Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 10:38 PM AWST
22/07/2026 10:38 PM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Examine and test firearms
Examine and test firearms
Unit of competency
National Code
PSPBORD408A
PSPBORD408A
State Code
C8081
C8081
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
04/07/2014
Field of Education
099905 - Security Services
Original Release Date
04/07/2014
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit covers the competency to identify and classify firearms subject to international trade or travel and to safety test imported firearms. It includes identifying firearms and components, conducting safety tests, maintaining resources, and reviewing and reporting on activities.In practice, examination and testing of firearms may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government processes, gathering and analysing information, using resources, etc.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify firearms and components
- 1.1 Firearms and components are prepared for examination.
- 1.2 Firearms and components are examined in detail to determine relevant features.
- 1.3 Internal resources are researched to confirm observations.
- 1.4 Advice is sought on obscure or complex items from relevant personnel.
- 1.5 Classification of firearms and components is determined in accordance with legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines.
- 1.6 The requirement for testing or exemption from safety testing is determined in accordance with legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines.
2. Conduct safety tests
- 2.1 Firearms are tested against standards specified in legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines.
- 2.2 Relevant equipment is operated in accordance with standard operating procedures and guidelines.
- 2.3 Occupational health and safety issues are identified and actioned in a timely manner.
- 2.4 The results of equipment use are correctly interpreted.
3. Maintain resources
- 3.1 Routine maintenance of equipment is conducted.
- 3.2 Equipment is maintained to manufacturers' specifications and standard operating procedures and guidelines.
- 3.3 Repairs to equipment are organised as soon as practicable.
4. Review and report on activities
- 4.1 Outcomes of firearm identification and safety testing activities are recorded and disseminated in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
- 4.2 The outcomes, procedures and processes used in activities are evaluated.
- 4.3 Improvements to procedures and processes are identified and actioned in accordance with organisational requirements.
The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Preparation for examination may include:
making the firearm safe
cleaning the firearm, including removing heavy deposits of grease
assembling the firearm
removing components and/or accessories that impede the examination process
Firearms and components may include:
representative samples of commercial consignments of imported handguns, long arms, parts, magazines and accessories
private consignments of imported handguns, long arms, parts, magazines and accessories
consignments of firearms and related components intended for export
Relevant features may include:
type
action
make
model
unique serial number
calibre
magazine capacity
handgun barrel length
Internal resources may include:
library of printed research materials
library of electronic databases of research materials
Internet search facilities
Relevant personnel may include:
managers/supervisors
staff in other work areas
staff in other agencies
manufacturers' representatives
gunsmiths
armourers
Legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines may include:
prohibited imports/exports regulations
policy advice/s
standard operating procedures
Relevant equipment may include:
rubber mat as per standard
rubber mallet as per standard
Newton meter tension/force measuring device
digital vernier callipers
generic toolkit for minor maintenance and repair tasks
Outcomes may include:
safety testing reports
informal identification statements
formal identification statement with 'jurat'
digital or still photographs
Preparation for examination may include:
making the firearm safe
cleaning the firearm, including removing heavy deposits of grease
assembling the firearm
removing components and/or accessories that impede the examination process
Firearms and components may include:
representative samples of commercial consignments of imported handguns, long arms, parts, magazines and accessories
private consignments of imported handguns, long arms, parts, magazines and accessories
consignments of firearms and related components intended for export
Relevant features may include:
type
action
make
model
unique serial number
calibre
magazine capacity
handgun barrel length
Internal resources may include:
library of printed research materials
library of electronic databases of research materials
Internet search facilities
Relevant personnel may include:
managers/supervisors
staff in other work areas
staff in other agencies
manufacturers' representatives
gunsmiths
armourers
Legislation, regulations, policies and guidelines may include:
prohibited imports/exports regulations
policy advice/s
standard operating procedures
Relevant equipment may include:
rubber mat as per standard
rubber mallet as per standard
Newton meter tension/force measuring device
digital vernier callipers
generic toolkit for minor maintenance and repair tasks
Outcomes may include:
safety testing reports
informal identification statements
formal identification statement with 'jurat'
digital or still photographs
The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG421A Take custody of and store weapons
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
examination and testing of firearms in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures, protocols and standard operating procedures relating to examination and testing of firearms
testing and maintenance equipment
sample firearms
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when examining and testing firearms
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when examining and testing firearms, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
examination and testing of firearms in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals
PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
PSPREG421A Take custody of and store weapons
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
examination and testing of firearms in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures, protocols and standard operating procedures relating to examination and testing of firearms
testing and maintenance equipment
sample firearms
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when examining and testing firearms
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when examining and testing firearms, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
examination and testing of firearms in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AWW46 | PSPBDR013 | Examine and test firearms | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| J277 | PSP30212 | Certificate III in Government (Border Protection) | Qualification |
| J284 | PSP40212 | Certificate IV in Government (Border Protection) | Qualification |