uses.

Components of firearms are described in terms of their effect on the safe handling of the firearm.

Integrated assessment:

Integrated assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across unit standards to achieve competence that is unmistakably consistent in relation to the purpose of the qualification.

The applied competence i.e. practical, foundational, reflective competencies will be achieved if a person is able to completely carry, handle, shoot, maintain and apply the relevant legal knowledge, applicable to the different disciplines of firearms being used, whether in the workplace for private or public law enforcement.

All critical cross field outcomes should be assessed during any combination of practical, foundational and reflexive competency assessment methods in order to determine the integration of applied knowledge and skills.

All exit level outcomes are measurable and can be verified through assessment criteria if assessed in respect of one application or unit standard.

A broad range of task orientated practical assessments and theoretical assessment tools may be used.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

In many instances comparison was difficult to do as most countries regulate the use of firearms with legislation which differs from country to country. Where information was requested from international organizations (specific reference to government organizations which are the main users of firearms within a work context), many of these organizations refused to divulge information that they regard as sensitive. Therefore it was particularly difficult to compare unit standards such as the tactical use of firearms as these methods and techniques used are secretive in nature. However, the following comparisons were done with the help of individuals from other countries.

United States of America:

The qualification compares favourably against standards found in the United States of America. In support of this statement the qualification was compared with the National Rifle Association (NRA) standards. Unit standards 119649, 119650, 119651 and 119652 compare well to the NRA "1st steps" program which is considered a basic or entry level set of unit standards for the use and handling of firearms. Unit standards 10748, 10750, 10754 and 10756 compare well to the NRA standards written for private security and public law enforcement officers and the tactical standards are very closely comparable to the American tactical standards. This comparison was done with Warren Pelton from the United States of America who was the National Program Coordinator of the NRA and currently heads up an anti-terrorist unit in Washington.

United Kingdom:

In the United Kingdom firearms for the general public are only permitted at sport shooting facilities. The only standards that we were able to access were the law enforcement standards which compare well to our tactical standards. A comparison towards the standards was conducted by Andre Pretorius (SA) and Clive Shepard (UK Royal Marines).

Tanzania, Mozambique and Swaziland:

Firearm training standards in all of the above countries use terminology such as basic, intermediate and advanced and compare very well to our lower level standards. We found that in these countries, South African standards are mostly being used at the higher level and for tactical training required by law enforcement personnel.

Iraq:

There has recently been an unusually high need for firearm training in Iraq at all levels. The two most prominent standards being adopted in Iraq at present are the American standards which align closely to South African standards and South African trainers and standards are being widely used. Interviews were conducted with approximately eight firearm instructors who have been involved in firearm training in Iraq within the past two years.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification will articulate horizontally with the following qualifications:

National Certificate: Specialist Security Practices (currently under revision), ID 22491.

Further Education and Training Certificate: Traffic Management, ID 48921.

This qualification will articulate vertically with the following

National Certificate: Policing Level 5, ID:50122.

National Diploma: Policing Level 5, ID:48865.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this Qualification must be registered as an assessor with an appropriate Education, Training, Quality Assurance (ETQA) Body or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this Qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA or by an ETQA that has a Memorandum of understanding with the relevant ETQA, according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation.

Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the Qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual Unit Standards as well as in the exit level outcomes described in the Qualification.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Assessors must have been declared competent in the outcomes of this qualification.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

NOTES

This qualification is intended for the security industry and various sectors of public law enforcement as well as persons who are interested in personal development in the use of firearms. Therefore, assessors must take the working environment of the learner into account as well as the conditions that the learners will be exposed to in their working environment. Assessors are encouraged to do as much training and assessments in conditions similar to the learner's working environment during normal work or simulated situations in the workplace and on the shooting range.

Due to the fact that learners accredited with this unit standard will most often be using the firearm in a public place or around innocent bystanders, assessors are to use professional judgment and only declare the learner competent once they feel that the learner is able to repeat their performance in the interest of consistency and safety.

Due to the nature of the activity it is essential that all assessors prove that they are capable of successfully completing the practical components of this Qualification, especially for the Tactical unit standards before being registered as assessors, in the interests of consistency and safety.

It must be understood that in order for the learning process to flow in a logical order, all learners, when completing the Core unit standards must adhere to the "Learning assumed to be in place" criteria of the unit standards.

Range:

The following Elective Unit Standard has not been developed/registered yet:

Supervise workers at Levels 2 and 3 (Level 4 - 10 credits), Conduct targeted training and development using given methodologies.

This qualification replaces qualification 21854, "Further Education and Training Certificate: Use of Firearms", Level 4, 152 credits.

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	116483	Apply moral decision making and problem solving strategies	Level 3	NQF Level 03	6
Core	117705	Demonstrate knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) applicable to possessing a firearm	Level 3	NQF Level 03	3
Core	119649	Handle and use a handgun	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Core	119651	Handle and use a manually operated rifle or carbine	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Core	119650	Handle and use a self-loading rifle or carbine	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Core	119652	Handle and use a shotgun	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Core	123510	Apply tactical knowledge in the use of firearms	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Core	117870	Conduct targeted training and development using given methodologies	Level 4	NQF Level 04	10
Core	123513	Demonstrate tactical proficiency with a handgun	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Core	123518	Demonstrate tactical proficiency with a self-loading rifle or carbine	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Core	123512	Demonstrate tactical proficiency with a shotgun	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Core	123515	Handle and use a handgun for business purposes	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Core	123519	Handle and use a manually operated rifle or carbine for business purposes	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Core	123511	Handle and use a self loading rifle or carbine for business	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Core	123514	Handle and use a shotgun for business purposes	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Core	123516	Supervise shooting exercises	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Core	123517	Supervise the operation of a shooting range and tactical shooting exercises	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Core	123520	Supervise firearm training	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	10
Fundamental	119472	Accommodate audience and context needs in oral/signed communication	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	119457	Interpret and use information from texts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	119467	Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	119465	Write/present/sign texts for a range of communicative contexts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	12154	Apply comprehension skills to engage oral texts in a business environment	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	9015	Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	119462	Engage in sustained oral/signed communication and evaluate spoken/signed texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	119469	Read/view, analyse and respond to a variety of texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	9016	Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Fundamental	7468	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	119459	Write/present/sign for a wide range of contexts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Elective	116534	Carry out basic first aid treatment in the workplace	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Elective	243200	Handle and use a muzzle-loading firearm	Level 3	NQF Level 03	2
Elective	117497	Apply basic business principles	Level 4	NQF Level 04	10
Elective	13951	Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 (OHSA) (as amended) and the responsibilities of management in terms of the Act	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Elective	12544	Facilitate the preparation and presentation of evidence for assessment	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Elective	336659	Handle and use a stopper-gun for operational purposes	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Elective	115753	Conduct outcomes-based assessment	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	15
Elective	120486	Demonstrate physical defensive restraining techniques	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	6
Elective	120477	Demonstrate tactical and street survival techniques	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	10
Elective	120485	Receive and attend to complaints	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	5
Elective	120487	Use firearms in a military and law enforcement environment	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	12

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.

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PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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