SAQA

All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.

SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Further Education and Training Certificate: Firearms Maintenance

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
49739	Further Education and Training Certificate: Firearms Maintenance
ORIGINATOR
SGB Combat Weapons Maintenance
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
SAS SETA - Safety and Security SETA			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Further Ed and Training Cert	Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security		Safety in Society
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	130	Level 4	NQF Level 04	Regular-Unit Stds Based
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2023-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

This qualification will allow a learner in the Firearms Maintenance Industry and Statutory Forces to obtain a nationally recognised qualification for maintaining firearms. It will also contribute to the upliftment of the Firearms Maintenance and Statutory Forces personnel (i.e. armourers, gunsmiths, weapon fitters and armament fitters, etc.) by setting a professional standard within this industry. Qualifying learners will be able to:

Communicate with internal and external clients by compiling technical reports and perform related administration.

Use mathematical knowledge to read and interpret engineering drawings.

Maintain, repair and inspect firearms according to manufacturer's specifications.

Adhere to safety regulations and laws pertaining to firearms and ammunition.

Rationale:

This qualification reflects the workplace-based needs of the Firearms Maintenance Industry that relates to maintaining firearms as expressed by employers, employees and education, training and development providers. This qualification will standardise firearms maintenance across the different sectors of the Firearms Maintenance Industry and contribute to the safety and security of society. It also provides the learner with access to employment within the Firearms Maintenance Industry and provides qualifying learners with the flexibility to pursue different careers in the broader Firearms Maintenance Industry and Statutory Forces. This qualification, whilst referring to firearms maintenance, starts by providing the theoretical understanding of how firearms work. This qualification is generic, it is premised on the fact that firearms operate on the same basic principles and therefore a learner who achieves this qualification will be able to understand the operating principles of any firearm. For firearm specific maintenance, learners will undergo training in various short courses and or skills programmes that are product and type specific for particular organisations.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Communication NQF Level 3.

Mathematical Literacy NQF Level 3.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

This qualification may be achieved in part or whole through the recognition of prior learning gained in the Firearms Maintenance Industry. For the purposes of recognizing prior learning, providers are required to develop structured means of assessment of individual candidates against the exit level outcomes and unit standards of the qualification on a case by case basis. Such procedures and assessment of individual candidates must be moderated by the relevant ETQA.

Access to the Qualification:

Learners embarking on study towards this qualification must meet all the criteria that are set in the firearm legislation pertaining to persons who may maintain firearms and must also have completed the unit standard Select use and care for engineering hand tools at NQF level 2 or its equivalent.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The Qualification consists of a Fundamental, a Core and an Elective Component.

To be awarded the Qualification, learners are required to obtain a minimum of 130 credits as detailed below.

Fundamental Component:

The Fundamental Component consists of Unit Standards in:

Mathematical Literacy at Level 4 to the value of 16 credits.

Communication at Level 4 in a First South African Language to the value of 20 credits.

Communication in a Second South African Language at Level 3 to the value of 20 credits.

It is compulsory therefore for learners to do Communication in two different South African languages, one at Level 4 and the other at Level 3.

All Unit Standards in the Fundamental Component are compulsory.

Core Component:

The Core Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 65 credits all of which are compulsory.

Elective Component:

The Elective Component consists of Unit Standards to the value of 24 credits. Learners are to choose Unit Standards to the minimum of 9 credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Communicate with internal and external clients by compiling technical reports and perform related administration.
2. Use mathematical knowledge to read and interpret engineering drawings.
3. Maintain, repair and inspect firearms according to manufacturer's specifications.
4. Adhere to safety regulations and laws pertaining to firearms and ammunition.

Critical Cross-field Outcomes:

The way in which the critical cross-field outcomes are addressed in this qualification is presented in detail in the unit standards. (See unit standards) The qualification addresses the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.

Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization or community.

Organizing and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.

Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.

Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Using science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Communication skills are demonstrated within the context of client service.

Technical reports are compiled in order to facilitate communication with internal and external clients.

Administrative procedures are adhered to, to expedite service delivery to clients.

2.

Engineering drawings are read in order to establish maintenance requirements on firearms.

Engineering drawings are analysed using mathematical principles in the planning of maintenance repairs to firearms.

Engineering drawings are interpreted in order to affect maintenance on firearms according to manufacturer's specifications.

3.

Firearms are inspected in order to determine whether repairs, and subsequently which repairs, are necessary in order to maintain the firearm.

Firearms are maintained to ensure its continued safe operation.

Firearms are repaired in accordance with manufacturer's specifications.

4.

Firearms and ammunition are handled in accordance with accepted safety regulations.

Firearms and ammunition are handled in accordance with legal prescripts.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment should focus on the candidates' ability to apply theoretical knowledge and understanding to practical application. Assessors should use a range of strategies to allow candidates to demonstrate applied competence. Assessment strategies and procedures should be in alignment with the purpose and exit level outcomes of the qualification. These should primarily consist of practical assessments supported by written assignments, tests and/or examinations, case studies, problem solving assignments, portfolios of learning and projects.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification is modelled on the New Zealand certificate, the Arms Maintenance Diagnostics Advisor Certificate. The content of this level 4 qualification compares well with the knowledge, understanding, skills and value orientations covered in the New Zealand certificate.

