Private Use and Competency
Private citizens who would like to license a firearm for self-defence need to complete two unit standards. The first is the Knowledge of the Act (U/S 117705), and the second in the basic unit standard for the firearm they wish to license. For example; if a person would like to license a handgun for self-defence; then the Handle & Use a Handgun (U/S 119649) unit standard must be completed as well as unit standard 117705.
The Knowledge of the Act unit standard will cover the legalities around licensing a firearm for self-defence as well as aspects of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000. This unit standard requires that the learner complete two written tests; one formative exam (open book with no time limit imposed) and a summative exam (closed book exam in the classroom environment after classroom-based training has taken place).
The basic unit standard, for e.g. Handle & Use a Handgun covers the law pertaining to the actual use of the firearm, the parts & functions of the firearm, maintenance and malfunctions, and the fundamentals required to accurately and safely use the firearm. The learner is required to complete both a formative and summative exam as with the 117705 unit standard and must also complete a practical qualification shoot on the shooting range in order to be found competent against the requirements of the unit standard.
Once you have completed these unit standards; you will receive a certificate from the Training Provider who presented your training, together with a Statement of Results (SoR) from the Quality Assurer; the Professional Firearm Trainers Council. Both these documents will be issued to you by the Training Provider and are required for the Application of your Competency Certificate. Your Training Provider can assist you with your application for Competency if required.
Once your Competency Certificate has been issued (which should take approximately 90 days); you may apply for your firearm license. You can track your application here.
For more information regarding these applications and for the respective application forms; please visit the SAPS site.
Basic Unit Standard manuals are also available in Afrikaans.
1Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 60/2000 (U/S 117705)
To renew an existing firearm license, the applicant is required to complete a test on the Firearms Control Act 60/2000. This is aligned with Unit Standard 117705 – Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 60/2000. This Unit Standard is also the entry level to all other firearm Unit Standards.
Duration of Course: +/- Two Hours
2Handle and Use a Handgun (U/S 119649)
This course covers legal aspects relating to when you may and may not shoot in self-defence situations, firearm safety, loading and unloading and the fundamentals of shooting.
On this course, you will shoot approximately 25 rounds of ammunition. The entry level to this course is Unit Standard 117705 Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 60/2000.
This course is a legal requirement for first time firearm owners.
Please be advised that course prices will differ slightly from one Training Centre to the next, depending on facilities available.
Duration of Course: One Day (may be split over two half days)
3Handle and Use a Self-loading Rifle (U/S 119650)
This course covers legal aspects relating to when you may and may not shoot in self-defence situations, firearm safety, loading and unloading and the fundamentals of shooting.
On this course, you will shoot approximately 25 rounds of ammunition. The entry level to this course is Unit Standard 117705 Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 60/2000.
This course is a legal requirement for first time firearm owners.
Please be advised that course prices will differ slightly from one Training Centre to the next, depending on facilities available.
Duration: One Day (may be split over two half days)
4Handle and Use a Manually-operated rifle (U/S 119651)
This course covers legal aspects relating to when you may and may not shoot in self-defence situations, firearm safety, loading and unloading and the fundamentals of shooting.
On this course, you will shoot approximately 25 rounds of ammunition. The entry level to this course is Unit Standard 117705 Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 60/2000.
This course is a legal requirement for first time firearm owners.
Please be advised that course prices will differ slightly from one Training Centre to the next, depending on facilities available.
Duration: One Day (may be split over two half days)
5Handle and Use a Shotgun (U/S 119652)
This course covers legal aspects relating to when you may and may not shoot in self-defence situations, firearm safety, loading and unloading and the fundamentals of shooting.
On this course, you will shoot approximately 25 rounds of ammunition. The entry level to this course is Unit Standard 117705 Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act 60/2000.
This course is a legal requirement for first time firearm owners.
Please be advised that course prices will differ slightly from one Training Centre to the next, depending on facilities available.
Duration of Course: One Day (may be split over two half days)
Business Purposes
The business purposes unit standards are geared towards people who will, through the application of the current legislation; handle and use a firearm within a business environment. This may include security personnel, armed response guards, personnel working in gun-shops, casinos or airports where firearms must be booked in for safe-keeping or repair work etc.
Anyone wanting to apply for a Dealers Competency or a Competency to Trade in Firearms/Ammunition must have completed the business purposes unit standards.
