SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Use of a handgun 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
10748  Use of a handgun 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Security 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2005-11-01  2008-11-01  SAQA 0160/05 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2009-11-01   2012-11-01  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard is replaced by: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
119649  Handle and use a handgun  Level 3  NQF Level 03  2   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard is for relevant persons to competently carry, handle, shoot and maintain a handgun through the application of knowledge of the relevant legislation and skills in the safe and responsible handling of a handgun.

This unit standard includes the requirements to gain the appropriate licence for the possession and/or carrying of handguns both private and for business purposes.

Benefit for society of this unit standard is that the person who completes this will contribute to safety in society.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Understand the relevant legislation required for the lawful possession and use of a handgun
  • Handle a handgun safely
  • Operate, use and maintain a handgun
  • Shoot a handgun competently. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The following knowledge, skills, attitude and/or equivalent:
  • A knowledge, comprehension and application of language at NQF 03. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard applies to persons competently carrying, handling, shooting and maintaining a handgun. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation required. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Apply knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation required for the lawful possession and use of a handgun. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The types of relevant legislation should include:
  • Applicable sections of the Firearms Control Act 60/2000.
  • Applicable section of the Criminal Procedures Act, 1977.
  • Applicable section of the Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993.
  • Applicable sections of the Dangerous Weapons Act.
  • Applicable sections of the SIRA Act 56/2001.
  • Applicable sections of specific Acts relevant to unique job/workplace environments
  • Private defence
  • Moral & humanitarian considerations (proportionality)
  • Continuum of force
  • Vicarious liability
  • Civil liability

    Handgun should include:
  • Semi automatic pistol and revolver 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The application of knowledge and understanding on the possession of a handgun is demonstrated in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The application of knowledge and understanding on the use of a handgun is demonstrated in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The requirements for possession of a handgun is demonstrated in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. The requirements for the use of a handgun is demonstrated in accordance with relevant legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Handgun and ammunition is kept according to operational procedures and legal requirements for safekeeping of firearms and ammunition. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Handle handguns safely. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Standard safe handling procedures should include:
  • Safe handling rules & Safety procedures/drills.
  • Loading & unloading
  • Handgun retention

    Appropriate operational, specific tactical manner and in holsters should include:
  • Types of holsters.
  • Company policy/operational procedures
  • Handgun conditions of readiness
  • Handgun holster use
  • Handgun carry methods 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Demonstrate and apply knowledge of safe handling of handguns in accordance with standard safe handling procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Safety of self and others ensured by handling and/or carrying handguns in appropriate operational, handgun specific tactical manner and in holsters that comply with legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Safety of self and others ensured through proper retention of handgun in accordance with standard safe handling procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Ammunition carried is appropriate to handgun being handled and manufacturers specifications. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Operate, use and maintain handguns. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Operated safely must include:

  • Range safety
  • Personal safety
  • Public safety

    Threat identification & analysis must include:

  • Conditions of readiness
  • Mental conditions
  • Mindset
  • Immediate surroundings
  • Alertness
  • Stress awareness
  • Pre-emption & pre-visualisation

    Manufacturers guidelines/operational procedures must include:
  • Specific handgun (manufacturers) operating manual
  • Names, parts & function of handgun
  • Basic internal, external and terminal ballistics
  • Components and functioning of handgun ammunition
  • Disassembling and assembling of handgun
  • Charge & emptying of magazine/cylinder
  • Loading & unloading (range & operational)

    Maintenance must include:
  • Cleaning of handgun
  • Cleaning equipment
  • Care of handgun
  • Care of ammunition

    Visible faults must include:
  • Fail to feed
  • Fail to chamber
  • Fail to fire
  • Fail to extract
  • Fail to eject
  • Fail to cycle 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Handguns operated and used safely according to manufacturers guidelines, operational procedures and prevailing legislation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Handgun used with specific attention to threat identification & analysis. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Safety of handgun and/or ammunition ensured by checking the handgun, ammunition and equipment on receipt and return to ensure they are in a safe and serviceable condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Demonstrate and apply maintenance procedures according to manufacturers specifications and safety procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    5. Visible faults identified and action taken according to operational procedures and prevailing legal requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    6. Handgun and ammunition received, kept and issued in a clean and serviceable condition. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    7. Handguns and ammunition not in use transported & stored in a manner as required by prevailing legislation and employer requirements. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Shoot handgun competently. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Malfunctions and immediate action drills must include:
  • Firearm misfires
  • Abuse
  • Mechanical malfunction
  • User malfunction
  • Clearing of malfunction (range & operational)

    Accurately must include:
  • Accurate up to a minimum of 10 meters distance using all stances and light conditions.

