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: 

Demonstrate tactical proficiency with a handgun 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
123513  Demonstrate tactical proficiency with 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 4  NQF Level 04  5 
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 does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard applies to persons who will need to use a handgun in a tactical environment for the purpose of private or public law enforcement or in the interest of personal development.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate pistol craft techniques.
  • Demonstrate shooting techniques in a business environment.
  • Operate a handgun in a controlled, stress induced environment.
  • Function as a member of a tactical team. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF level 02.
  • 123510: Apply tactical knowledge in the use of firearms.

    It is further assumed that the following unit standards relating to the firearm have been completed before attempting this unit standard:

    For handgun: 117705, 119649 and 123515 or 10748 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate pistol craft techniques. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    If the learner is not able to achieve the specific outcome to the satisfaction of the assessor, he/she must not be allowed to progress any further for safety reasons. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Pistol Craft refers to:
  • Presentation of the handgun from holster.
  • Rapid reloads.
  • Immediate action drills (IAD). 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A draw and fire technique is demonstrated in accordance with prescribed safety requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The term technique includes the following understanding:
  • The grip is completed before the gun is fired.
  • The shot fired is on target.
  • A safe muzzle direction is maintained.
  • The finger is kept off the trigger until ready to fire.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A rapid reload is demonstrated with the handgun while maintaining a safe muzzle direction and with the finger off the trigger. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    An immediate action drill is demonstrated while maintaining a safe muzzle direction with the finger off the trigger. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate shooting techniques in a business environment. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    If the learner is not able to achieve the specific outcome to the satisfaction of the assessor, he/she must not be allowed to progress any further for safety reasons. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Shooting techniques refer to:
  • Close quarter shooting.
  • Multiple target scenarios.
  • One handed shooting.
  • Left and right side use of barricades.
  • Use of near and far barricades.
  • Turn draw and fire. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Close quarter shooting skills are demonstrated in a controlled environment using live fire. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Close quarter shooting skills must include point shooting or instinctive shooting at 3-7m.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to engage multiple targets with speed and accuracy is demonstrated using close quarter shooting skills. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Multiple targets must include, but is not limited to a minimum of 3 targets at least 1m apart.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Proficiency in one handed shooting is demonstrated by firing with both the left and right hand from a minimum distance of 5m. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Shooting from behind a barricade is demonstrated using both left and right side techniques of barricade shooting. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    This assessment may be carried out while using two hands.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The ability to turn, identify and engage a target with live fire is demonstrated while adhering to accepted safety standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Turning must include 90º left side turn, 90º right side turn and 180º back to target. A safe muzzle direction must be maintained at all times.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate a handgun in a controlled, stress induced environment. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    If the learner is not able to achieve the specific outcome to the satisfaction of the assessor, he/she must not be allowed to progress any further for safety reasons. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Operate must include:
  • Rapid fire.
  • Rapid reload.
  • Immediate action drills (IAD).
  • Presentation of handgun from holster.
  • One handed shooting. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Demonstrate rapid fire, rapid reload, immediate action drills (IAD), presentation of handgun from holster and one handed shooting skills within the prescribed time limits during six controlled scenarios. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Controlled scenarios must include the following six:

    Controlled Scenario 1 (Semi Automatic Pistol):

    The pistol is presented from the holster and five (5) rounds are fired. All five (5) rounds must be fired in a time of six (6) seconds.

    Notes:
  • Distance to target must be five (5) metres.
  • Any standing stance may be used.
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the pistol loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The pistol is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.

    Controlled Scenario 2 (Semi Automatic Pistol):

    The pistol is presented from the holster, you will then go to the kneeling position and fire five (5) rounds. All five (5) rounds are to be fired in a time of six (6) seconds.

    Notes:
  • Distance to target must be five (5) metres.
  • Any kneeling position may be used.
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the pistol loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The pistol is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.

    Controlled Scenario 3 (Semi Automatic Pistol):

    The pistol is presented from the holster with the strong hand. The pistol will then be transferred to the weak hand/support hand and five (5) rounds will be fired. All five (5) rounds will be fired in a time of eight seconds with the weak hand/support hand.

    Notes:
  • Distance to target must be five (5) metres.
  • Any standing stance may be used.
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the pistol loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The pistol is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.