Business Purposes unit standard training is scheduled as required. Please contact the office for more information: support@itafirearmtraining.com
Handle and Use a Handgun for Business Purposes (U/S 123515)
This course teaches a higher level of proficiency than the basic course and is a requirement for Security Personnel and members of official institutions.
This course focuses on a high standard of shooting and includes holster-work, dealing with malfunctions and shooting against time limits.
On this course, you will shoot approximately 100 rounds of ammunition.
Duration: Two Days
Handle and Use a Shotgun for Business Purposes (U/S 123514)
This course teaches a higher level of proficiency than the basic course and is a requirement for Security Personnel and members of official institutions.
This course focuses on a high standard of shooting and includes loading and unloading, dealing with malfunctions and shooting against time limits.
On this course, you will shoot approximately 30 to 50 rounds of ammunition.
Duration: Two Days
Handle and Use a Self-loading Rifle or Carbine for Business Purposes (U/S 123511)
This course teaches a higher level of proficiency than the basic course and is a requirement for Security Personnel and members of official institutions.
This course focuses on a higher standard of shooting and includes loading and unloading, dealing with malfunctions and shooting against time limits.
On this course, you will shoot approximately 30 to 50 rounds of ammunition.
Duration: Two Days
Handle and Use a Manually-operated Rifle for Business Purposes (U/S 123519)
This course teaches a higher level of proficiency than the basic course and is a requirement for Security Personnel and members of official institutions.
This course focuses on a high standard of shooting and includes loading and unloading, dealing with malfunctions and shooting against time limits.
On this course, you will shoot approximately 30 to 50 rounds of ammunition.
Duration: Two Days
This course is a refresher course for security personnel. The purpose of this course is to ensure that security officers issued with firearms undergo at least one proper practical training and theoretical briefing session every 12 months.
Duration: One Day (May vary dependent on existing skill level and previous training received)
Range Officer
Qualify as a Range Officer by completing the Supervise Shooting Exercises unit standard. This training applies to all individuals who wish to supervise the operation of a shooting range or shooting exercises whether in a sport-shooting or firearms training environment. Candidates will be taught how to effectively control a shooting range, run a detail and ensure the safety of all shooters and spectators.
It is recommended that the Supervise Shooting Exercises unit standard be completed before the Instructor unit standard is completed.
The Range Officer unit standard is usually run as part of the ITA Instructor Program. Please contact the office about dates should you wish to attend the training section that covers this unit standard only. support@itafirearmtraining.com
1Supervise Shooting Exercises (U/S 123516)
On this course, you will learn about the NRCS compulsory standards for shooting ranges. You will also learn how to safely control shooters on the firing line during live fire exercises, using proper range commands and safety standards.
Duration: 2 days
Tactical Training
Tactical awareness, decision-making and shooting while on the move. These unit standards are geared towards equipping individuals and tactical teams with the skills required to perform in a tactical environment. ITA provides a diverse tactical course which covers all the criteria of the four tactical unit standards and more!
We’re passionate about firearm training and the tactical unit standards broaden the spectrum of skill sets, equipment and hands-on practical experience we are able to share with our candidates.
1Apply Tactical Knowledge in the use of Firearms (U/S 123510)
This course focuses on generic tactics that are applicable to handguns, shotguns and rifles. On this course, you will learn about shooting while moving, working as a member of a tactical team, dynamic room entry and the correct procedures for clearing difficult areas such as stairwells.
This course is not for beginners!
Duration: The four tactical unit standards are usually run on one course. The duration of the full tactical course is two weeks. Tactical Range Officer can be added onto the tactical program for candidates who wish to complete this unit standard.
2Demonstrate Tactical Proficiency with a Handgun (U/S 123513)
This course focuses on the use of firearms in high risk situations and under extreme stress.
One needs to be in reasonably good physical condition to enroll on this course. This course will teach you how to win a gun fight.
You will require 400 rounds of ammunition for this course.
Entry level to this course: Intermediate Handgun and Apply Tactical Knowledge in the Use of Firearms.
This course is not for beginners!
Duration: The four tactical unit standards are usually run on one course. The duration of the full tactical course is two weeks. Tactical Range Officer can be added onto the tactical program for candidates who wish to complete this unit standard.
Download the Qualification Shoot requirements
3Demonstrate Tactical Proficiency with a Shotgun (U/S 123512)
This course focuses on the use of firearms in high risk situations and under extreme stress.
