Firearm License Pro SAFIREARM LICENSE PRO SA
← Back

Home › Blog › Proficiency or competency: which comes first?

Proficiency or competency: which comes first?

You passed the course and have a certificate. That is step one of three.

Firearm License Pro South Africa team. We prepare SAPS firearm licence, competency and renewal applications for owners across South Africa. Last updated 28 October 2026.

The order

  1. Training: an accredited training provider trains and assesses you and gives you proof of proficiency (a Statement of Results, proficiency certificate or SASSETA certificate).
  2. Competency: you apply to SAPS on the SAPS 517 with that proof. SAPS checks your background and, if it approves, issues the competency certificate.
  3. Licence: only then do you apply for a licence for one specific firearm, on the SAPS 271.

Why people get stuck

Many people think the course certificate lets them buy a firearm. It does not. It is the paper that goes into the competency application, and the competency is what lets you apply for a licence. Plan for two applications and two waits.

Let us prepare it for you

Firearm License Pro SA builds your complete SAPS-ready application from the details on your profile, the correct SAPS form, a motivation letter written for your section, and a checklist of the supporting documents you need for a competency application. You check it, print it, and hand it in.

Start your application See how it works

Read the full guide