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 for business purposes 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
123515  Handle and use a handgun for business purposes 
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  3 
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, through the application of knowledge of the current legislation, carry, handle, shoot and maintain a handgun for business purposes.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of safe handling principles in a business environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the mechanical functioning of the handgun.
  • Operate a handgun in a business environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of handgun use under adverse conditions. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF level 02.
  • It is further assumed that the following unit standards relating to the handgun have been completed before attempting this unit standard:
    > 117705 and 119649. (If these unit standards have not been completed, they must be completed before continuing with this unit standard). 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate knowledge of safe handling principles in a business environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Safe handling principles must include:
  • Safe direction.
  • Load to a safe carry condition.
  • Unload and or make safe.
  • Range safety rules.
  • Personal protection equipment (PPE).
  • Safe maintenance.
  • Safety catch.
  • Safety precautions.
  • Range commands. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A safe direction is described in different environments. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different environments must include office buildings, parking areas, shopping malls, crowded areas and vehicles.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Safety precautions are demonstrated with the handgun in a controlled scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety precautions must include unloading and or making the handgun safe and when to carry out safety precautions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Handgun is loaded to a safe carry condition and holstered in accordance with prescribed safety procedures and legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The operation of the safety device is demonstrated in a manner applicable to that particular device. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    Where the handgun has a manually operated, or external safety feature, the learner is to demonstrate how it works. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of personal protection equipment (PPE) is explained in the context of indoor and outdoor shooting ranges. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    PPE must include both eye and ear protection applicable to the shooting range used.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Range commands are understood and adhered to during practical assessment and shooting exercises. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    A safety inspection applicable to the handgun is demonstrated to ensure the handgun has been maintained in working order. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of the mechanical functioning of the handgun. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Mechanical functioning includes:
  • Parts and functions.
  • Mechanical function of the handgun.
  • Mechanical malfunctions.
  • Components of a cartridge.
  • Cartridge firing sequence.
  • Cartridge malfunctions.
  • Correction of malfunctions. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Visible parts of an assembled handgun are identified in terms of parts and functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Functions of the main parts of the handgun are explained in terms of the barrel and the action. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The action of a handgun refers to the moving parts and mechanical functioning of the handgun.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Basic components of a handgun cartridge are identified in terms of their characteristics and application. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Basic components must include:
  • Bullet.
  • Propellant and or powder.
  • Case.
  • Primer.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The cartridge firing sequence is explained in terms of how a cartridge functions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Firearm and ammunition malfunctions are identified and corrective action is implemented while applying safe handling principles. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate a handgun in a business environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The term operate also refers to the handling and use of a handgun.

    Operate refers to:
  • Fundamentals.
  • Body positions.
  • Barricades.
  • Immediate action drills (IAD).
  • Point of aim.
  • Rapid reload.
  • Practical shooting. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fundamentals of handgun shooting are demonstrated to provide a stable shooting platform for firing a handgun. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fundamentals will include but is not limited to grip, stance and aiming.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Body positions are demonstrated to provide a stable shooting platform for firing a handgun. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Body positions must include, but is not limited to, standing and kneeling.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ability to apply a standing and kneeling stance is demonstrated with a handgun while taking cover behind a barricade. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    An immediate action drill (IAD) applicable to the handgun being used is demonstrated while applying safe handling principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Immediate action drill (IAD) must include, but is not limited to checking the magazine is inserted and working properly, removing the faulty cartridge and chambering a new round and re-acquiring a sight picture.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The recommended point of aim when using a handgun for business purposes is explained in the context of centre body mass. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    It must be born in mind that the "target" in most cases will be human when using a handgun for business purposes. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Point of aim refers to that part of the target at which you will aim.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    A rapid reload is demonstrated while maintaining a safe muzzle direction and with the finger off the trigger. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Rapid reload refers to a magazine change or cylinder refill.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Target is hit accurately with control of bullet impact and accountability for 80% of shots fired. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Accurately means 80% (20 out of 25) shots fired must appear on the target. The term accountability refers to the accuracy of the shots fired. The handgun must be fired with two hands, but may not be dead-rested.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Proficiency in the use of a handgun for business purposes is demonstrated in 3 controlled scenarios. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Controlled scenarios must include the following scenarios:

    Controlled Scenario 1 (for semi-automatic pistol)

    The pistol is presented from the holster and five rounds are fired, a magazine change is completed and five more rounds are fired. All ten rounds must be fired in a time of 20 seconds.

    Notes:
  • Distance to target must be 7m.
  • Any standing stance may be used.
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the firearm loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The firearm is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.

    Controlled Scenario 2 (for semi-automatic pistol)

    With five live rounds and one dummy round in the magazine, the pistol is presented and fired in a time of 10 seconds carrying out the immediate action drill (IAD) when necessary.

    Notes:
  • The dummy round may not be the first or last round in the magazine.
  • Distance to target must be 7m.
  • Any standing stance may be used.
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the firearm loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The firearm is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.

    Controlled Scenario 3 (for semi-automatic pistol)

    The pistol is presented and five rounds are fired from the standing position. A magazine change is to be completed and five more rounds are to be fired from the kneeling position in a time of 20 seconds.

    Notes:
  • Distance to target must be 7m.
  • Any standing stance may be used.
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the firearm loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The firearm is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.

    Controlled Scenario 1 (for revolver)

    The revolver is presented from the holster and five rounds are fired, a rapid reload is completed and five more rounds are fired. All ten rounds must be fired in a time of 20 seconds.

    Notes:
  • Distance to target must be 7m.
  • Any standing stance may be used.
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the firearm loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The firearm is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.

    Controlled Scenario 2 (for revolver)

    The revolver is to be loaded with 5 rounds in cylinder. The firearm must be presented from the holster and 5 rounds fired in a time of 8 seconds using a standing position.

    Notes:
  • Distance to target must be 7m.
  • Any standing stance may be used.
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the firearm loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The firearm is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.

    Controlled Scenario 3 (for revolver)

    The revolver is to be presented from the holster and 5 rounds are to be fired from the standing position. A rapid reload is then completed and 5 more rounds are fired from a kneeling position. All 10 rounds are to be fired within a time of 25 seconds.

    Notes:
  • Distance to target must be 7m.
  • Any standing stance and kneeling may be used.
  • The target size must be A4.
  • The scenario is to begin with the firearm loaded to a safe carry condition applicable to normal everyday carry.
  • The firearm is to be presented from a holster that is securely attached to the person and which complies with legal requirements.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate knowledge of handgun use under adverse conditions. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Adverse conditions must include the following:
  • Awareness strategies to reduce stress.
  • Low light shooting.
  • Risk assessment. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    An awareness strategy is described in order to limit the effects of adrenaline on the human body. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    "Awareness strategy" must be described with the use of color codes, or the Observation, Orientation, Decision and Action (OODA loop) system or a similar concept.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Principles of low light shooting are explained to ensure that targets are identified and targets are acquisitioned. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Target acquisition refers to aligning the firearm with the target.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of handgun and torch technique is demonstrated in accordance with prescribed methods. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A function check is carried out on equipment in order to ensure that it is fit for purpose. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fit for purpose will include, safe, functional, reliable and in accordance with legal requirements.
     


    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 
  • Parts and functions of ammunition.
  • Parts and functions of handguns.
  • Safe handling of handguns in various environments.
  • 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 under adverse conditions. 

    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 safety and safe handling of firearms and ammunition. 

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

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