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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Administer the firearms control process and procedures in a policing environment 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119131  Administer the firearms control process and procedures in a policing environment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Visible Policing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for policing officials of the South African Police Service appointed as designated firearms officers in term of Section 124 of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No 60 of 2000) (hereafter the Act). Successful completion of this unit standard will contribute towards compliance with the prescription of the relevant legislation pertaining to firearms and the standard organizational procedures derived from the Act. Furthermore, successful learners from this unit standard will possess the skills to enable the State to control the supply, possession, safe storage, transfer and use of firearms and to detect and punish the negligent or criminal use of firearms. Successful learners will also be able to contribute to the removal of illegal firearms from society. This unit standard envisages that it would contribute towards a safe and secure environment for South Africa.

Learners accredited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Execute the required tasks for the processing of applications for accreditation
  • Perform the prescribed actions for the processing of applications for competency certificates
  • Carry out the processing of applications for licences to possess firearms by individuals and businesses
  • Carry out the processing of applications for licences for commercial (dealers, manufacturers and gunsmiths) purposes
  • Effect the prescribed duties in the processing of applications for permits or authorisations
  • Carry out the processing of renewals for licenses and permits
  • Process notifications
  • Take necessary actions for the termination of firearm licences, permit, certificates and authorizations
  • Complete the required actions with regard to deactivation of firearms
  • Perform prescribed inspections
  • Issue administrative fines
  • Manage firearm free zones 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following knowledge, skills, attitude and/or equivalent:
  • Communication at NQF level 4
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF level 4
  • An understanding of the relevant legislation and principles of policing firearms within the framework of a democratic community orientated policing;
  • Mastery of the skill of interviewing and interrogation related to police functions;
  • Administrative skills with regard to organizational directives, policies and procedures;
  • An analytical and critical disposition and approach towards work. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard applies to policing officers in the South African Police Service who are appointed as designated firearms officers. The designated firearms officer must, after successful completion of this unit standard, be fully able to execute all the responsibilities allocated to the designated firearms officer, which will inter alia vary in degree of frequency and volume as well as categories of clients depending on the particular geographical location of the office. This, by implication, assigns the designated firearms officer with a certain level of authority to take independent decisions to enforce the prescriptions of applicable legislation.

    Specified requirements include legal and legislative specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:
  • Constitution Act, 1996
  • South African Police Service Act, 1995
  • Firearms Control Act, 2000 (as ammended)
  • Firearms Control Regulations, 2004 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Execute the required tasks for the processing of applications for accreditation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correctness and completeness of the relevant application form and supporting documentation for the different categories of accreditation are verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The application process is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The security measures information contained in the application is physically verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The recommendation process is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Perform the prescribed actions for the processing of applications for competency certificates. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correctness and completeness of the relevant application forms and supporting documentation for the different types of competency certificates are verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The application process is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The application form and supporting documents is prepared according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Carry out the processing of applications for licences to possess firearms by individuals and businesses. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The prescriptions for possessing a firearm by an individual are applied according to the Act. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The prescriptions for possessing a firearm by a business are applied according to the Act. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The prescriptions for possessing a firearm for temporary authorizations are applied according to the Act. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The correctness and completeness of the relevant application forms and supporting documentation for the different categories of individual licences or temporary authorizations are verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The application process is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The information contained in the application is physically verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The recommendation process is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Carry out the processing of applications for licences for commercial purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correctness and completeness of the relevant application forms and supporting documentation for the different categories of commercial licences are verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The application process is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The information contained in the application is physically verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The application form is prepared for consideration by the Central Firearms Registry according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Effect the prescribed duties in the processing of applications for permits or authorisations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relevant legislation for the different categories of permit applications is applied according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The correctness and completeness of the relevant application forms and supporting documentation for the different categories of permits are verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The application process is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The application form is prepared for consideration according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The application process in the cases of temporary import and export and multi import and export permits are administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Carry out the processing of renewals for licences and permits. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correctness and completeness of the relevant application forms and supporting documentation for the different categories of renewals are verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The application process is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The information contained in the application is physically verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The application form is prepared for consideration according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Process notifications. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The correctness and completeness of the relevant notification form are verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The notification in the case of change of physical addresses is processed according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The notification in the case of change of circumstances is processed according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The notification in the case of defaced, lost or stolen licences, permits, certificates and authorizations is processed according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The correctness and completeness of the relevant application forms and supporting documentation for duplicates are verified according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The notification in the case of incorrect information is processed according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The notification in the case of lost, stolen, destroyed or found firearms is processed according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 8 
    Determine the necessary actions for the termination of firearm licences, permits, certificates and authorizations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The request for the cancellation of firearms under relevant circumstances is applied according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The surrendering process in the case where a licence or permit holder cannot apply for renewal is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The disposal process should the holder choose to sell the firearm is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The forfeiture process is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The relevant process under the various circumstances under which licences are terminated is applied according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The relevant process of notification of an insolvent or deceased estate is adhered to according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 9 
    Complete the required actions with regard to deactivation of firearms. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The application process of an application for deactivation is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The process after deactivation is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 10 
    Perform prescribed inspections. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Inspections on the premises of licence holders for commercial purposes are conducted according to the prescriptions for compliance regarding registers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Inspections of official Institutions are conducted according to the prescriptions for compliance regarding registers. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The process of obsolete / redundant or unserviceable firearms of Official Institutions is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Inspections of non-official Institutions are conducted according to the prescriptions for compliance regarding registers. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 11 
    Issue administrative fines. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relevant legislation in imposing administrative fines is applied according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The infringement notice is served and issued according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The process according to the response of the infringer is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 12 
    Manage firearm free zones. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The relevant legislation pertaining to firearm free zones is explained according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Applicants are advised and informed about the content of the relevant legislation pertaining to firearm free zones according to organizational policies and procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The application process for firearm free zones is administered according to organizational policies and procedures. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency; assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • A comprehensive understanding of the relevant legislation, and procedures and practices.
  • A basic understanding of the principles of the issuing of firearm licences, permits, authorizations and the implications for not adhering to the set standards.
  • A basic understanding of various types of firearms and their uses. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    High emphasis is placed on problem solving ability during activities. Activities, exercises and scenarios have a variety to ensure problem-solving ability is developed and not stereotyped step that the person cannot apply in practice. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Ability to be a team player in order to establish synergies during joint operations and in teams. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organize one self and ones activities while preparing personal equipment and plan own tasks and actions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, evaluate, organize and critically evaluate information during policing task, interpret it to determine safe actions that meet legal (e.g. the Constitution) and policy requirements. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Technology ability in using equipment such as Firearms Register System and special equipment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems (e.g. Constitutional government) by understanding the consequences of illegal or public unacceptable actions and decisions. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Decision-making must be developed in this standard during practical exercises. Learners must be left to make their own decision, which must be debriefed.

    Creativity needs to be developed by measuring learner's performance to the principles rather than a specific technique. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Context Specific:
  • Organizational policies and procedures regarding the duties of designated firearms officer.

    Credit Allocation
  • Structured Time: 30 hours
  • Structured learning in the workplace: 20 hours
  • Mentoring/coaching: 10 hours
  • Self directed learning: 10 hours
  • Total: 70 hours

    Credits: 7 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  50122   National Certificate: Policing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-12-31  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.