A search of United States of America qualifications revealed that courses in Firearms Maintenance were too specialised to compare with what the SGB wanted to cover. In the USA the Firearms Maintenance industry does not cover firearms in general as this qualification intends to. One specialises in pistols, shotguns, semi-automatic carbines, automatic carbines, etc. In fact most programmes in the USA are weapon specific and this was found not to be suitable for the South African context as there was a need in South Africa for a generic qualification.

A search of Canadian comparable courses revealed that the FETC in Firearms Maintenance compares quite well with the Diemaco Operator Instructor Course that is offered to the Nato Military personnel. Whilst the Diemaco course is a short course for military personnel and focuses specifically on the C7 and C8 family of weapons and goes beyond what the FETC in Firearms Maintenance does, it cover the same ground in terms of Safety Precautions, Sighting and Zeroing, Ammunition and the Basic Theory of Application as covered by the unit standards Apply safety precautions in the maintenance of firearms, Maintain optical and non-optical firearm sighting systems, Demonstrate an understanding of small arms ammunition and Demonstrate an understanding of the operating principles in the maintenance of firearms in the FETC in Firearms Maintenance.

A search of United Kingdom comparable revealed that the FETC in Firearms Maintenance whilst not being weapon specific covers the same skills as the British International Defence Training Armourer Class 1 Course. A look at British course especially the modules on Instruments and Small Arms shows that the content covers much the same as covered by the unit standards Demonstrate the use and care of firearm measuring equipment (which also looks at equipment to test functionality, safety and wear of small arms) and Demonstrate an understanding of the operating principles in the maintenance of firearms (which also looks at how small arms work).

A search of a number of African countries did not produce any comparable courses in Firearms Maintenance.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification is equivalent to other FETC's at NQF level 4 in the Engineering, Mechanical and Maintenance field. Learners qualifying with this qualification may proceed to the level 5 National Certificate in Firearms Maintenance.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Providers offering this qualification must be accredited by the relevant ETQA. Accredited providers must establish moderation procedures and systems in line with the requirements of the ETQA.

One or more external moderators should moderate results of assessments. External moderators should provide reports not only on the fairness and consistency of assessment, but also on the validity of the assessment design in terms of the specified outcomes.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Anyone assessing learners against this qualification must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA. Assessors should have a level 5 qualification in Firearms Maintenance or its equivalent and an additional three years experience in the Firearms Maintenance Industry (as an Armourer, Gunsmith, Weapon Fitter or Armament Fitter etc).

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

NOTES

For reasons of safety, providers are advised to commence training with the following unit standards:

119777: Apply safety precautions in the maintenance of firearms, Level 4, 6 credits.

119783: Demonstrate an understanding of the operating principles of firearms, Level 4, 18 credits.

UNIT STANDARDS:

	ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Core	119777	Apply safety precautions in the maintenance of firearms	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Core	119778	Demonstrate an understanding of basic internal and external ballistics	Level 4	NQF Level 04	7
Core	119782	Demonstrate an understanding of firearm surface treatments	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	119780	Demonstrate an understanding of small arms ammunition	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Core	119783	Demonstrate and understanding of the operating principles in the maintenance of firearms	Level 4	NQF Level 04	18
Core	119781	Demonstrate the use and care of firearm measuring equipment	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Core	119775	Explain and understand the legislation related to handling and storage of ammunition and firearms during maintenance	Level 4	NQF Level 04	3
Core	119776	Maintain optical and non-optical firearm sighting systems	Level 4	NQF Level 04	18
Fundamental	8968	Accommodate audience and context needs in oral communication	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8969	Interpret and use information from texts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8973	Use language and communication in occupational learning programmes	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	8970	Write texts for a range of communicative contexts	Level 3	NQF Level 03	5
Fundamental	12155	Apply comprehension skills to engage written texts in a business environment	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	9015	Apply knowledge of statistics and probability to critically interrogate and effectively communicate findings on life related problems	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	8974	Engage in sustained oral communication and evaluate spoken texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	8975	Read analyse and respond to a variety of texts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Fundamental	9016	Represent analyse and calculate shape and motion in 2-and 3-dimensional space in different contexts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	4
Fundamental	7468	Use mathematics to investigate and monitor the financial aspects of personal, business, national and international issues	Level 4	NQF Level 04	6
Fundamental	8976	Write for a wide range of contexts	Level 4	NQF Level 04	5
Elective	12255	Weld workpieces with the gas metal arc welding process in all positions	Level 3	NQF Level 03	15
Elective	119779	Explain the construction of firearm stocks	Level 4	NQF Level 04	9

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

NONE

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION:

This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.

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