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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Handle and use a handgun 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119649  Handle and use a handgun 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Security 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
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 unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
10748  Use of a handgun  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for anyone who privately uses a handgun and or who requires a Competency Certificate in terms of relevant legislation.

Persons credited with this unit standard are capable of:
  • Handling a handgun.
  • Using a handgun.
  • Carrying out basic inspection and maintenance of a handgun for safe use. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are already competent in terms of the following unit standard:
  • 117705: Demonstrate knowledge of the Firearms Control Act (Act No. 60 of 2000) applicable to possessing a firearm.
  • Communication NQF Level 2. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    For the purposes of this unit standard, the learner may be assessed on either a revolver or a pistol or both. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Handle a handgun. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The handgun is handled without threat of injury or harm to people whether accidental or intentional. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The term harm includes damage to property.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A safe muzzle direction is defined and maintained at all times with due consideration for safety of persons and property. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The finger is held off the trigger until ready to fire. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The handgun is treated as if loaded at all times. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Loading and unloading is carried out in a safe manner appropriate to the mechanisms of the handgun. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The handgun is controlled, carried and transported without threat of injury or harm to people whether accidental or intentional in accordance with the requirements of relevant legislation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The term control includes safe storage.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Use a handgun. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • "Use" includes pointing without firing, firing and handling malfunctions.
  • Malfunctions include failure to fire, failure to feed and failure to extract. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Descriptions are provided of common law related to private defence and necessity of use. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Fundamentals of handgun handling are demonstrated appropriate to handguns. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fundamentals of handgun handling refer to but is not limited to stance, grip and aiming.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Scenarios in which a handgun may and may not be used are described in terms of relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Prior to firing the handgun, the target is identified as well as what is behind the target and where bullet will come to rest. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Ammunition used is appropriate to handgun. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Target is hit accurately with control of bullet impact and accountability for every shot. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
  • "Accurately" means a minimum of 10 hits out of 10 from 7m on an A3 target, no time limit. The distance may be increased, but may not be decreased. Target size may not be altered.
  • The term accountability refers to the accuracy of the shots fired.
  • The term hit refers to initial bullet impact.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Malfunctions are correctly identified in terms of possible cause and corrective action. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Includes identifying those corrective actions that can be handled by self, and those that need to be referred to a gunsmith.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    In the event of malfunctions, the handgun is restored to safe and effective functioning. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    Handgun must be fired unsupported. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Unsupported means without dead resting the handgun but allows firing with two hands.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Carry out basic inspection and maintenance of a handgun for safe use. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Basic maintenance is limited to cleaning and lubricating without the use of tools but could include a cleaning kit. Basic inspection includes that barrel is clear and dry. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Inspection identifies firearm conditions that could impact on the safe functioning of the handgun. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The handgun is cleaned and or cleared so as to ensure it is free of obstruction and in a condition to be fired safely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Where inspection reveals handgun conditions that require more than basic maintenance, appropriate action is taken. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Appropriate action could include consultation with or referral to a recognised expert and or gunsmith.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

    Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

    Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard 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 conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following areas of knowledge are embedded within the unit standard:
  • Basic functioning of a firearm.
  • Main parts of a firearm and their functions.
  • Use of safety equipment and range rules where applicable. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems: related to conditions for using the firearm and dealing with malfunctions and obstructions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively: the handling and use of a firearm requires self-organisation and management. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically: related to the use of firearms as a technology. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of inter-related parts of a system: related to providing descriptions of common law in respect of private use and necessity of use. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full development of oneself. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 10748, "Use of a handgun", Level 4, 10 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50480   Further Education and Training Certificate: Firearm Training  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAPFTC 
    Core  62289   Further Education and Training Certificate: Road Traffic Law Enforcement  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  59389   National Certificate: Nature Conservation: Resource Guardianship  Level 2  NQF Level 02  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 
    Elective  58577   National Certificate: General Security Practices  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.
     
