Competencies
Professional firearm competency training and guidance across the required disciplines.
Trained. Qualified. Responsible.
Professional Firearm Training & Competency
Premium, safety-led training support for responsible firearm ownership, competency preparation and guided next steps.
Core Services
Focused Assistance. Built Around Your Requirements.
A controlled training pathway for competency, motivations and dedicated status support, presented with clarity from the first enquiry.
Motivations
Professional assistance with firearm motivations and supporting documentation.
Dedicated Status
Guidance and support relating to dedicated status pathways and documentation.
Firearm Training
Professional theoretical and practical firearm training in a responsible environment.
Module 1
Choose Your Competency
Select the discipline you need and follow a structured training route built around safe, responsible firearm handling.
Safe Handling
Safety is the foundation of everything we do.
Marksmanship
Build accuracy, control and real-world confidence.
Assessment Prep
Structured preparation for competency assessment.
Real-World Focus
Practical training built around responsible firearm handling.
Module 2
Choose Your Business Application
Business Purposes
Complete Module 1 before progressing to Module 2.
Module 3
Range Officer
Shooting Assessment Course
Complete Modules 1 and 2 before progressing to Module 3.
All-Inclusive Training
What Your Training Fee Includes
Each listed training price includes the core training, assessment and range components needed to complete the training process.
Class Training
Instructor-led classroom training.
Learning Books
Training manuals and homework material.
Tests
Required formative and summative assessments.
Range Fees
Practical range session costs included.
Firearms & Ammunition
Training firearms and required ammunition included.
Results & SAPS Application Support
Training results and assistance with the SAPS competency application process.
No Hidden Training Extras
The listed course price includes the training components shown above.
Competency
Course Details
Training Focus
Additional Information
Book Your Training
Request your preferred training session and we’ll contact you to confirm your booking.
- 1Training
- 2Date & Time
- 3Your Details
- 4Review & Submit
TRAINING IN ACTION
ON THE RANGE
A closer look at practical firearm training, range sessions and the hands-on experience at D’S Firearms Training Academy.
New To Firearm Ownership?
Firearm Training Made Clear
Competency Vs Proficiency
New to firearm training and not sure where to start? We’ve answered some of the questions we receive most often about proficiency training, competency and the process of working towards lawful firearm ownership.
Proficiency training is completed through an accredited firearm training provider. It covers the required theoretical knowledge, firearm handling and practical assessment for the relevant unit standards.
Once the prescribed training has been successfully completed, the applicant receives the relevant training documentation and Statement of Results.
Competency is a separate process handled by the South African Police Service (SAPS). After completing the required training, the applicant applies to SAPS for a competency certificate.
Training providerProficiencySAPSCompetency
D’S Firearms Training Academy guides learners through the theoretical and practical training process required for the relevant firearm unit standards.
Formative AssessmentLearning and preparation using the prescribed training material.
Summative AssessmentAssessment of the knowledge gained during the training process.
Practical AssessmentPractical firearm handling and range assessment focused on safe, responsible and competent firearm use.
Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act, 2000 (Act No. 60 of 2000) forms the foundation of the firearm-training pathway.
Learners must demonstrate the prescribed knowledge of the Act in addition to completing the relevant firearm-handling and practical training.
This information is training guidance and should not be treated as independent legal advice.
D’S Firearms provides training relating to the core firearm disciplines offered through the academy, including Firearms Control Act Law, Handgun, Shotgun, Manually Operated Rifle and Self-Loading Rifle.
The Combo option brings the core competency pathway together in one training selection without changing the underlying course pricing or booking logic.
The formative stage is part of the learning and preparation process. Training material is used to build the learner’s understanding of the Firearms Control Act and the safe handling and use of the relevant firearm type or types.
The instructor guides the learner through the material and helps prepare them for the formal assessment stages.
The summative assessment tests the learner’s understanding of the material covered during training.
It is used to assess whether the required knowledge and understanding have been achieved before progressing through the remaining assessment process.
The practical assessment takes place in the training/range environment and evaluates the learner’s ability to handle and use the relevant firearm safely and responsibly.
The assessment includes practical firearm handling, safety and the skills required for the relevant unit standard.
Once the required training and assessments have been successfully completed, the accredited training process provides the documentation required for the next stage.
The applicant can then proceed with an application to SAPS for a competency certificate using the applicable SAPS 517 competency application process and supporting documentation.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) issues the competency certificate.
D’S Firearms Training Academy provides the accredited training and related training documentation required as part of the process.
SAPS currently states that firearm-licence applicants are generally 21 years or older and may be South African citizens or holders of permanent South African residence permits.
SAPS also provides for competency applications by persons under 21 where compelling reasons are submitted.
Because individual circumstances and regulatory requirements can vary, applicants should confirm current requirements with SAPS or their Designated Firearms Officer.
SAPS processing times vary and are outside D’S Firearms Training Academy’s control.
We recommend allowing sufficient time and following up through the appropriate SAPS channels regarding your application.
A competency certificate and a firearm licence are separate parts of the regulatory process.
After obtaining the relevant competency certificate, the applicant can proceed with the appropriate firearm-licence application process. A competency certificate by itself is not a licence to possess a specific firearm.
SAPS requires the applicable competency application form and supporting documentation.
Requirements can include identification/permanent-residence documentation, proof of firearm proficiency training, photographs, proof of residence and other supporting documentation requested for the application.
Because requirements may change or differ by circumstances, applicants should confirm the current documentation requirements with SAPS or their Designated Firearms Officer before submission.
Contact D’S Firearms Training Academy and tell us what you are trying to achieve.
We can help explain the available training options and point you towards the appropriate training pathway.
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