Basic Level
Private Use and Competency
Private citizens who would like to license a firearm for self-defense 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-defense; 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 117705 will cover the legalities around licensing a firearm as well as aspects of the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000.
This unit standard requires that the learner complete two written tests; one open book exam with no time limit imposed(at home) and a closed book exam in the classroom environment.
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 OPEN BOOK and CLOSED BOOK 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 TRT Firearm Training Centre together with a Statement of Results (SoR) from the Quality Assurer; the Professional Firearm Trainers Council. Both these documents are required for the Application of your Competency Certificate.
Your Training Provider can assist you with your application for Competency if required.
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.
REGULATION 21
COMPETENCY TESTING: MANDATORY YEARLY REFRESHER TRAINING FOR SECURITY OFFICERS.
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
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.
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.
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.
Online Courses
TRT FIREARM TRAINING CENTRE in conjunction with ITA now has an online portal that gives learners access to online training material. This online training covers Basic Unit Standards (Handgun 119649, Self-Loading Rifle 119650, Manually Operated Rifle 119651, Shotgun 119652 and Knowledge of The Act 117705).
Containing 2 options:
Option 1
The learner is registered on the portal and have access to downloadable training material (books), that cannot be printed, access to videos for the relevant Unit Standards. A Printable Open book test to be completed at home during study. A classroom closed book test is written at the training facility where after the practical shooting will take place. The advantage of this option is a more comfortable study prose and cuts down on physical classroom time.
Option 2
Hard copy training material (books) is collected at the training facility. The leaner is registered on the portal for only access to the relevant videos. The advantage is that you have a hard copy of the book for reference purposes and it cuts down on physical classroom time.
Please take note that due to the practical nature of firearm training and the requirements laid out by the respective educational bodies (QCTO & SAQA), classroom and shooting range-bases training is still a requirement for a learner to be found competent against the requirements of the unit standards.