29/05/2025
How do you go about obtaining your SAPS Competency Certificate?
First step of this process is to attend an accredited training institution where you will go through proficiency training in the following unit standards:
* US 117705: Knowledge of the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000
* US 119649: Handle and Use a Handgun
* US 119650: Handle and Use a Self-Loading Rifle or Carbine
* US 119651: Handle and Use a Manually Operated Rifle or Carbine
* US 119652: Handle and Use a Shotgun
For information about accredited PFTC instructors in your area, you can ask your local shooting range or dealership. Alternatively you can visit the PFTC website at www.pftc.co.za to find the nearest instructor to you. You will also be required to bring two certified copies of your ID and a pen.
US 117705: Knowledge of the Firearm Control Act 60 of 2000 is mandatory, however you can do just one or more from any combination of the handle and use modules.
Training material is available for purchase from your trainer and you will book a date to do your classroom and practical sessions which usually take place on the same day.
You are required to take and complete the open book test at home and then you will write the closed book test at the training centre. You will do a shooting test, 40 rounds for handgun on an A3 sized target—you need 10 rounds to pass—from 7m to 10m. All your targets and workbooks will form part of your Portfolio of Evidence.
You will be presented with a proficiency certificate by your instructor which will show all the Unit Standard modules you completed your training in. You will be presented with a PFTC Statement of Results (SoR).
The following step is to apply for the SAPS competency at your local SAPS station Designated Firearm Office at the station your residence falls under. You have to be at least 21 years old to obtain a competency certificate, you can however be issues one under special circumstances if you are under the age of 21. For sport, hunting, collecting or conducting a business (s9(5) of Firearm Control Act).
Required documents for your SAPS competency application:
* SAPS 517 Form
* 2X ID sized photos
* Copy of your ID
* Copy of your Statement of Results
* Copy of your training certificate
* 3X testimonials/references (spouse/partner, neighbour and friend)
* Fingerprints which will be taken at the police station
* Competency Application Fee of R92
There’s no guarantee as to how long this process can take take, although by law it should take no longer than 4 months for the process to be completed. Your DFO should take between four and six weeks to capture your application on the system. Do not expect an sms, as it is sporadic, instead you should follow up with your DFO for a reference number that starts with a "C". You can track your application on www.saps.gov.za, using your ID number and reference number. Your reference number is created when your application is captured, it isn’t the number on your payment receipt.
Upon approval of your application, your local DFO can print out an A4 Competency Certificate for you from the system. This is your original certificate, it is imperative that keep it safe at all times. You should NEVER hand this in when you are applying for a licence or a renewal. Always provide a copy for future applications that will require your competency certificate.
