About this programme
In South Africa, Regulation 21 refers to a mandatory annual compliance assessment for armed security officers governed by the Firearms Control Act. It ensures that personnel legally authorised to carry company firearms maintain tactical proficiency, legal awareness and operational readiness.
The annual Regulation 21 process consists of two primary requirements:
Theoretical Assessment: An open-book exam and briefing session testing knowledge of the Firearms Control Act, statutory regulations and the laws regarding the use of lethal force.
Practical Evaluation: A live-fire shooting qualification conducted on an accredited range, where officers must demonstrate safe weapon handling, accurate shot placement and malfunction clearing.
Industry Mandate: This training is mandated by industry watchdogs like PSIRA (Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority). Failure to complete this yearly assessment results in the immediate suspension of an officer’s right to carry a weapon and can lead to criminal liability for the security company.
Completion and recognition
Sure Focus
Sure Focus Shooting Range is a highly rated, all-in-one shooting facility. It offers indoor and outdoor rifle and handgun ranges, clay pigeon shooting, and training for firearm competency. It features on-site accommodation, a coffee shop and paintball.
PFTC
The South African Professional Firearm Trainers Council (PFTC) is a professional body and quality assurance organisation involved in the private firearms training industry in South Africa.
Any competency, certification or regulatory recognition must be confirmed against the specific approved programme.
Before you enrol
Before a security officer or employee can undergo the Regulation 21 annual refresher assessment, they must meet strict statutory prerequisites.
Mandatory Legal Prerequisites
- SAPS Competency Certificate: Valid, unexpired competency certificate for the specific firearm type, such as handgun, shotgun or rifle.
- Business Unit Standard: Successful completion of the "Use a Firearm in a Business Environment" unit standard, for example Unit Standard 123515 for handguns.
- Basic Unit Standard: Prior completion of the basic "Handle and Use" unit standard for private citizens.
- PSiRA Registration: Active, valid registration with the Private Security Industry Regulatory Authority.
- Employment Status: Direct employment by a company holding a valid Regulation 20 firearm licence for business use.
Course modules
Online Theoretical Refresher & Legal Briefing
- Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000: Review of key statutory obligations, licensing rules and company firearm storage policies.
- The Legalities of Lethal Force: A review of the legal parameters relating to private defence, necessity and Section 49 of the Criminal Procedure Act.
- Conflict Management & De-escalation: Practical strategies for diffusing volatile situations before resorting to the use of a firearm.
Theoretical Assessment
- The Regulation 21 Workbook: Completion of a formal theoretical assessment containing approximately 50 questions.
- Minimum Pass Mark: Candidates must achieve the required minimum score before proceeding to the practical range assessment.
Practical Range Safety & Fundamentals Review
- The 4 Cardinal Rules: Reinforcement of core firearm safety principles, including muzzle discipline and keeping the finger off the trigger until ready to fire.
- Weapon Handling & Drills: Practical review of loading, unloading, making safe and holster work.
- Malfunction Clears: Practical review of immediate action drills for safely responding to common firearm malfunctions.
Qualification Shoot (Course of Fire)
- Precision Shooting: Demonstrating accurate shooting from varying distances.
- Timed Magazine Changes: Demonstrating safe and efficient reloading under controlled time constraints.
- Position Transitions: Demonstrating safe firearm handling and shooting proficiency from different approved shooting positions.