Firearm Training

The PFTC fulfils a dual function within the firearms training industry; the role of Professional Body and that of a Quality Assurance partner of the QCTO.

The PFTC is a SAQA registered and recognised Professional Body for Firearm Training Professionals. With five registered Professional Designations with SAQA, as well as a number of internal Titles or Designations allocated by the PFTC to individuals. 

These Designations serve to recognise professionals within the industry and indicate where a particular professional is in their career path as a firearm training professional.

Designations also prescribe the level at which a professional is allowed to perform based on the knowledge and skill set of that individual. The different designations set the standard of the professionals within the industry.

The idea for the PFTC first came about when Brigadier. Jaco Bothma of the Central Firearm Registrar (at the time) identified the need for a body who could provide industry recognised subject matter experts (SME’s), and offer more comprehensive quality assurance within the firearms training industry than what was currently available through SASSETA and NRCS.

A discussion was held with Andre Pretorius, who had been instrumental in the development of the firearms industry for many years. Andre had served as Chairperson for eight years on the Firearms SGB and led task teams that developed the firearm training unit standards for the existing Firearm Training Qualification 50480. 

These unit standards were developed in line with the changes to the Firearms Control Act (FCA) 60/2000. The establishment of Professional Bodies was beginning to take place in South Africa at this time and Andre was invited by SAQA to attend the first SAQA “Professional Bodies” meeting.

It became clear at the “Professional Bodies” meeting and at meetings held between Brigadier Jaco Bothma, the SAQA CEO, Joe Samuels and later on with the Secretariat of Police, Jenny Irish-Qubosheane in a meeting Andre, that a very real need for a more effective quality assurer was needed for the firearms training industry.

It was in this last meeting that Andre sought confirmation from the Secretariat (due to the rather large financial and time commitments that came with developing such a structure) that next steps should be taken in establishing a Professional Body and Quality Assurer.