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: 

Supervise firearm training 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
123520  Supervise firearm training 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Security 
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  10 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 applies to all persons who will need to supervise firearm training at an accredited training institution. This will include civilian, private and public law enforcement.

Benefit to society of this unit standard is that persons who conduct training and facilitation will enhance the safety consciousness of learners and the public during firearm training.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Organise and present a firearm training program.
  • Apply evaluation techniques in respect of firearm related activities.
  • Ensure safe practice is being implemented during firearm training and assessment.
  • Demonstrate subject knowledge on commonly used firearms and ammunition in firearm training.
  • Explain corrective actions required in order to achieve set goals within a shooting environment.
  • Demonstrate practical shooting skills. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 2.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    It is further assumed that the learner will have completed all unit standards relating to firearms that they intend supervising i.e. if the learner has completed unit standard 123515: "Handle and use a handgun for business purposes", which will enable them to supervise only this unit standard after achieving this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Organise and present a firearm training program applicable to both indoor and outdoor shooting ranges. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A firearm training policy document is designed and evaluated taking into account quality assurance and safety standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A training budget worksheet is developed in order to determine the costs of presenting a firearm training program. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Practical firearm training demonstration is given in a structured scenario. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The use of a real firearm and dummy ammunition must be used.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Use of training aids is demonstrated in the context of firearm training. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Principles of organizing a firearm course are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Principles refer to and include the following:
  • Staff requirements in respect of theory and practical components of firearm training.
  • Course programs.
  • Facilities (to include both indoor and outdoor shooting ranges).
  • Equipment (to include training equipment, training aids, personal protection equipment, fire fighting equipment and first aid equipment).
  • Evaluation and training tools.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Teaching principles applicable to firearm training are described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Teaching principles must include, but is not limited to:
  • Relating the known to the unknown.
  • Progressing from simple to complex.
  • Breaking a whole skill down into it's components and teaching one at a time.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    Teaching methods applicable to firearm training are described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Teaching methods includes but are not limited to:
  • Actual experience.
  • When should simulated experience be used for safety reasons?
  • Role Play.
  • Demonstration.
  • Small group techniques.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Apply evaluation techniques in respect of firearm related activities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A learner's firearm handling ability is evaluated using an observation checklist within a structured scenario. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Non-verbal assessment is demonstrated in a structured scenario. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of a peer assessment activity during practical firearm training is explained to ensure adherence to safety precautions or considerations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety for peer assessment should include:
  • No live ammunition, the use of dummy guns and corrective coaching techniques.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A firearm related activity is evaluated in a structured classroom scenario. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Ensure safe practice is being implemented during firearm training and assessment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A firearm training policy document is developed and evaluated to ensure safe procedures are implemented. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safe procedures include but are not limited to how firearms and ammunition will be used and controlled before, during and after training.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A course of fire is analyzed in order to determine the boundaries between safe and unsafe conditions. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Duties of positions on the international firearm qualification structure are compared in respect to responsibilities. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The international firearm qualification structure must comprise of at least three comparisons of the following:
  • Range assistant.
  • Assistant trainer (or apprentice instructor).
  • Range officer or range safety officer.
  • Instructor (basic or intermediate or advanced level).
  • Range master or chief instructor.
  • Training counselor.
  • Training counselor trainer.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Safety precautions that should be considered or adhered to when using stress inducing techniques are explained in the context of live fire shooting exercises. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Unacceptable stress inducing techniques that are considered dangerous or unsafe practice are identified in terms of their disadvantages for use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Dangerous and unacceptable techniques must include, but is not limited to:
  • "Stress fire" (Firing live ammunition close to or around the learner).
  • Shocking the learner.
  • Disorientation by spinning.
  • Over-exertion.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Acceptable stress inducing techniques that can be used during firearm training are explained in the context of live fire exercises. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    At least five different acceptable stress inducing factors must be explained.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    A shooting line is controlled during a live fire exercise in accordance with acceptable safety standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Control may be demonstrated by using voice and range commands.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    Unsafe conditions for live fire exercises are explained in relation to Personal Protection Equipment (PPE), holsters, and the condition of firearms. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate subject knowledge on commonly used firearms and ammunition in firearm training. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The mechanical functioning of common categories of firearms used in firearm training is explained in the context of safe handling. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Common categories must include, but is not limited to:
  • Handgun - pistols and revolvers.
  • Shotgun - double barrel and pump action.
  • Rifle - bolt action and self-loading.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Bullet types are identified and explained in terms of their applications and uses. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Bullet types must include, but are not limited to:
  • Solids.
  • Expanding.
  • Fragmenting.
  • Birdshot.
  • Buckshot.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Bullet weights and velocities of common calibres are described with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Common calibres must include, but is not limited to:
  • Handgun .22, 6.35, 7.65, 9mm's, 9mmP, 38 Special, 357 Magnum, 40 S & W, 45 ACP.
  • Shotgun.
  • Rifle.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Characteristics of primer systems used in modern day ammunition are explained with examples. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Characteristics include but are not limited to:
  • Rim-fire.
  • Centre-fire.
  • Boxer.
  • Berdan.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The concept and role of ballistics are described in the context of its influence on the use of firearms. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Ballistics must include:
  • Internal Ballistics.
  • External Ballistics.
  • Terminal Ballistics.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Safety mechanisms found on modern day firearms are described in terms of their operating principles. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Safety mechanisms must include, but are not limited to:
  • Grip.
  • Safety.
  • Magazine safety.
  • Half cock.
  • Hammer drop.
  • Trigger locking.
  • Moving and rotating and disengaging firing pin.
  • Transfer bar.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The pistol and the revolver are compared in order to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each within different contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The handgun, shotgun and rifle are compared in order to determine the advantages and disadvantages of each within different contexts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The requirements to defend or protect a potential target are explained within the context of legal prescripts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The concept of body alarm reaction is explained in relation to the effects of stress on the human body, when confronted by a life threatening situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 11 
    Benefits from the effects of body alarm reaction are explained for use in a life-threatening situation while carrying a firearm. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Explain corrective actions required in order to achieve set goals within a shooting environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to analyze shot placement on a target is demonstrated in order to identify the shooter's error. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Corrective actions required to achieve the required goal is demonstrated in respect of the target analyses. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Demonstrate practical shooting skills. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Practical shooting skills must be demonstrated with all the following types of firearms:
  • Handguns.
  • Shotguns.
  • Rifles.
  • Carbines. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Firearm handling techniques are demonstrated within a structured scenario. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Practical shooting skills are demonstrated within a structured scenario. 


