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: 

Use firearms in a military and law enforcement environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
120487  Use firearms in a military and law enforcement environment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Visible Policing 
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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
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
14118  Use of firearms in a policing environment  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for military and law enforcement officials who will carry, handle, maintain and shoot a firearm in their daily duties as government officials. The safe and responsible handling of a firearm in the normal duties of a military and law enforcement official must comply with the application of knowledge of the relevant legislation and skills.

A learner credited with this unit will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation required.
  • Handle a firearm safely.
  • Operate, maintain and use a firearm. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication skills NQF 4.
  • Numeracy skills NQF 4.
  • Basic understanding of the Firearms Control Act. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Firearms refer to the organization specific prescribed type of firearm. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation pertaining to firearms. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Relevant legislation refers to but is not limited to:
  • Criminal Procedure Act.
  • Firearm Control Act. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Knowledge of the lawful possession of a firearm is demonstrated in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The use of a firearm is described in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of a firearm is demonstrated in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Firearms and ammunition are stored and kept according to operational policies, procedures and legal requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Handle a firearm safely. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Firearms are handled in a safe manner according to handling procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The handling and or carrying of firearms in firearm specific tactical operations are demonstrated in order to ensure the safety of oneself and others. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Retention of firearm is demonstrated in a controlled scenario while ensuring the safety of self and others. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Ammunition is carried and handled according to manufacturer's specifications and legal prescripts. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate, maintain and use a firearm during work related situations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Firearm is operated and used according to manufacturer's guidelines, operational procedures and prevailing legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Firearm is used with specific attention to threat identification and analysis. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Safety of firearm, ammunition and equipment is inspected in order to ensure that they are in a safe and serviceable condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The serviceable condition of the firearm is maintained according to manufacturer's specifications and safety procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Firearm is fired in accordance with current legal, operational and shooting range procedures. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Firearm may be fired:
  • With and without the use of a barricade or cover.
  • Under normal and low light situations.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Malfunctions and action drills are identified and corrected in accordance with standard safety procedures and in line with operational conditions. 


    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 
  • Relevant legislation may include the Constitution, South African Police Service Act, The Criminal Procedure Act and the Firearms Control Act.
  • Licensing requirements.
  • Discretion in the use of firearms.
  • Operation & mechanics of firearms.
  • Ammunition and shooting range procedures.
  • Guidelines for the safe use and handling of firearms
  • Fundamentals of shooting a firearm. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

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

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of the learner. 

    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 14118, "Use of firearms in a policing environment", Level 5, 12 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50122   National Certificate: Policing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-12-31  SAS SETA 
    Core  50500   National Diploma: Electronic Warfare  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Fundamental  78263   National Higher Certificate: Special Combat Capabilities  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  50480   Further Education and Training Certificate: Firearm Training  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAPFTC 
    Elective  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  63229   National Diploma: Bomb Disposal  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  58784   National Diploma: Geospatial Image Analysis  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2020-07-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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. CITY OF JOHANNESBURG METROPOLITAN POLICE : FIREARM SERVICES 
    2. DAM SCHOOL OF POLICING 
    3. DECENTRALISED TRAINING CENTRE: NEW CASTLE 
    4. DECENTRALISED TRAINING DURBAN 
    5. Department Of Justice (head Office) 
    6. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE JOHANNESBURG 
    7. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE PRETORIA 
    8. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: EAST RAND 
    9. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: NORTH RAND 
    10. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: SOWETO 
    11. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: VAALRAND 
    12. HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE: WEST RAND 
    13. INFANTRY SCHOOL 
    14. Josmap Training Institute 
    15. KWAZULU NATAL TRAFFIC TRAINING COLLEGE 
    16. MAGNUM SHOOTING ACADEMY 
    17. MANGAUNG TRAFFIC COLLEGE 
    18. MILITARY POLICE SCHOOL 
    19. PROVINCIAL HEAD OFFICE TRAINING COMPONENT PORT SHEPSTONE 
    20. ROAD TRAFFIC MANGEMENT CORPORATION 
    21. SA POLOCE SERVICE 
    22. SAPS OPERATIONAL VEHICLE AND SUPPORT ACADEMY BENONI 
    23. SBV SERVICES MIDRAND 
    24. SBV SERVICES POLOKWANE 
    25. SHEPPERD ACADEMY 
    26. SOUTH AFRICA POLICE SERVICE ACADEMY: MANKWE 
    27. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE ACADEMY - PAARL 
    28. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION 
    29. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION GRAA 
    30. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION OUDS 
    31. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION INSTITUTION PHIL 
    32. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE BASIC TRAINING PROVISION PRETORIA WEST 
    33. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE DE AAR TRAINING 
    34. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE HRD CENTRE KURUMAN 
    35. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPEMENT CENTRE PIETER 
    36. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE SPRINGB 
    37. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE THABONG 
    38. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION ALL SAINTS 
    39. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION BISHO 
    40. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION BISHOP LAVIS 
    41. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION NORTH WEST PROVINCE 
    42. SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE TRAINING INSTITUTION ULUNDI 
    43. South African Police Service: George 
    44. TSHWANE METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT ACADEMY 
    45. TSU PROTECTION SERVICES 


    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.