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Firearms Control Act Knowledge study materials
Firearms Control Act Knowledge study resources

Firearms Control Act Knowledge practice questions

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Question 1Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Which Act is the Firearms Control Act?

  1. Act 60 of 2000 Correct answer.
  2. Act 60 of 1996
  3. Act 75 of 1969
  4. Act 15 of 2004

Explanation

The Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 replaced the Arms and Ammunition Act 75 of 1969 and regulates firearm possession, licensing and control in South Africa.

Question 2Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

On what date did the Firearms Control Act 60 of 2000 commence?

  1. 1 July 2004 Correct answer.
  2. 1 January 2000
  3. 1 July 2000
  4. 1 April 2003

Explanation

The Act was assented to in 2000 but commenced on 1 July 2004, when its licensing and registration provisions took effect.

Question 3Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Who is the Registrar of Firearms in terms of the Act?

  1. The National Commissioner of the SAPS Correct answer.
  2. The Chairperson of the Firearms Appeal Board
  3. The Director of Public Prosecutions
  4. The Minister of Police

Explanation

The Act defines the Registrar as the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service, who may designate a person to perform the Registrar's functions.

Question 4Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Where does the Act require firearm licences and registrations to be recorded centrally?

  1. At the Department of Home Affairs
  2. In the Central Firearms Register Correct answer.
  3. At the National Prosecuting Authority
  4. At the Firearms Appeal Board

Explanation

The Central Firearms Register, maintained under the Act, is the national record of licensed firearms, licence holders and related matters.

Question 5Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

What is the general minimum age for a person to apply for a licence to possess a firearm for self-defence under section 13?

  1. 21 years Correct answer.
  2. 18 years
  3. 16 years
  4. 25 years

Explanation

Section 13 sets 21 years as the general minimum age for a self-defence licence, although younger persons may qualify in limited circumstances such as dedicated status.

Question 6Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

What is the minimum age for a person to apply for a licence for occasional hunting and sports shooting under section 15?

  1. 21 years
  2. 20 years
  3. 18 years Correct answer.
  4. 16 years

Explanation

Section 15 requires an applicant to be at least 18 years old, which is lower than the general age for self-defence licences.

Question 7Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Under the Act, which firearm is classified as a 'handgun'?

  1. A fully automatic firearm
  2. A shotgun with a barrel shorter than 300 mm
  3. A pistol or revolver Correct answer.
  4. A semi-automatic rifle

Explanation

The Act defines a handgun as a pistol or revolver, distinguishing it from long guns such as rifles and shotguns.

Question 8Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

What must a person hold before they may possess a firearm in terms of the Act?

  1. A collector's card
  2. A permit to purchase ammunition
  3. A hunter's licence
  4. A competency certificate Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 9 prohibits possession of a firearm unless the person holds a competency certificate, in addition to any required licence or permit.

Question 9Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

How many firearms may a person license for self-defence under section 13?

  1. Four
  2. Unlimited
  3. Two
  4. One Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 13 permits only one self-defence licence per person, and the firearm may be a handgun or shotgun but not a restricted firearm.

Question 10Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

What is the maximum number of firearms a person may hold under section 15 for occasional hunting and sports shooting?

  1. Four Correct answer.
  2. Two
  3. Six
  4. Unlimited

Explanation

Section 15 caps occasional hunting and sports shooting licences at four firearms; a person who needs more must qualify for dedicated status under section 16.

Question 11Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

What is the key requirement for a licence under section 16 for dedicated hunting or dedicated sports shooting?

  1. A letter from the local police station
  2. Accredited association membership and dedicated status Correct answer.
  3. Ownership of a registered shooting range
  4. Ten years of documented hunting experience in South Africa

Explanation

Section 16 requires the applicant to be a dedicated hunter or dedicated sports shooter, which is demonstrated through membership of an accredited association and its dedicated status requirements.

Question 12Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Which licence category allows a person to possess a restricted firearm such as a semi-automatic rifle for sport?

  1. Section 21 specific purpose for a film shoot
  2. Section 13 self-defence for a handgun
  3. Section 16 dedicated Correct answer.
  4. Section 15 occasional hunting and sports shooting

Explanation

Restricted firearms, including semi-automatic rifles, may be licensed for dedicated sports shooting under section 16, subject to additional conditions.

Question 13Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

A person who needs a firearm for professional hunting should apply for a licence under which section?

  1. Section 17 Correct answer.
  2. Section 15
  3. Section 13
  4. Section 20

Explanation

Section 17 provides for a licence to possess a firearm for professional hunting, a separate category from occasional or dedicated hunting.

Question 14Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Which section governs a licence to possess firearms in a private collection?

