Before you can get a firearm license in South Africa you need a competency certificate, and part of the training is a knowledge test on the Firearms Control Act and safe handling. Here are some practice questions with answers. The LicenseWatch app has 34 questions, a question of the day and 10-question practice tests that show your score.
Practice questions
1. What is the minimum age to apply for a competency certificate and a firearm license in South Africa?
Answer: 21. The Firearms Control Act generally requires you to be 21 or older. There are limited exceptions, for example for some dedicated hunters and sport shooters and certain businesses.
2. Which law controls firearm ownership in South Africa?
Answer: The Firearms Control Act, 60 of 2000. The Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 replaced the old Arms and Ammunition Act. Its regulations set out the forms, fees and storage rules.
3. What do you need before SAPS will issue a license for a type of firearm?
Answer: A competency certificate for that type of firearm. You need a competency certificate for each type (for example handgun, rifle or shotgun) before you can be licensed for a firearm of that type.
4. For how long is a Section 13 self-defence license valid?
Answer: 5 years. Self-defence licenses (Section 13) are valid for 5 years. Occasional and dedicated hunting and sport shooting licenses are valid for 10 years.
5. For how long is a Section 15 occasional hunting or sport shooting license valid?
Answer: 10 years. Section 15 licenses are valid for 10 years, the same as Section 16 dedicated licenses.
6. How many firearms may you license for self-defence under Section 13?
Answer: One. You may hold only one Section 13 self-defence license at a time.
7. What is the maximum number of firearms you may license under Section 15 (occasional hunting and sport shooting)?
Answer: Four. You may hold up to four Section 15 licenses. Dedicated hunters and sport shooters (Section 16) are not held to this number.
8. How much ammunition may an ordinary license holder have for each licensed firearm?
Answer: 200 cartridges. Unless you're a dedicated hunter or sport shooter (or have other permission), you may have no more than 200 cartridges for each firearm you're licensed for.
9. May you possess ammunition for a firearm you're not licensed for?
Answer: No, only for firearms you hold a license for. You may only possess ammunition for a firearm you're licensed to possess (or under another permit or exemption in the Act).
10. When must you hand in the renewal application for your license?
Answer: At least 90 days before it expires. The Act requires renewal applications at least 90 days before the license expires. LicenseWatch shows this renew-by date for every firearm.
11. Your firearm is lost or stolen. Within what time must you report it to SAPS?
Answer: 24 hours. You must report a lost or stolen firearm to SAPS within 24 hours after you notice it's gone. Failing to do so is an offence.
12. Which standard must a firearm safe meet?
Answer: SABS 953-1. Firearm safes must meet the SABS 953-1 standard and should be bolted to the wall or floor.
Practise more in the app
Take timed 10-question tests, see what you got wrong and why, and build a daily streak with the question of the day. Free.
After you pass
Hand in your competency application (SAPS 517) at your police station, then track your competency status until it's approved.
Frequently asked questions
What is on the firearm competency test in South Africa?
The knowledge part covers the Firearms Control Act (licenses, ammunition limits, safe storage, carrying in public, offences) and safe handling. There is also a practical shooting assessment with an accredited training provider.
How many firearms can I own for self-defence?
One Section 13 self-defence license. Occasional hunting and sport shooting (Section 15) allows up to four.
Is the practice test free?
Yes. The practice questions, practice tests and question of the day are free in LicenseWatch.