    Shooting range procedures must include:

  • Range rules & safety
  • Range commands
  • Safety equipment

    Handgun fired competently must include:
  • Shooting fundamentals
  • Fault analysis
  • Low light shooting
  • Cover (barricades) & concealment 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Handgun fired competently and accurately in accordance with current legal, operational and shooting range procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. Handgun fired competently and accurately during low light situations, in accordance with current legal, operational and shooting range procedures. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Handgun fired competently and accurately in accordance with current legal, operational and shooting range procedures whilst making use of a barricade/cover. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Malfunction and immediate action drills identified and corrected in accordance with standard safety procedures and in line with operational conditions. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the POSLEC SETA ETQA/and any other body with whom a MOU was entered into.
    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the POSLEC SETA ETQA by SAQA/and any other body with whom a MOU was entered into.
    3. The POSLEC SETA ETQA/and any other body with whom a MOU was entered into will oversee assessment and moderation of assessment according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant competency and the POSLEC SETA ETQA/ and any other body with whom a MOU was entered into. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    Refer to the Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria and the Range of variables contained in this unit standard and specifically to:
  • A comprehensive understanding of the relevant legislation, licensing requirements and procedures and practices.
  • A comprehensive understanding of discretion in the use of firearms
  • A comprehensive understanding of the operation & mechanics of handguns
  • A broad understanding of ammunition and ballistics
  • A broad understanding of shooting range procedures
  • A comprehensive understanding of Guidelines for the safe use and handling of handguns
  • A comprehensive understanding of Fundamentals of shooting a handgun. 
    		•


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems related to the achievement of relevant legislative competencies. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and one's activities so that all requirements are met in achieving competence in lawfully possessing and using a handgun. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information related to the relevant legislation so that these are accurately interpreted into application performance standards. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems in that legislative requirements are interrelated with the overall safe and lawful possession and use of a handgun. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

    SPECIFIED REQUIREMENTS:

    Specified requirements include legal and legislative specific requirements and are:

    LEGAL
  • Applicable sections of the Firearms Control Act 60/2000.
  • Applicable section of the Criminal Procedures Act, 1977.
  • Applicable section of the Regulation of Gatherings Act, 1993.
  • Applicable sections of the Dangerous Weapons Act.
  • Applicable sections of the SIRA Act 56/2001.
  • Applicable sections of specific Acts relevant to unique job/workplace environments
  • Private defence
  • Moral & humanitarian considerations (proportionality)
  • Constitution
  • Continuum of force
  • Vicarious liability
  • Civil liability

    CONTEXT SPECIFIC
  • Training provider user manuals
  • Specifications, company operational agreements and policies and procedures

    Resources required for Assessment
  • Relevant shooting range.
  • Shooting exercise order.
  • Tools, equipment and materials for range set up.
  • Drill rounds and replica firearms
  • Relevant handguns, magazines/speed loaders and ammunition.
  • Holsters and magazine/speed loader pouches.
  • Firearm cleaning equipment
  • Safety equipment and protective uniform/clothes
  • Communications equipment.
  • Necessary administrative and stationary issue.
  • First aid/fire fighting equipment.
  • Criterion referenced assessment instructions/tools.
  • Relevant shooting range standing orders.
  • A suitable venue: either in the workplace or classroom.


    SPECIAL NOTES WITH REFERENCE TO LEARNING HOURS REQUIRED WHEN LEARNING TOWARDS A COMBINATION OF UNIT STANDARDS:

    Should a learner attempt the unit standard: Use of a handgun in combination with the three other unit standards namely, use of a shotgun/hand machine carbine/rifle the total hours required by the learner to achieve the required outcomes of all four standards (in combination) would be: 190 hours. The rational for shortening the total learning hours by more than half is that similar knowledge and skills are present in some of the specific outcomes and assessment criteria.