One needs to be in reasonably good physical condition to enroll on this course. This course will teach you how to win a gun fight.
You require 200 rounds of ammunition for this course.
Entry level to this course: Intermediate Shotgun and Apply Tactical Knowledge in the Use of Firearms.
This course is not for beginners!
Duration: The four tactical unit standards are usually run on one course. The duration of the full tactical course is two weeks. Tactical Range Officer can be added onto the tactical program for candidates who wish to complete this unit standard.
Download the Qualification Shoot requirements
4Demonstrate Tactical Proficiency with a Self-loading Rifle or Carbine (U/S 123518)
This course focuses on the use of firearms in high risk situations and under extreme stress.
One needs to be in reasonably good physical condition to enroll on this course. This course will teach you how to win a gun fight. You will require 400 rounds of ammunition for the course.
Entry level to this course: Intermediate Self-Loading Rifle/Carbine and Apply Tactical Knowledge in the Use of Firearms.
Duration: The four tactical unit standards are usually run on one course. The duration of the full tactical course is two weeks. Tactical Range Officer can be added onto the tactical program for candidates who wish to complete this unit standard.
Download the Qualification Shoot requirements
Please take note: by attending and completing the tactical program, you are not automatically accredited to present the Tactical Unit Standards. Tactical instructors must have adequate practical experience to present these unit standards.
Tactical Range Officer
Develop your ability to supervise shooting exercises (learnt on the Range Officer Course) by completing the Tactical Range Officer unit standard. Candidates who hold this qualification are able to supervise the operation of a shooting range or shooting exercises in respect of the tactical use of firearms.
The Tactical Range Officer unit standard is usually run as part of ITA’s full Tactical Course. Please contact the office about dates should you wish to attend the training section that covers this unit standard only: support@itafirearmtraining.com.
Supervise the Operation of a Shooting Range and Tactical Shooting Exercises (U/S 123517)
On this course, you will learn about the NRCS compulsory standards for shooting ranges. You will also learn how to safely control shooters on the firing line during live fire exercises, using proper range commands and safety standards.
Duration: Two Days
Instructor Program
The ITA Instructor Program is a comprehensive course developed and structured by industry experts. The program includes multiple unit standards and covers a wide spectrum of teaching methodologies, subject knowledge, firearm training techniques and the practical skills required to ensure that Instructors are able to pass their knowledge and experience on in a way that ensures the safety and development of their students.
Supervise Firearm Training (U/S 123520)
This course will teach you how to become a Firearms Instructor and prepare you to present training courses in all disciplines (handgun, shotgun and rifle). This is not an entry level course. (Not for beginners).
The minimum requirement for attending this course is intermediate level handgun, shotgun and rifle.
This course is not available at all Training Centres. For a Training Centre in your area, please contact IFTA Head Office.
If you own a Firearm Training Centre and you would like to make use of ITA training material, then your Firearms Instructor must attend an ITA Firearms Instructor course.
Duration: This course is usually run as part of a two week program which includes the following unit standards:
- SUPERVISE FIREARM TRAINING
- CONDUCT TARGETED TRAINING USING GIVEN METHODOLOGIES
- CONDUCT OUTCOMES-BASED ASSESSMENT
- RANGE OFFICER
- PFTC ETHICS WORKSHOP (A requirement for Instructors & Assessors when they apply for their PFTC registration)
Download the Qualification Shoot requirements
CONDUCT TARGETED TRAINING USING GIVEN METHODOLOGIES (U/S 117870)
This unit standard compliments the instructor unit standard. It focuses on the concept, theories and methodologies around outcomes-based education. Candidates who complete this unit standard will be taught how to use the ITA training system, training manuals and block programs so that they remain compliant with the requirements of the quality assurer.
This course is offered as part of the ITA Instructor program and is covered over a couple of days.
Duration: This course is usually run as part of a two week program which includes the following unit standards:
- SUPERVISE FIREARM TRAINING
- CONDUCT TARGETED TRAINING USING GIVEN METHODOLOGIES
- CONDUCT OUTCOMES-BASED ASSESSMENT
- RANGE OFFICER
- PFTC ETHICS WORKSHOP (A requirement for Instructors & Assessors when they apply for their PFTC registration)
CONDUCT OUTCOMES-BASED ASSESSMENT (U/S 115753)
The ITA Assessment program is based on ITA’s training system and assessment tools. While the Assessor unit standard is a generic one; this unit standard is based on the assessment of basic handgun unit standard (U/S 119649).
