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South Africa Firearm Competency - Knowledge of the Firearms Control Act (US 117705) Exam

Practice Questions120 questions

Sample Handgun Competency Practice Questions

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1Which South African legislation primary regulates the licensing, possession, and use of firearms?

A.The Arms and Ammunition Act 75 of 1969

B.The Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000

C.The Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977

D.The National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996

Explanation: The Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 (FCA) is the current primary legislation regulating firearms in South Africa, having replaced the old Arms and Ammunition Act of 1969.

2Within what timeframe must the loss, theft, or destruction of a licensed firearm be reported to the nearest South African Police Service (SAPS) station?

A.Within 12 hours

B.Within 24 hours

C.Within 48 hours

D.Within 7 days

Explanation: Under Section 120 of the Firearms Control Act, any loss, theft, or destruction of a firearm must be reported to the police within 24 hours of discovery.

3What is the validity period of a license to possess a handgun for self-defence (Section 13) in South Africa?

A.2 years

B.5 years

C.10 years

D.Lifetime

Explanation: A firearm license issued under Section 13 (possession for self-defence) is valid for 5 years and must be renewed prior to its expiry.

4What is the validity period of a license to possess a handgun for occasional sport-shooting (Section 15)?

A.2 years

B.5 years

C.10 years

D.15 years

Explanation: Licenses issued under Section 15 (occasional hunting or occasional sport-shooting) are valid for 10 years.

5How many days before the expiry date of a firearm license must the holder apply for renewal at the SAPS?

A.At least 30 days before expiry

B.At least 60 days before expiry

C.At least 90 days before expiry

D.At least 180 days before expiry

Explanation: According to the Firearms Control Act, a renewal application must be submitted to the relevant Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) at least 90 days before the expiry date.

6What is the maximum quantity of ammunition that a standard license holder (non-dedicated status) may possess for each licensed firearm?

A.50 rounds

B.100 rounds

C.200 rounds

D.There is no limit

Explanation: Section 91 of the Firearms Control Act limits the possession of ammunition for standard license holders (Sections 13 and 15) to a maximum of 200 rounds per licensed firearm.

7Under what condition may a licensed handgun be carried in a public place?

A.It must be carried in a hand holster held openly in the hand

B.It must be carried in a holster or similar holder design for that purpose, and completely covered

C.It may only be carried in a locked briefcase or container

D.It must be carried in a visible tactical chest rig

Explanation: Section 84 of the FCA dictates that in a public place, a firearm must be carried in a holster or holder designed for that purpose, attached to the person, and completely covered.

8What is the South African standard (SANS) classification governing firearm safes and strongrooms?

A.SANS 9001

B.SANS 953

C.SANS 10142

D.SANS 14001

Explanation: The safe or strongroom must comply with the specifications set out in SANS 953-1 (safes) and SANS 953-2 (strongrooms) to be legally approved.

9A firearm safe weighing less than 300 kg must be secured in which of the following ways?

A.Placed in a secure, hidden wardrobe without bolting

B.Bolted to the floor or wall with heavy-duty anchor bolts

C.Permanently welded to a metal table

D.Weighed down with extra steel plates to exceed 300 kg

Explanation: Under the regulations of the Firearms Control Act, any safe weighing less than 300 kg must be securely bolted to a wall or floor (preferably both) with M10 expansion bolts or equivalent masonry anchors.

10If a license holder moves to a new residential address, within what period must they notify the Designated Firearms Officer (DFO) of the change?

A.Within 7 days

B.Within 14 days

C.Within 30 days

D.Within 90 days

Explanation: Section 25 of the Firearms Control Act requires license holders to notify the SAPS in writing of any change of physical address within 30 days of the move.

About the Handgun Competency Exam

This practice exam covers safe handling, law, and shooting fundamentals for the South African handgun firearm competency certificate (Unit Standard 119649).

Exam sponsor: South African Police Service (SAPS) / accredited providers. The requirements and fees below concern the certification or admission exam, separate from our free practice resources.

Assessment

100 multiple-choice questions

Time Limit

2 hours

Passing Score

70%

Exam / Certification Fees

R 500

Exam sponsor website

Reported exam pass rate: ~75%. estimated pass rate This describes exam candidates, not OpenExamPrep users or results from using our resources. Exam sponsor website

Fees, eligibility, and exam policies can change. Confirm them with the exam sponsor before applying or paying.

Official sources

Official SAPS Website

Our practice resources: topics covered

We aim to reflect publicly available exam outlines and topic information in our study resources. Coverage, format, and difficulty may differ from the actual exam, and we cannot guarantee that every detail is accurate or current. Confirm exam requirements, fees, and policies with the official exam sponsor.

20%

Handgun Laws & Regulations

Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 provisions for handgun licensing and ownership.

25%

Handgun Handling Safety

Safe loading, unloading, clearing, and range safety protocols.

15%

Handgun Mechanics & Maintenance

Handgun parts, cycle of operation, and cleaning procedures.

20%

Shooting Fundamentals

Stance, grip, sight alignment, trigger control, and follow-through.

20%

Use of Force & Self-Defense

South African common law on private defense and Section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

Preparing for the Handgun Competency Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: 70%
Assessment: 100 multiple-choice questions
Time limit: 2 hours
Exam / certification fees: R 500 Official sources

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the format of the Handgun Competency exam?

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering all five content domains.

What is the passing score for the Handgun Competency exam?

Candidates must score at least 70% to pass the exam.