  1. Section 19
  2. Section 18 Correct answer.
  3. Section 20
  4. Section 16

Explanation

Section 18 deals with private collections, while section 19 deals with public collections such as museums.

Question 15Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

A museum wants to hold firearms in a public collection. Under which section should it apply?

  1. Section 19 Correct answer.
  2. Section 18
  3. Section 20
  4. Section 21

Explanation

Section 19 provides for licences to possess firearms in a public collection, which covers museums and similar institutions.

Question 16Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

A security company needs firearms for its business. Which licence category applies?

  1. Section 13 self-defence
  2. Section 16 dedicated sports shooting
  3. Section 20 business purposes Correct answer.
  4. Section 21 specific purpose

Explanation

Section 20 allows a juristic person to hold a licence for firearms used for business purposes, such as a security company, subject to conditions.

Question 17Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

A film production company needs a firearm temporarily for a film shoot. Which licence category is designed for a specific purpose?

  1. Section 21 Correct answer.
  2. Section 18
  3. Section 13
  4. Section 20

Explanation

Section 21 provides for a licence to possess a firearm for a specific purpose, such as a film production or a sporting event, subject to conditions.

Question 18Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

For what period is a licence issued under section 16 for dedicated hunting or sports shooting valid?

  1. Five years
  2. Indefinitely
  3. Ten years Correct answer.
  4. Two years

Explanation

A section 16 licence is valid for ten years, while most other firearm licences under the Act are valid for five years.

Question 19Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

How long before a firearm licence expires must the renewal application be lodged?

  1. At least 90 days Correct answer.
  2. At least 30 days
  3. On the expiry date
  4. At least six months

Explanation

The Act requires a renewal application to be lodged at least 90 days before the licence expires, allowing the Registrar time to process it.

Question 20Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

How long is a competency certificate generally valid under the Act?

  1. Five years Correct answer.
  2. Two years
  3. One year
  4. Ten years

Explanation

A competency certificate is generally valid for five years from the date of issue, after which it must be renewed.

Question 21Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Which of the following is a 'prohibited firearm' under the Act?

  1. A bolt-action hunting rifle with a wooden stock
  2. A revolver chambered for .38 Special
  3. A fully automatic firearm Correct answer.
  4. A double-barrel shotgun used for bird hunting

Explanation

Section 4 prohibits firearms capable of firing more than one bullet in succession by a single pressure on the trigger, i.e. fully automatic firearms.

Question 22Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Which factor is most relevant to whether an applicant is a 'fit and proper person' to hold a firearm licence?

  1. Whether the applicant has a conviction for a violent offence Correct answer.
  2. Whether the applicant is a registered member of a political party
  3. Whether the applicant holds a valid driver's licence for a motor vehicle
  4. Whether the applicant owns a motor vehicle

Explanation

The Registrar assesses fitness and propriety by considering factors such as criminal convictions, previous firearm-related offences, mental health and references.

Question 23Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

When a licensed firearm holder dies, for how long may the executor possess the firearm pending transfer or surrender?

  1. Six months
  2. Twelve months Correct answer.
  3. Indefinitely
  4. 30 days

Explanation

The Act allows the executor or a person appointed by the Master to possess the firearm for up to twelve months while the estate is wound up, after which it must be transferred or surrendered.

Question 24Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Which best describes 'ammunition' under the Act?

  1. Only a complete loaded cartridge with a bullet seated in the case
  2. A cartridge and its components Correct answer.
  3. Only the bullet that is fired from a firearm
  4. Only the propellant powder used inside a cartridge case

Explanation

The Act defines ammunition broadly to include a primer, cartridge case, propellant and bullet, as well as components of ammunition.

Question 25Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Under the Act, what is the core of the definition of a 'firearm'?

  1. Any device that can fire a projectile by means of compressed air or gas
  2. Any object that looks like a gun
  3. Only a device used by the police or military
  4. A device that fires a projectile by burning propellant Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act defines a firearm as a device made or converted to fire a bullet or projectile by means of burning propellant, and includes the barrel, frame or receiver.

Question 26Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Which licence category must a person hold in order to trade in firearms as a business?

  1. A dealer's licence Correct answer.
  2. A manufacturer's licence
  3. A gunsmith's licence
  4. A private collection licence

Explanation

The Act creates separate licences for dealers, manufacturers and gunsmiths. Only a dealer's licence authorises buying and selling firearms in the course of business.

Question 27Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

A person who manufactures firearms for sale must hold which licence?

  1. A manufacturer's licence Correct answer.
  2. A dealer's licence
  3. A private collection licence
  4. A business licence for security services

Explanation

Manufacturing firearms requires a manufacturer's licence under the Act. Dealing is a separate activity requiring a dealer's licence.

