To get a firearm license in South Africa you complete accredited training, apply for a competency certificate, buy your firearm from a registered dealer, apply for the license at SAPS and collect the firearm once the license is approved. That is eight steps, and it is far easier when you do them in the right order.
In short
Train first, then apply for your competency certificate, then buy your firearm, then apply for your license. You collect the firearm only once the license is approved.
You can legally buy a firearm from a dealer before you have done any training or competency, but you cannot collect it until your license is approved. For most people the process is much easier in the order below.
The eight steps
Step 1: Register with an accredited training provider
Your journey starts with training. Visit an accredited firearm training provider and sign up for the unit standards you need. Take your ID and proof of payment to receive your learner manual and study material.
Step 2: Self-study at your own pace
Once you have your manual, you can start studying:
- Read the learner guide
- Complete your open-book knowledge exam at home
- Prepare for the final assessments
Self-study makes sure you understand the legal responsibilities, safe handling principles and basic firearm knowledge the law requires.
Step 3: Book your appointment
When you have finished studying, you go back to your provider for your supervised assessments. The session includes:
- A lecture
- A closed-book knowledge test
- A practical range shoot
Everything is done in person, under direct supervision, to keep it safe, accurate and compliant with national regulations.
Step 4: Receive your certificates
Once you pass both the theory and the practical assessments, you receive:
- Your Proficiency Certificate
- Your Statement of Results (SOR)
You need both for your competency certificate application with SAPS.
Step 5: Apply for your competency certificate
With your training done, apply for a competency certificate at your nearest SAPS station.
Step 6: Purchase your firearm
Once your competency certificate has been issued, you can buy a firearm from a registered dealer.
Step 7: Submit your firearm license application
Go back to the SAPS station to submit your firearm license application.
Step 8: Collect your firearm
Once your firearm license is approved, the dealer releases your firearm to you. From this moment you are officially a licensed firearm owner in South Africa.
