Training, competency, the firearm, the licence — the whole road, in the order it happens.
You cannot licence a firearm without a competency certificate for that type of firearm, and SAPS only issues the competency once you have passed the training. It is the longest step, so most people do it first — you can do it before you have even chosen a firearm.
Do the training with African Arms / Michael Firearms Training Academy, a registered training provider — the legal test plus the module for the type of firearm you want.
Complete the in-class theory and pass the range qualifying shoot. When both are done, the provider issues your proficiency certificate.
Apply for your competency certificate at SAPS with the proficiency certificate, your ID and your character references. This is the part that takes time.
Now buy the firearm from us — we register it to you and hand you the SAPS 271 application form.
Apply for the licence at SAPS with the SAPS 271, your competency certificate and your motivation. Your firearm stays in our safe while you wait.
When your licence is approved, bring your licence card to the shop and collect your firearm.
Which competency do you need?
The competency must match the type of firearm — a handgun competency will not licence a rifle.
Proficiency training is what stands between you and a competency certificate. Here is what it is, who may present it, and when you may apply.
What is proficiency training?
It is the formal training you must complete and pass before SAPS will issue you with a competency certificate. Its purpose is to make sure that the owner of a new firearm licence knows the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000, as amended) and has adequate proficiency, skills and knowledge to handle that specific firearm.
Who is allowed to present it?
Only an accredited training provider — accredited to the Professional Firearms Training Council (PFTC) and to SAPS. African Arms / Michael Firearms Training Academy is one such provider, offering professional, high-level firearm training and certification.
Is the training recognised nationally?
Yes. The courses are unit standard based and registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Unit standards are the core of NQF accreditation: every learner accumulates credits for the learning achieved and the skills acquired, so what you pass is recognised nationally and counts towards further learning.
What does the course cover?
The legal test — the Firearms Control Act — plus the module for the type of firearm you want to licence, followed by the in-class theory and the range qualifying shoot. When both are done, the provider issues your proficiency certificate and statement of results.
When may I apply for my competency certificate?
Only once you have completed a proficiency course for your specific firearm (or for all firearms), have been deemed competent in its use, and have been issued with your proficiency certificate and statement of results. That certificate is what you take to SAPS with your competency application.
Book your training with African Arms / Michael Firearms Training Academy — ask us which module your firearm needs and we will tell you exactly, or send us an enquiry.
You must be 22 years or older to access this website. African Arms is committed to responsible firearms sales. By entering this site, you confirm that you are of legal age to view and purchase firearm-related products in accordance with South African law.
Sorry — you must be 22 or older to browse this website.