    1. ABONGILE MNYANDA TRADING CC T/A EKO KOBRA 
    2. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD 
    3. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD CAPE TOWN 
    4. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD PINE TOWN 
    5. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD PORT ELIZABETH 
    6. Afri Guard(pty)ltd 
    7. AIM TRAINING ACADEMY 
    8. AIM TRAINING ACADEMY - BUNDU 
    9. AIM TRAINING ACADEMY PHALABORWA 
    10. AKAF BODYGUARDS 
    11. ATLEGANG CONSULTING CC 
    12. BLACKEN SECURITY SERVICES 
    13. BTC TRAINING AFRICA PTY LTD 
    14. CAPE TOWN METROPOLITAN POLICE TRAINING ACADEMY 
    15. CITY OF JOHANNESBURG METROPOLITAN POLICE : FIREARM SERVICES 
    16. Correctional Services Dept 
    17. DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY SAFETY SECURITY AND LIASON 
    18. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES BARBERTON 
    19. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES BAVIAANSPOORT TRAINING CENTRE 
    20. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES BETHAL TRAINING CENTRE 
    21. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES BOSBOU TRAINING CENTRE 
    22. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES GROENPUNT 
    23. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES GROOTVLEI 
    24. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES HELDERSTROOM MANAGEMENT AREA 
    25. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES KOKSTAD 
    26. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES POTCHEFSTROOM TRAINING CENTRE 
    27. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES VOORBERG 
    28. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES WORCESTER 
    29. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: DE AAR MANAGEMENT AREA 
    30. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: KROONSTAD COLLEGE 
    31. DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES: ZONDERWATER COLLEGE 
    32. Department Of Justice (head Office) 
    33. DEPARTMENT OF ROADS AND TRANSPORT T/A LIMPOPO PROVINCE TRAFFIC TRAININ 
    34. DOGS AND ALL 
    35. DURBAN METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING COLLEGE 
    36. DWANDZANI PROJECTS CC 
    37. E E L PROTECTION SERVICES 
    38. EKHURHULENI SHOOTING AND TRAINING ACADEMY 
    39. EKURHULENI METROPOLITAN MUNICIPALITY 
    40. ENFORCE SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD ETHEKWINI 
    41. EYABANTU BUSINESS & SKILLS DEVELOPMENT T/A EYABANTU SAFETY AND SECURITY ACADEMY DURBAN 
    42. FALCON FIREARM ACADEMY 
    43. FIDELITY SECURITY CORPORATE SERVICES CAPE TOWN 
    44. FIDELITY SECURITY CORPORATE SERVICES SCOTTBURGH 
    45. Fidelity Security Services 
    46. FIDELITY SECURITY SERVICES DURBAN 
    47. Hadassah Security Consultants Cc 
    48. HAZOEMA TRADING ENTREPRISE CC 
    49. HJN TRAINING CC 
    50. IMVULA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    51. Inkwe Sekuriteit Bk 
    52. INSTITUTE FOR PERSONAL CLOSE PROTECTION 
    53. IPELENG RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    54. ITO FOCUS PHOLE 
    55. Josmap Training Institute 
    56. KWAZULU NATAL TRAFFIC TRAINING COLLEGE 
    57. L AND L TRAINING 
    58. LENGAU TRAFFIC TRAINING COLLEGE 
    59. Lesedi Security And Training Servic Es 
    60. MA SECURITY TRAINING AND PRIVATE INVESTIGATION 
    61. MAGNUM SHOOTING ACADEMY 
    62. MANGAUNG TRAFFIC COLLEGE 
    63. MATJHABENG TRAFFIC TRAINING ACADEMY 
    64. MEC TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    65. Metrorail Durban 
    66. MILITARY POLICE SCHOOL 
    67. MOLEMA DEVELOPMENT TRAINING 
    68. MUTENDA SECURITY SERVICES CC 
    69. NORTHERN PROVINCE TRAINING ACADEMY 
    70. NTATE AVIATION AND SECURITY TRAINING 
    71. NU LAW FIREARMS COMPLIANCE 
    72. OMEGA RISK SOLUTIONS 
    73. Orbis Security Solutions Pty Ltd 
    74. PORT ELIZABETH TRAFFIC COLLEGE 
    75. PRO ARM FIREARM TRAINING ACADEMY 
    76. PROTEA COIN GROUP (ASSETS IN TRANSIT AND ARMED REACTION) 
    77. RAMAZWI SECURITY SERVICES CC 
    78. REBAGONI TRADING AND PROJECTS T/A THE SOUTH AFRICAN SECURITY ACADEMY 
    79. ROAD TRAFFIC MANGEMENT CORPORATION 
    80. ROMULA BUSINESS ENTERPRISES T/A SIYAFUNDA SECURITY ACADEMY 
    81. RONIN PROTECTION SERVICES 
    82. SA NAVAL COLLEGE 
    83. SAAF PROTECTION SERVICE TRAINING WING 
    84. SAHARA EDUCATION. TRAINING. DEVELOPMENT 
    85. SBV SERVICES BLOEMFONTEIN 
    86. SBV SERVICES CAPE TOWN 
    87. SBV SERVICES EAST LONDON 
    88. SBV SERVICES MIDRAND 
    89. SBV SERVICES POLOKWANE 
    90. SBV SERVICES PORT ELIZABETH 
    91. SBV SERVICES PRETORIA 
    92. SBV SERVICES PTY LTD JOHANNESBURG 
    93. SBV SERVICES RICHARDSBAY 
    94. SILVER SOLUTIONS SECURITY 1713 CC 
    95. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION PHIL 
    96. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION BISHO 
    97. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK 
    98. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK CAPE TOWN 
    99. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK JOHANNESBURG 
    100. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK TRADING AS SOUTH AFRICAN BANK NOTE 
    101. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK TRADING AS SOUTH AFRICAN MINT 
    102. Staff Management Services 
    103. STALLION LEARNING CENTRE PTY LTD 
    104. STARPLEX 408 CC 
    105. TRANSNET SCHOOL OF SECURITY - ESSELENPARK 
    106. TSHWANE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT ACADEMY 
    107. TSU PROTECTION SERVICES 
    108. TSU Training Solutions Centurion 
    109. TZANEEN TRAINING CENTRE 
    110. TZANEEN TRAINING CENTRE LIMPOPO 
    111. UBUNTU 
    112. VITAL SKILLS CC 
    113. VUSA - ISIZWE SECURITY (PTY) LTD BENONI 
    114. VUSA ISIZWE SECURITY SERVICES (PTY) LTD 
    115. ZEVOLI 9 PTY LTD 


    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.