    Controlled Scenario 4 (Semi automatic pistol):

    The pistol is to be presented from the holster and ten (10) rounds will be fired. All ten (10) rounds must be fired in a time of ten (10) seconds.

    Notes:
  • Distance to target must be ten (10) metres.
  • Any standing stance may be used.
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the pistol loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The pistol is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.
  • If a magazine change is required in the case of low capacity semi automatic pistols, an extra one (1) second may be added per magazine change.

    Controlled Scenario 5 (Semi Automatic Pistol):

    With five (5) live rounds and one (1) dummy round in each magazine, the pistol is presented and ten rounds will be fired in a time of twenty seconds carrying out the immediate action drills (IAD) and magazine change when necessary.

    Notes:
  • Distance to target must be 10m.
  • Any standing stance may be used.
  • The dummy round may not be the first or last round loaded in the magazine. (Two (2) magazines required with five (5) live rounds and one (1) dummy round in each).
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the pistol loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The pistol is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.

    Controlled Scenario 6 (Semi automatic pistol):

    The pistol is presented from the holster and five (5) rounds will be fired from the standing position. You will then go into the prone (1) position and fire ten rounds. All fifteen rounds must be fired in a time of twenty (20) seconds.

    Notes:
  • Distance to target must be 15m.
  • Any standing stance may be used.
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the pistol loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The pistol is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.
  • If a magazine change is required in the case of low capacity semi automatic pistols, an extra one (1) second may be added per magazine change.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Function as a member of a tactical team. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Function refers to:
  • Team Dynamics.
  • Extraction drill and or rescue.
  • Shooting while moving. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to fire with reasonable accuracy at a torso size target is demonstrated from distances between 5 and 15 meters while moving. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Acceptable practice during this assessment is to use a car tyre to simulate the torso size target.

    Rationale: A car tyre placed against the backstop wall will enable both the assessor and the learner to see the point of impact by way of the dust caused by bullet impact because of the hole in the tyre. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Reasonable accuracy means 75 percent of the shots fired must be on target.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    An extraction drill or hostage rescue is conducted in a live fire controlled simulation within the context of operating in a team. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    If an actual person is going to be rescued or extracted, the rescued and or extracted person may never be in front of the muzzles of guns being used by team members and must wear a bullet proof vest for safety reasons. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of team communication and the role of each team member is explained in relation to the success of an operation. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The team must comprise of at least five members.
     


    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 
  • Firearm safe under adverse conditions.
  • Firearm and ammunition application.
  • The ability to make tactical decisions.
  • Decision making skills in applying safe tactical options. 
    		•

    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 tactical options for using the firearm and dealing with tactical problems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively as a member of a team in respect of team dynamics in a tactical environment. 

    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 tactical choices and how those choices will have an impact on oneself, the general public and the suspect. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Any assessor assessing against this unit standard, must be registered as a subject matter expert at the relevant ETQA in respect of firearm training. 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 unit standard, before being registered as assessors. 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    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  58696   National Certificate: Close Protection  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    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. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD 
    2. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD PINE TOWN 
    3. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD PORT ELIZABETH 
    4. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD PRETORIA NORTH 
    5. AIM TRAINING ACADEMY 
    6. DWANDZANI PROJECTS CC 
    7. EKHURHULENI SHOOTING AND TRAINING ACADEMY 
    8. FALCON FIREARM ACADEMY 
    9. Fidelity Security Services 
    10. Hadassah Security Consultants Cc 
    11. Inkwe Sekuriteit Bk 
    12. IPELENG RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    13. Lesedi Security And Training Servic Es 
    14. MAGNUM SHOOTING ACADEMY 
    15. NTATE AVIATION AND SECURITY TRAINING 
    16. PROTEA COIN GROUP (ASSETS IN TRANSIT AND ARMED REACTION) 
    17. SBV SERVICES BLOEMFONTEIN 
    18. SBV SERVICES CAPE TOWN 
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    24. SILVER SOLUTIONS SECURITY 1713 CC 
    25. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK 
    26. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK CAPE TOWN 
    27. STALLION LEARNING CENTRE PTY LTD 
    28. TSU PROTECTION SERVICES 
    29. TSU Training Solutions Centurion 


    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.