Step-by-Step Guide
How to Become a Provider.
Understand the requirements, accreditation process and key steps involved in becoming a firearm training provider in South Africa, from initial application through to full accreditation.
- 01
Business Registration
Accreditation is issued to a registered, tax compliant business with a declared physical address, not to an individual.
What you need
- CIPC / CIPRO registration
- Certified SARS Tax Clearance
- Proof of physical addressFor example a lease, MOU or W&L bill
- B-BBEE certificate or exemption affidavit
- Responsible person's certified ID
- Responsible person's certified competency certificate
- 02
Confirm Your Training Venue
A dedicated, fully equipped classroom. PFTC and SAPS inspect it, and a spare or borrowed room won't pass.
What verifiers look for
- Posters and visual aids
- Whiteboard or presentation screen
- Dummy guns and snap caps
- Eye & ear protection for learners
- First aid kit
- Quality Management System
- Training material
- 03
Qualified Instructor & Assessor
At least one PFTC-registered instructor and assessor for the unit standards you plan to offer. Accreditation can't proceed without them.
What you need
- PFTC registration application
- PFTC grading shoot
- SAPS competency certificate
- Certificates & SOR's
- Latest CV with firearm experience
- PFTC code of conduct
- 04
Training Material and Moderation Agreement
A training material agreement with a lead service provider, and a registered External Moderator linked to your centre.
What you need
- Training material agreement
- External Moderator agreement
- 05
Shooting Range MoU
You must have access to a compliant shooting range that meets accreditation standards. If the range is not owned, a formal MOU must be in place.
What you need
- MoU with an accredited range
- Range's NRCS accreditation certificate
- Range's SAPS accreditation certificate
- 06
PFTC Accreditation
Once steps 1 to 5 are done, submit your full application to the PFTC. They review your documents and inspect your venue before issuing your certificate.
Before you submit
Do not submit until everything is in order. Incomplete applications get returned and delay the whole process.
The PFTC has an official checklist in four sections: Training Centre, Shooting Range, Training Material, and Assessors/Instructors/Moderators. Print it and tick everything off before you submit.
- 07
SAPS Accreditation
Following successful PFTC approval, an application can be submitted for SAPS accreditation. The SAPS process may take up to 12 months or longer.
What you need
- Completed SAPS Form 519(a) and requirements