Question 28Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

What is the main purpose of a gunsmith's licence under the Act?

  1. To sell firearms to the public
  2. To repair, modify or assemble firearms Correct answer.
  3. To import firearms for resale
  4. To keep firearms as collector's items

Explanation

A gunsmith's licence authorises the holder to repair, modify or assemble firearms. It does not authorise dealing in firearms or collecting them.

Question 29Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Who is the Registrar of Firearms for purposes of the Act?

  1. The National Director of Public Prosecutions
  2. The Chairperson of the Firearms Appeal Board
  3. The National Commissioner of the South African Police Service Correct answer.
  4. The Minister of Police

Explanation

The Act designates the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service as the Registrar of Firearms. The Registrar administers the Act and maintains the Central Firearms Register.

Question 30Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Under section 13, which firearm may be licensed for self-defence?

  1. A manually operated rifle only
  2. A semi-automatic rifle only
  3. Any restricted firearm
  4. A handgun or a shotgun Correct answer.

Explanation

Section 13 permits a licence for a handgun or a shotgun for self-defence, subject to the one-firearm limit. Restricted firearms are not available for ordinary self-defence licences.

Question 31Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

What is the maximum number of rounds of ammunition that a holder of a section 13 self-defence licence may keep?

  1. 200 rounds Correct answer.
  2. 500 rounds
  3. 50 rounds
  4. 1 000 rounds

Explanation

Section 13 limits the quantity of ammunition that may be possessed under a self-defence licence to 200 rounds. Larger quantities require a different licence category or authorization.

Question 32Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

How many categories of competency certificate are provided for in the Act?

  1. Three
  2. Five
  3. Two
  4. Four Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act provides for four competency categories: handgun, shotgun, manually operated rifle or carbine, and semi-automatic rifle or carbine. A person must be competent in the relevant category before a licence can be issued.

Question 33Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Which firearm is an 'antique firearm' under the Act?

  1. A muzzle-loading firearm that cannot use fixed ammunition Correct answer.
  2. A semi-automatic rifle with a historical design
  3. A modern reproduction revolver
  4. A firearm manufactured before 1900 in any condition

Explanation

An antique firearm is defined by its muzzle-loading design and inability to use fixed ammunition, not merely by its age. The definition excludes modern firearms and reproductions that can use conventional ammunition.

Question 34Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

A person who wants a licence to possess firearms in a private collection must generally be a member of what?

  1. An accredited collectors' association Correct answer.
  2. A municipal rifle club
  3. A trade union for security officers
  4. A registered political party

Explanation

Private collection licences are linked to membership of an accredited collectors' association. The association must be accredited for the purpose of collecting firearms.

Question 35Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Which of the following is a 'restricted firearm' under the Act?

  1. A revolver
  2. A bolt-action hunting rifle
  3. A semi-automatic rifle Correct answer.
  4. A break-action shotgun

Explanation

A semi-automatic rifle falls within the restricted firearm category, which is controlled more strictly than ordinary handguns and shotguns. Restricted firearms are typically licensed for dedicated sport shooting or collection purposes.

Question 36Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

For how long is a licence issued under section 13 for self-defence valid?

  1. Two years
  2. Ten years
  3. Five years Correct answer.
  4. Three years

Explanation

A self-defence licence under section 13 is valid for five years. The longer ten-year period applies to dedicated hunting or sports shooting licences, not ordinary self-defence licences.

Question 37Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Which permit is required for a foreign visitor to bring a firearm temporarily into South Africa?

  1. A private collection licence
  2. A dealer's licence
  3. A temporary import or export permit Correct answer.
  4. A competency certificate

Explanation

The Act provides for temporary import or export permits for visitors who bring firearms into the country for a limited period. The visitor does not need a South African firearm licence for that temporary possession.

Question 38Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

To whom does an appeal against a decision of the Registrar refusing a firearm licence lie?

  1. The magistrate's court
  2. The National Commissioner
  3. The Minister of Police
  4. The Firearms Appeal Board Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act establishes the Firearms Appeal Board to hear appeals against specified decisions of the Registrar, including refusals of licences. The Board provides an administrative appeal mechanism separate from the courts.

Question 39Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Who appoints the members of the Firearms Appeal Board?

  1. The President
  2. The Minister of Police Correct answer.
  3. The National Commissioner
  4. The Chief Justice

Explanation

The Minister of Police appoints the members of the Firearms Appeal Board. The Board hears appeals independently of the Registrar's licensing administration.

Question 40Firearms Control Act and Regulations: structure, definitions and licensing categories

Which person is a 'prohibited person' for purposes of the Act?

