In South Africa, obtaining a firearms licence requires you to first hold a valid competency certificate as mandated by the Firearms Control Act (Act 60 of 2000). This involves completing an accredited training course covering the safe handling of firearms, knowledge of the relevant legislation, and demonstrating practical proficiency.

Competency certificates are firearm-specific, meaning you’ll need the appropriate certification for handguns, rifles, or shotguns depending on your intended licence application.

While we do not offer competency training directly, we work closely with our trusted partner Swartland Firearms Training Academy, who provide fully accredited competency courses for all firearm types. Their experienced instructors will guide you through the theoretical and practical requirements, ensuring you’re properly prepared for both the assessment and responsible firearm ownership.

You can contact SFTA to start your competency application by filling in the form below.

We can help you study for your competency with our “Preparing for your Firearms Competency” course (think of it as going to a driving school before taking your license exams), and once you’ve obtained your competency we’d be happy to provide you with further training at the range.