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  1. Take a theoretical test on the Firearms Control Act to qualify for Unit Standard-117705.

  2. Your assessor forwards the results to the SETA (POSLEC).

  3. The SETA issues an official Proficiency Certificate i.r.o. US- 117705.

  4. This certificate is a pre-requisite before you can apply to the SA Police for a Firearms Competence Certificate.

The theoretical test is taken with an accredited trainer provider. Please see our list of preferred training providers (click here). The test must be a qualifier for Unit Standard 117705. This unit standard is intended for re-licensing purposes only. [For new licence applications, the assessment for the full Proficiency Tests must be done for handgun, rifle and/or shotgun. This includes practical firing on the firearms range of the training provider. Members can claim recognition of prior learning (RPL) which means that they do not have to undergo the training and only need to do the tests.]

On successful completion of the theoretical test, the result and accompanying documentation are sent in to the SETA (POSLEC or its succeessor SETA) by the training provider. Following verification, the SETA issues the proficiency certificate. In an attempt to simplify the assessment procedure in order to handle the hundreds of thousand of applicants each year for re-licensing, a new electronic system has been devised. The principle is laudable, but as a result of reported attempts to secure exclusivity for one company, controversy has erupted amongst 149 accredited national training providers. Legal action has reportedly been started.

A meeting was held by POSLEC with 'Larger Providers' on 1 March to outline the implications of this e-assessment and how accredited providers and registered assessors will play a role in the process. According to Ms Vuyelwa Penxa, CE of POSLEC, a communiqué will be sent to all providers. Meanwhile, half a semester of the year has passed and we are still unable to provide members with advice on how best to proceed. If you have the time, we suggest you take the full 'standard' RPL procedure for handgun, shotgun and rifle (US-10745, 10750 & 10754, as for a new licence). Otherwise, we hope to be able to advise all members in the May issue of the final arrangements and procedures.