Plain-English guide · Updated August 2026
117705 — Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act. This one is not optional and not specific to any firearm. It is the legal foundation everything else is built on, and every competency application rests on it.
After that, the rule is simple: one unit standard per type of firearm you want covered, in the version that matches how you will use it.
These are the unit standards for a firearm held for self-defence, sport or hunting:
119649 — Handgun. Pistols and revolvers.
119650 — Self-loading rifle.
119651 — Manual operated rifle. Bolt action, lever action, single shot.
119652 — Shotgun.
Own a pistol and a bolt-action hunting rifle? You need 117705, 119649 and 119651. Nothing more.
If the firearm is held because your work requires it, you need the business-purposes version instead:
123515 — Handgun.
123511 — Self-loading rifle.
123519 — Manual operated rifle.
123514 — Shotgun.
These are the unit standards Regulation 21 is assessed around, and they are not interchangeable with the private-use ones. A security officer cannot cover a duty firearm with a private-use unit standard.
123510 — Apply tactical knowledge in the use of firearms, with 123513 for tactical handgun, 123518 for tactical self-loading rifle and 123512 for tactical shotgun.
These are skills unit standards, not entry-level ones. They assume you are already competent and safe with the firearm before you arrive.
Doing one unit standard and assuming it covers everything. It does not. The unit standard is tied to the type of firearm, so a handgun course covers a handgun and nothing else. If you buy a shotgun two years later, you do the shotgun unit standard then.
The second mistake is doing the private-use version when the firearm is actually for work. Get that wrong and the paperwork has to be done again.
Call us and describe what you plan to own and why. It takes about two minutes to work out and it saves people from paying twice.
We do the training. The SAPS application is a separate job — these guides on our sister site cover it.
You do it once. It is the mandatory knowledge unit standard behind all firearm competency, and it does not need repeating for each new firearm type.
A manual-operated rifle needs you to work the action for every shot — a bolt action is the usual example. A self-loading rifle cycles itself. They are separate unit standards.
Yes, and most people do. It is normal to complete 117705 together with the unit standard for your firearm in the same booking.
Bookings are essential — call or WhatsApp 065 967 1535, or email info@capetownfirearmtraining.co.za, and we will confirm a date and tell you exactly what to bring.