    Such similarities is evident in outcomes such as the application of knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation required for the lawful possession and use of a shotgun/handgun/hand machine carbine/rifle and in the assessment criteria: demonstrate and apply knowledge of safe handling of a shotgun/handgun/hand machine carbine/rifle in accordance with standard safe handling procedures of specific outcome: handle handguns safely.

    Finally, the learning hours required, combination should be as follows:

    Learning towards first unit standard: 100 notional training hours.
    Additional learning towards any one of the three remaining unit standards: 30 notional training hours.

    Example:

    First unit:
    Unit Standard No. 10748: Use of a handgun. 100 notional training hours.

    Combined with:
    Unit Standard No. 10754: Use of a shotgun. 30 notional training hours and/or;
    Unit Standard No. 10756: Use of a hand machine carbine. 30 notional training hours and/or;
    Unit Standard No. 10750: Use of a rifle. 30 notional training hours.

    When standards are attempted as a combination total notional training hours required for all four standards should be 190 notional training hours.

    This unit standard has been replaced by unit standard 119649, which is "Handle and use a handgun", Level 3, 2 credits. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  21854   Further Education and Training Certificate: Use of Firearms  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2008-11-01  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  48879   National Diploma: South African Special Forces Operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2010-04-07  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  22490   National Certificate: General Security Practices  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2007-11-28  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Elective  50285   National Certificate: Professional Driving  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  13716   National Certificate: Professional Driving  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2006-06-29  TETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD 
    2. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD PORT ELIZABETH 
    3. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD PRETORIA NORTH 
    4. Afri Guard(pty)ltd 
    5. AIM TRAINING ACADEMY 
    6. Algoa Bus Company 
    7. Andebe Group 
    8. BLACKEN SECURITY SERVICES 
    9. BTC TRAINING AFRICA PTY LTD 
    10. Buscor 
    11. CHAMDOR DRIVER TRAINING CC 
    12. Department Of Justice (head Office) 
    13. Dionysus Skills Development Initiative (Pty) Ltd 
    14. Diversity technology Training Institute 
    15. DWANDZANI PROJECTS CC 
    16. EKHURHULENI SHOOTING AND TRAINING ACADEMY 
    17. FALCON FIREARM ACADEMY 
    18. Fidelity Security Services 
    19. GEROTEK TEST FACILITIES 
    20. Hadassah Security Consultants Cc 
    21. He and She Driver Training Centre 
    22. HJN TRAINING CC 
    23. IMVULA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY 
    24. INGELOSI TRADING 192 CC 
    25. Inkqubela Consultants 
    26. Inkwe Sekuriteit Bk 
    27. INSIMBI SECURITY TRAINING CENTRE 
    28. ITO FOCUS PHOLE 
    29. KWAZULU NATAL TRAFFIC TRAINING COLLEGE 
    30. Learncorp 
    31. MAGNUM SHOOTING ACADEMY 
    32. Makwedeng Training 
    33. MANGAUNG TRAFFIC COLLEGE 
    34. MEC TRAINING (PTY) LTD 
    35. NORTHERN PROVINCE TRAINING ACADEMY 
    36. NOSA LOGISTICS PTY LTD 
    37. NTATE AVIATION AND SECURITY TRAINING 
    38. NU LAW FIREARMS COMPLIANCE 
    39. Pal Passenger Bus Services 
    40. Phephani Learnerships cc 
    41. PPLE Group Pty Ltd 
    42. PUTCO Limited 
    43. PUTCO Pty Ltd 
    44. RAMAZWI SECURITY SERVICES CC 
    45. RONIN PROTECTION SERVICES 
    46. Safe and Eco Driving Pty Ltd 
    47. SBV SERVICES CAPE TOWN 
    48. SBV SERVICES MIDRAND 
    49. SILVER SOLUTIONS SECURITY 1713 CC 
    50. Sobabini Group Pty Ltd 
    51. SOUTH AFRICAN DEFENCE INTELLIGENCE COLLEGE 
    52. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK 
    53. SPINA Consultancy cc Cape Town 
    54. Staff Management Services 
    55. Test NN 
    56. TINTSWALO SECURITY SERVICES 
    57. TZANEEN TRAINING CENTRE LIMPOPO 
    58. UBUNTU 
    59. VITAL SKILLS CC 
    60. ZEVOLI 9 PTY LTD 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.