    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 
    The following areas of knowledge are embedded within the unit standard:
  • Organizational skills and presentation skills in respect of firearm training.
  • Ability to provide effective evaluation analytical skills in respect of safe practise.
  • A broad field of subject matter expertise in respect of common firearms and ammunition used in South Africa.
  • Effective feedback and developmental plans for learner achievement in respect of required goals in firearm training. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively as a member of training a team in the context of the operation of a firearm training centre. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively with the context of supervise training. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • related to the use of firearms as a technology. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full development of oneself. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Any assessor assessing against this unit standard, must be registered as a subject matter expert at the relevant ETQA in respect of firearm training. Due to the nature of the activity it is essential that all assessors prove that they are capable of successfully completing the practical components of this unit standard, before being registered as assessors. 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50480   Further Education and Training Certificate: Firearm Training  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAPFTC 


    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.
     
    1. AIM TRAINING ACADEMY 
    2. EKHURHULENI SHOOTING AND TRAINING ACADEMY 
    3. FIDELITY SECURITY CORPORATE SERVICES SCOTTBURGH 
    4. Fidelity Security Services 
    5. Lesedi Security And Training Servic Es 
    6. MAGNUM SHOOTING ACADEMY 
    7. SBV SERVICES MIDRAND 
    8. SBV SERVICES POLOKWANE 
    9. SBV SERVICES PRETORIA 
    10. SILVER SOLUTIONS SECURITY 1713 CC 
    11. TSU PROTECTION SERVICES 
    12. TSU Training Solutions Centurion 
    13. TZANEEN TRAINING CENTRE 
    14. TZANEEN TRAINING CENTRE LIMPOPO 


    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.