  1. A person who is not a South African citizen
  2. A person who belongs to more than one shooting club
  3. A person who has never held a licence
  4. A person convicted of a violent crime and sentenced to imprisonment Correct answer.

Explanation

The definition of a prohibited person includes persons convicted of certain offences and sentenced to imprisonment, among other disqualifying circumstances. Such a person may not possess a firearm or ammunition.

Question 41Competency certificates, licence applications, renewal and refusal/appeal procedures

What is the general minimum age at which a person may apply for a competency certificate under the Firearms Control Act?

  1. 16 years
  2. 18 years
  3. 25 years
  4. 21 years Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act fixes 21 as the general minimum age for a competency certificate. Narrow exceptions exist for certain hunting and sports-shooting purposes, but the standard rule is 21.

Question 42Competency certificates, licence applications, renewal and refusal/appeal procedures

Before the Registrar may issue a licence to possess a firearm, the applicant must already hold-

  1. a permanent residence permit
  2. a letter of good standing from a sports body
  3. a competency certificate Correct answer.
  4. a clearance certificate from Interpol

Explanation

The Act makes a competency certificate a precondition for the issue of a firearm licence. Without a valid competency certificate the Registrar cannot lawfully issue the licence.

Question 43Competency certificates, licence applications, renewal and refusal/appeal procedures

An application for a competency certificate is lodged with-

  1. a registered firearms dealer
  2. the clerk of the magistrates' court
  3. the designated firearms officer at a police station Correct answer.
  4. the Department of Home Affairs

Explanation

Applications are submitted to the designated firearms officer at the police station serving the applicant's area, and are then processed for decision by the Registrar.

Question 44Competency certificates, licence applications, renewal and refusal/appeal procedures

A licence to possess a firearm for self-defence remains valid for-

  1. two years
  2. five years Correct answer.
  3. ten years
  4. fifteen years

Explanation

Self-defence licences are issued for a fixed period of five years and must then be renewed if the holder wishes to keep the firearm.

Question 45Competency certificates, licence applications, renewal and refusal/appeal procedures

A licence to possess a firearm for dedicated hunting or dedicated sports shooting is issued for a period of-

  1. twenty years
  2. two years
  3. five years
  4. ten years Correct answer.

Explanation

Hunting and sports-shooting licences run for ten years, which is why they outlast the shorter self-defence licences.

Question 46Competency certificates, licence applications, renewal and refusal/appeal procedures

A renewal application must be lodged with the Registrar-

  1. at least 90 days before expiry Correct answer.
  2. at least 30 days before expiry
  3. at any time before the licence expires
  4. within 90 days after expiry

Explanation

The Act requires the renewal application to be submitted at least 90 days before the expiry date so that it can be processed before the licence lapses.

Question 47Competency certificates, licence applications, renewal and refusal/appeal procedures

A person whose application for a licence is refused may appeal to-

  1. the station commander of the local police station
  2. the National Prosecuting Authority
  3. the Minister of Police directly
  4. the Appeal Board Correct answer.

Explanation

A refusal by the Registrar is appealed to the Appeal Board provided for in the Act, which reviews the decision before any court proceedings are considered.

Question 48Competency certificates, licence applications, renewal and refusal/appeal procedures

To obtain a competency certificate, an applicant must complete-

  1. six months of service in the Police Reserve
  2. a first-aid course at a registered college
  3. a hunting course run by a farmers' union
  4. the prescribed training and tests at an accredited training provider Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act requires the applicant to undergo the prescribed training and pass the prescribed tests at a provider accredited in terms of the Act.

Question 49Competency certificates, licence applications, renewal and refusal/appeal procedures

Which of the following is a purpose for which a competency certificate may be issued?

  1. to transport firearms through a public place
  2. to display firearms at a private function
  3. to store firearms on behalf of a friend
  4. to trade in firearms Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act provides for competency certificates in respect of possession, trading in, manufacturing, gunsmithing and providing training in firearms. Transport and storage for others are dealt with under different provisions.

Question 50Competency certificates, licence applications, renewal and refusal/appeal procedures

An applicant was convicted five years ago of assault with intent to do grievous bodily harm. How should the Registrar approach the application?

  1. The Registrar must refer the decision to the court that imposed the sentence
  2. The Registrar must refuse, because any conviction is an absolute bar
  3. The Registrar must issue the licence, because the conviction is more than three years old
  4. The Registrar must consider whether the applicant is a fit and proper person, and the violent conviction is a highly relevant factor Correct answer.

Explanation

The Act requires the Registrar to be satisfied that the applicant is a fit and proper person. A conviction for a violent offence is central to that assessment, although it is not an automatic permanent bar for every applicant.