Get Trained & Compliant to Own a Firearm
Complete your Firearm Proficiency Training and Knowledge of the Act unit standard — the first legal step before applying to SAPS for a Competency Certificate and firearm licence. Train one category in 3 days, or 2-3 categories in a discounted 5-day combo.
Our Firearm Competency Training course prepares you for the proficiency stage that South African law requires before you may apply to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for a Firearm Competency Certificate. Under the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000, every applicant must first complete accredited training in the compulsory "Knowledge of the Act" unit standard, along with the unit standard for each firearm category they wish to own — handgun, shotgun, manually operated rifle, or self-loading rifle.
Training is delivered by PFTC-accredited instructors and combines classroom theory on the law, safe storage, and responsible ownership with supervised practical handling and range time for each firearm category you choose. On successful completion, you receive a proficiency training certificate and Statement of Results, which you then submit to SAPS with your SAPS 517 application for a Competency Certificate.
You can train for a single firearm category over 3 days, or combine 2 or 3 categories into one 5-day sitting at a discounted combined rate — a popular option for hunters, sport shooters, and security professionals who need more than one firearm type licensed. Firearm Competency Training is one of the specialist programmes offered under our Security Training field, alongside our PSIRA Grade E, D, C, B, and A courses.
Please note that training is only the first of three steps toward legally owning a firearm: proficiency (this course), competency (SAPS 517 application), and licensing (SAPS 271 application). If you are exploring other training options, DT Academy also offers Mining & Machinery, Lifting Machinery, and Health & Safety courses from the same Pretoria Central campus.
- Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 (compulsory)
- Safe handling, storage, and transport of firearms
- Handgun, shotgun, manually operated rifle, and self-loading rifle categories
- Supervised live-fire range practice for each category trained
- Basic firearm maintenance and stoppage clearance
- Preparing your SAPS 517 competency application
- Responsible ownership and self-defence legal principles
Course Information
Train for one firearm category — handgun, shotgun, manually operated rifle, or self-loading rifle — plus the compulsory Knowledge of the Act unit standard.
- Knowledge of the Act (compulsory)
- 1 firearm category: theory & practical
- Supervised range assessment
- Proficiency certificate & Statement of Results
Train for 2 or 3 firearm categories in one continuous 5-day sitting, at a discounted combined rate compared to booking each category separately.
- Knowledge of the Act (compulsory)
- 2 or 3 firearm categories: theory & practical
- Supervised range assessment per category
- Discounted combo rate — ask us for a quote
Knowledge of the Act
The compulsory Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 unit standard. Legal ownership, licence categories, self-defence principles, safe storage requirements, and the consequences of unlawful possession or negligence.
First Firearm Category: Theory
Component identification, safe handling, loading and unloading, and stoppage clearance for your first chosen category (handgun, shotgun, manually operated rifle, or self-loading rifle).
First Firearm Category: Range & Assessment
Supervised live-fire practice and marksmanship fundamentals. Final practical and written assessment for your first category. 3-day, single-category learners complete their training here.
Second Firearm Category: Theory & Range
Theory, safe handling, and supervised range practice for your second chosen firearm category, plus assessment. Applies to learners on the 5-day 2-category or 3-category combo.
Third Firearm Category & Final Sign-Off
Theory, range practice, and assessment for a third firearm category (if applicable). Issue of your proficiency certificate and Statement of Results, plus a briefing on submitting your SAPS 517 competency application.
On-Site Training for Companies
Need to train several employees for business firearm use? On-site Firearm Competency Training is available on request for security companies, farms, and businesses who want to certify a group at their own premises or an approved local range.
Request On-Site Training
From Training to Licence: What's Next
Training gives you proficiency, not competency. After your course, you apply to SAPS using the SAPS 517 form for your Competency Certificate, then the SAPS 271 form for your actual firearm licence. We'll walk you through exactly what's needed before you leave.
Ask About the Next StepsWho Should Attend
- First-time applicants wanting to legally own a firearm for self-defence
- Hunters and sport shooters needing multiple firearm categories
- Security officers and business owners needing business-use competency
- Farmers and rural landowners applying for self-protection firearms
- Existing owners applying for further competency in a new category
Basic Requirements to Enrol
- South African citizen or holder of a permanent residence permit
- Generally 21 years or older (under-21 applicants need compelling reasons)
- Valid South African ID or passport
- No disqualifying criminal record or pending firearms-related charges
- Able to read, write, and follow safety instructions in English
Enrol Now
Fill in the form below and one of our consultants will contact you within 48 hours to confirm your course, categories, and start date.
How long is the Firearm Competency Training course?
What is the difference between proficiency, competency, and a firearm licence?
Which firearm categories can I train for?
What are the age and citizenship requirements?
Do I still need to apply to SAPS after completing training?
How long is a competency certificate valid for?
Is the combo training really cheaper than booking separately?
Do you offer on-site or group training for companies?
Is accommodation really free?
What happens if I don't pass the assessment?
Ready to Get
Firearm Compliant?
Join graduates who have completed their proficiency training and moved on to full SAPS competency and licensing with DT Academy. On-site training and discounted combo packages are also available — visit us at 0107 Rentbel Towers, 14 Bureau Lane, Pretoria Central 0002.
Or call 082 264 9605 / WhatsApp 071 524 4658