SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Apply tactical knowledge in the use of firearms 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
123510  Apply tactical knowledge in the use of firearms 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Security 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Safety in Society 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard replaces: 
US ID Unit Standard Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Credits Replacement Status
10757  Use of firearms in tactical duty related situations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  22   

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This unit standard applies to learners who will need to use a firearm in a tactical environment for the purpose of private and public law enforcement or in the interest of personal development. Persons who need to use a firearm for tactical applications will contribute to the safety of themselves and society as a whole, when firearms are used in public areas.

A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Make tactical decisions to reduce risk of injury or harm to him/herself and the general public.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of firearms, ammunition and their application.
  • Arrest and search techniques are described and demonstrated within a structured environment.
  • Evaluate equipment and techniques for tactical use. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF level 02.

    It is further assumed that the following unit standards relating to the firearm have been completed before attempting this unit standard:

    For handgun: 117705, 119649 and 123515 or 10748

    For shotgun: 117705, 119652 and 123514 or 10754

    For rifle: 117705, 119650, 119651, 123519, or 10750 and 123511 or 10756

    This unit standard may be completed with a handgun only, following the learning assumed to be in place listed above, or any combination i.e. handgun and shotgun or handgun and rifle or rifle and shotgun or it may be completed with all three firearms. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Make tactical decisions to reduce risk of injury or harm to oneself and the general public. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Tactical decisions must include decisions while taking into account the following factors:
  • Safe direction while moving with a firearm.
  • Bullet trajectory.
  • Approaching vehicles, buildings and persons.
  • Tactical application of awareness strategy and mental preparation.
  • Body positions.
  • Cover and Concealment.
  • Barricade Shooting. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The ability to keep the firearm pointed in a safe direction while moving is demonstrated in different simulated environments. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Different simulated environments must include both in and out of vehicles and public places i.e. office buildings, shopping malls and crowded areas.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Tactical options are explained in respect of body positions and bullet trajectory. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tactical options refer to:
  • Choice of body position.
  • Point of aim.
  • Bullets trajectory.
  • Public safety.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Tactical options are demonstrated when approaching vehicles, buildings and people within a simulated environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Approaching is limited to the approach towards dangerous or suspicious situations.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Awareness strategies for everyday life situations are explained in the context of limiting the effects of stress on the body. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Awareness strategies must include at least one of the following:
  • A color code system.
  • Observation, Orientation, Decision and Action (OODA Loop).
  • "Condition of readiness" strategy to limit the affects of surprise and adrenaline on the body.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Body positions are demonstrated in relation to objects which can be used for cover. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Body positions must include at least 2 standing positions with different applications, 2 kneeling positions with different applications, one forward facing prone position and the supine position.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Tactics used in barricade shooting are demonstrated in order to reduce risk of being struck by incoming fire. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Tactics must include:
  • Type of barricade.
  • Choice of body position.
  • Distance to barricade.
  • Left and right side options of barricade shooting.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate knowledge of firearms, ammunition and their application. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Knowledge refers to:
  • Caliber, bullet weights and velocities.
  • Penetration capabilities.
  • Bullet types.
  • Primer types.
  • Advantages of handgun, shotgun and rifle. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Calibers are described in terms of bullet weight and velocity. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Calibers must include but are not limited to:
  • Handgun: 22 LR, 9mm Short, 38 Special, 9mm Parabellum, 45 ACP.
  • Shotgun: (12 Gauge), Birdshot, Buckshot and Rifled Slug.
  • Rifle: 5.56/223, 762/308.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Elementary ballistics is explained in the context of the application of different calibers. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Elementary ballistics refers to:
  • Principles of penetration.
  • Distance the projectile is capable of traveling.
  • Trajectory and pattern spread of the shotgun ammunition.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Centre fire to rim fire and Boxer to Berdan are compared in the context of primer types. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Bullet types are described in terms of their functions and intended applications. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Bullet types must include but are not limited to:
  • Solids.
  • Expanding bullets.
  • Frangible bullets.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Types of firearms are identified and described in terms of their advantages and disadvantages within certain contexts and according to their various uses. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Advantages must refer to:
  • Pistol over revolver.
  • Revolver over pistol.
  • Shotgun over handgun and rifle.
  • Rifle over shotgun and handgun.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Arrest and search techniques are described and applied within a structured environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Principles of arrest and search techniques refer to but are not limited to:
  • Arresting a dangerous suspect.
  • Searching premises.
  • Searching people.
  • Verbal control.
  • Tactical movement.
  • Communication with hand signals.
  • Generic use of flashlight.
  • Room entry.
  • Moving around a potentially dangerous corner. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A technique to arrest an armed suspect is selected and demonstrated in accordance with current legal requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Technique must include but is not limited to:
  • Restraining the armed suspect. (The intention of this assessment criterion is not to assess disarming techniques and self defence, but rather to assess the learner's use of cover, safe distance and verbal control ending up with a disarmed and handcuffed suspect).
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Principles of searching premises are applied in respect of stairwells, inside buildings and outdoors. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Principles of searching a suspect are applied in accordance with current legal requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Searching a person must include checking for firearms or other dangerous weapons.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The use of a flashlight is demonstrated while searching for suspects in both low light and total darkness. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Procedures for room entries and moving around potentially dangerous corners are demonstrated in order to minimize threat or injury. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The use of basic hand signals is demonstrated in order to maintain communication with members of a team during stealth movement. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Basic hand signals must include:
  • Come to me.
  • Move back.
  • Move forward.
  • Move left.
  • Move right.
  • Cover me.
  • Observe this area.
  • Stop.
  • Listen.
  • I can see a gun.
  • I can see part of a person.
  • Abort.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Evaluate equipment and techniques for tactical use. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Equipment and techniques must include:
  • Field strip and assembly.
  • Fundamentals of tactical shooting.
  • Body Armour. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Fundamentals of tactical shooting are demonstrated within a structured environment. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Fundamentals must include:
  • An applicable grip.
  • Stance and method of aiming when taking into account the effects of adrenaline.
  • The need for good balance and fast movement.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Firearm equipment is described in terms of their characteristics in order to determine whether they are fit for tactical use. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Equipment must include, but is not limited to the firearm in respect of:
  • Caliber.
  • Ammunition capacity.
  • Firearms ability to be maintained in the field.
  • Holster/sling and its ability to provide for adequate speed, retention and accessibility.
  • The manner in which spare ammunition is carried.
     
