The most frequently asked question we at www.sagunlicenses.co.za get, is how long is my SAPS Competency valid for, my SAPS Competency has expired am I in trouble, or do I need to redo the whole training course?
So, let’s take a breather and try and break it down for you in simple terms that everyone can understand!
Here is the simple breakdown of how long your competency is valid for:
The “Shadow” Rule
In South Africa, your competency certificate lives and dies with your licence.
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- If you have a license for a handgun, your handgun competency stays valid for as long as that licence is valid.
- The moment your longest-lasting license in that category expires, your competency expires with it.
The 5 vs. 10 Year Split
The type of gun you own determines the clock:
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- Self-Defence (Section 13): Your competency is valid for 5 years.
- Sport or Hunting (Section 15 & 16): Your competency is valid for 10 years.
What if I don’t own a gun yet?
If you’ve done your training and got your competency but haven’t linked a gun to it yet, it is generally considered valid for 5 years.
My Competency has expired before my Firearm License has expired, what now?
Your SAPS Competency is issued first, so yes normally it would expire before your firearm license is due for the renewal. As stated in the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 your SAPS Competency is renewed with your renewal application for your Firearm License.
Do I have to redo the training course?
Your training certificates stays valid forever. Renewal is only about paperwork and background checks, not retraining.
I have lost my training certificates what do I do now??
Relax! If you’ve lost your original training certificates, don’t worry — SAPS will still process your renewal as long as you include an affidavit explaining the loss!
We hope this article has helped make the SAPS Competency process clearer and easier to understand for you.
If you still have questions or need more information, we are ready to assist you. We have also included some external links for you in this article relating to more detailed information on SAPS Competency Applications:
FAQ’s: Renewal of a firearm licence https://www.saps.gov.za/services/flash/firearms/faq_renewal.php
Flash:FAQ’s | SAPS (South African Police Service)
revised – facts on validity of competency and renewal thereof