Any person that intends to apply for a firearm licence must be in possession of a valid competency certificate for the specific category of firearm(s) that he/she intends to own.
Never applied for competency – you must complete competency training at an accredited institution and then apply from SAPS for a competency certificate.
Competency certificate available, but wants to apply for a firearm licence in a different category – you must apply for further competency to possess that firearm.
If your competency certificate expired – you have to re-apply at SAPS, attaching proof of your completed competency.
SA Hunters provides competency training
Period of Validity
Self-defense handgun – 5 years (Section 13)
Occasional hunting and/or sports-shooting – 10 years (Section 15)
Dedicated hunting and/or sports-shooting – 10 years (Section 16)
Professional hunting 10 years (Section 16A)
Business as a game rancher or in hunting – 10 years (Section 20)
Business other than game ranching or in hunting – 5 years (Section 20)
Possession of a Muzzle loader – 10 years (Black Powder Competency)