    		•


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following areas of knowledge are embedded within the unit standard:
  • Firearm safe under adverse conditions.
  • Firearm and ammunition application.
  • The ability to make tactical decisions.
  • Decision making skills in applying safe tactical options. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Related to tactical options for using the firearm and dealing with tactical problems. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively as a member of a team in respect of team dynamics in a tactical environment. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively:
  • The handling and use of a firearm requires self-organisation and management. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Related to the use of firearms as a technology. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of inter-related parts of a system:
  • Related to tactical choices and how those choices will have an impact on oneself, the general public and the suspect. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    Any assessor assessing against this unit standard, must be registered as a subject matter expert at the relevant ETQA in respect of firearm training. Due to the nature of the activity it is essential that all assessors prove that they are capable of successfully completing the practical components of this unit standard, before being registered as assessors. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    This unit standard replaces unit standard 10757, "Use of firearms in tactical duty related situations", Level 5, 22 credits. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50480   Further Education and Training Certificate: Firearm Training  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAPFTC 
    Core  58696   National Certificate: Close Protection  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  58577   National Certificate: General Security Practices  Level 3  NQF Level 03  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
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    2. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD CAPE TOWN 
    3. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD PINE TOWN 
    4. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD PORT ELIZABETH 
    5. ADT SECURITY SERVICES PTY LTD PRETORIA NORTH 
    6. AIM TRAINING ACADEMY 
    7. DWANDZANI PROJECTS CC 
    8. EKHURHULENI SHOOTING AND TRAINING ACADEMY 
    9. FALCON FIREARM ACADEMY 
    10. FIDELITY SECURITY CORPORATE SERVICES CAPE TOWN 
    11. Fidelity Security Services 
    12. FIDELITY SECURITY SERVICES DURBAN 
    13. Hadassah Security Consultants Cc 
    14. Inkwe Sekuriteit Bk 
    15. IPELENG RISK MANAGEMENT SERVICES PTY LTD 
    16. Lesedi Security And Training Servic Es 
    17. MAGNUM SHOOTING ACADEMY 
    18. PROTEA COIN GROUP (ASSETS IN TRANSIT AND ARMED REACTION) 
    19. RONIN PROTECTION SERVICES 
    20. SAAF PROTECTION SERVICE TRAINING WING 
    21. SBV SERVICES BLOEMFONTEIN 
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    23. SBV SERVICES EAST LONDON 
    24. SBV SERVICES MIDRAND 
    25. SBV SERVICES RICHARDSBAY 
    26. SILVER SOLUTIONS SECURITY 1713 CC 
    27. SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK 
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    29. TSU PROTECTION SERVICES 
    30. TSU Training Solutions Centurion 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.