All You Need to Know About Getting Your Competency Certificate for Business Purposes
In a time when South African citizens and businesses increasingly require greater security, the importance of professional firearm training can’t be overstated. At the False Bay Firearm Training Academy, our Firearm Competency and Business Proficiency training remains a cornerstone offering for industry professionals.
This advanced firearm program equips participants with the essential knowledge and skills necessary to handle firearms responsibly in a business context. Whether you work in security, logistics, or any business sector that necessitates firearm proficiency, this course is your gateway to legally pursuing a career where firearms are involved.
Who Is the Business Competency Course Designed For?
The Business Competency Course is specifically tailored for South African residents who plan to handle, transport, or use a firearm in a business environment. This typically includes security personnel, specialised transport operators, firearm trainers, cash-in-transit teams, field guiding, nature conservation, and firearm dealers.
Unlike recreational or self-defence training, this course focuses on the practical application of firearms within a professional framework. No prior business experience with firearms is necessary; however, you need to complete the legal standards assessment (unit standard 117705) as well as the applicable Private use unit standard beforehand.
By completing the proficiency training for Business purposes, you not only fulfil a legal obligation regarding the use and handling of firearms, but also enhance your professional credentials, opening doors to career opportunities in firearm-related fields.
What Does the Course Entail?
The Business Competency / Proficiency Course combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical training, culminating in a series of qualification shoots to verify your skills. The course aligns with the unit standards set by the South African Police Service (SAPS) and the Professional Firearm Trainers Council (PFTC), ensuring that your qualification is legally and internationally recognised.
It begins with foundational theoretical components, including comprehensive study materials on firearm handling procedures, component identification, and the safe use of various weapon platforms, such as handguns, shotguns, bolt-action rifles, and self-loading or semi-automatic rifles.
Participants receive these materials upon enrolment and complete an open-book assessment at their convenience, allowing flexibility for busy professionals. This is followed by a closed-book theoretical examination to evaluate knowledge and understanding.
Finally, a series of practical qualification shoots must be completed to assess marksmanship under simulated business conditions. These shoots cover essential skills, including Safe Weapon Handling and Loading/Unloading, demonstrating proficiency in basic manipulation of handguns, rifles, and shotguns.
These qualification shoots are conducted at our facilities in Glencairn, Cape Town, under the guidance of accredited instructors. Each participant must achieve a minimum passing score—typically 80% accuracy across multiple strings of fire—to earn certification.
Our instructors prioritise safety above all, providing one-on-one coaching to address individual needs. This personalised approach ensures that even those new to shooting leave the range not only competent but also confident.
How Long Does Competency Take?
One of the key advantages of the Business Competency Course is its design to accommodate the demands of working professionals without unnecessary delays. The total timeline typically spans 1 to 3 weeks from enrolment to certification, broken down as follows:
Theoretical Phase (1-2 Weeks): Upon registration, you’ll receive printed study materials. The open-book assessment can be completed at home during this period, followed by scheduling your closed-book exam at the academy, which takes roughly 2 hours. However, before completing the closed-book examination, we go through any questions or queries to ensure you are ready for the test.
Practical Phase (1-2 Days): The qualification shoots are completed over one or two days. Full-day sessions cover all required drills, dummy guns and simulations, as well as live-fire exercises and qualification shoots. There are half-day options if your availability is limited. If you’d like to know what the practical shoots entail beforehand, you can contact us at the details below.
Factors such as your own skill level, group size, weather, or personal schedules may influence exact durations. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your proficiency certificate within a day or two, ready for submission to your employer and/or SAPS.
Note: Business purposes proficiency training is undertaken after your basic proficiency training. If you need this certification for work in the security industry or gaming, you only need to apply to SAPS for basic competency and submit your business purposes certificate to your employer. From a legal standpoint, the business purposes competency applies only to firearms and ammunition dealers.
WHAT DOES THE BUSINESS COMPETENCY COURSE COST?
You can browse a wide range of firearm training courses and prices here.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Contact us today at book@fbsst.co.za or via WhatsApp 064 286 0173 or visit our website to book your spot. Spaces fill quickly—secure your competence and your future success.