ITA can upload qualified Assessors on to the Professional Firearm Trainers Council (PFTC) Learner Management System, as well as on to the ETDP SETA Learner Management system. A candidate who holds this unit standard may assess any subject in which he or she is considered to be a subject-matter expert.
Duration: This course is usually run as part of a two week program which includes the following unit standards:
- SUPERVISE FIREARM TRAINING
- CONDUCT TARGETED TRAINING USING GIVEN METHODOLOGIES
- CONDUCT OUTCOMES-BASED ASSESSMENT
- RANGE OFFICER
- PFTC ETHICS WORKSHOP (A requirement for Instructors & Assessors when they apply for their PFTC registration)
Military & Law Enforcement
The Use Firearms in a Military and Law Enforcement Environment unit standard applies to persons who will need to supervise firearm training at an accredited training institution. Before enrolling for this unit standard, the candidate must have completed the Handle and Use a Handgun for Business Purposes (U/S 123515).
USE FIREARMS IN A MILITARY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT ENVIRONMENT (U/S 120487)
This unit standard is for military and law enforcement officials who will carry, maintain and shoot a firearm in the daily duties as government officials.
This is a one day course and can be completed as an RPL.
Muzzle Loader
Muzzle-loader or Black Powder firearms remain popular amongst collectors, firearm historians and enthusiasts. This unit standard covers the legalities around licensing the powder, the muzzle-loader firearm itself, the parts & functions of the different disciplines, the loading and unloading, ammunition and the maintenance and cleaning of the firearm. In most instances the course facilitator will provide the muzzle-loader firearms used on the course, as well as the powder and propellant.
HANDLE AND USE A MUZZLE-LOADING FIREARM (U/S 243200)
This unit standard covers muzzle-loading and black powder handguns and rifles. Learners completing this unit standard may apply for a black powder permit to purchase and store black powder for use in muzzle-loading firearms.
This course may run over one or two days – depending on the instructor and the facilities available.
Moderator
The Moderator unit standard is a generic unit standard but for the purposes of this course, the content is tailored around the firearms training unit standards. Candidates wanting to enrol on this course must already hold the Assessor unit standard, and have completed it with ITA. SAQA requires that a candidate hold at least 3 years of experience as a qualified, practicing assessor before being awarded the Moderator unit standard.
CONDUCT MODERATION OF OUTCOMES-BASED ASSESSMENTS (U/S 115759)
Candidates must hold the Assessor qualification (Conduct Outcomes-Based Assessment U/S 11575) before enrolling on this course. It is required that a Candidate have at least 3 years of experience as an Assessor (or the equivalent experience) before being recognised and registered as a Moderator with the quality assurer.
The Moderation unit standard allows candidates to moderate assessments and assessment tools and methodologies. The course is presented over two days and entails some experiential home-based assignments.
Ethics Unit Standard
The Apply Moral Decision Making Using Problem Solving Strategies is a highly theoretical unit standard. The unit standard is tailored around theoretical examples and ethical dilemmas experience in the firearms training industry. The Ethics unit standard must be completed by all candidates who wish to apply for their full qualification: Certificate in Firearm Training 50480.
The full Ethics unit standard is not to be confused with the PFTC Ethics Workshop. The PFTC Ethics workshop is presented by a representative of the PFTC and is not a full unit standard. The PFTC Ethics Workshop is however compulsory for all Instructors & Assessor who want to register with the PFTC. The PFTC Workshop has been included in the ITA Instructor Program as an added service to our clients.
APPLY MORAL DECISION MAKING AND PROBLEM SOLVING STRATEGIES (U/S 116483)
The Ethics Unit Standard is only a requirement if a candidate would like to apply for the full firearm training qualification: Qualification 50480: Certificate in Firearm Training. This unit standard deals with ethical theories and principles and moral decision making strategies.
This course is a two-day course with home—based study after the classroom portion of the unit standard is complete.
QUALIFICATION 50480
Certificate in Firearm Training
ITA offers firearms professionals the opportunity to apply for the full SAQA Qualification: Certificate in Firearm Training. Contact Us For more information