Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 6:03 AM AWST
22/07/2026 6:03 AM 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.
Use firearms
Use firearms
Unit of competency
National Code
CSCSAS404A
CSCSAS404A
State Code
S6023
S6023
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
22/07/2014
Field of Education
099905 - Security Services
Original Release Date
22/07/2014
Nominal Hours
120
Description
This unit of competency describes the outcomes required to deal with the selection and use of firearms and the effective use of firearms to protect and minimise risk to people.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1Assess the need to use firearms.
- 1.1 Analyse incident to assess the need for the use of firearms against the degree and nature of risk to people, the organisation's use of force guidelines, and emergency response procedures.
- 1.2 Anticipate risk, based on assessment of information available, observation of the hazards in the situation and likely consequences of events.
- 1.3 Assess and select options for action on the basis of capacity to complete the actions and suitability of response to the degree of risk.
- 1.4 Identify situations requiring assistance and request support promptly.
2Handle and discharge firearms.
- 2.1 Carry firearms in a secure, protected and accessible manner that complies with legal requirements and organisation procedures.
- 2.2 Employ tactical positioning that is consistent with assessment of intentions and risks and anticipates a range of different actions.
- 2.3 Ensure judgements made about the use of firearms are justified in terms of use of force guidelines and legal requirements.
- 2.4 Select ammunition appropriate to firearm that complies with manufacturer specifications and legal requirements.
- 2.5 Select personal protective equipment according to the requirements of the situation and use it according to organisational procedures.
- 2.6 Check that grip, handling and presentation of firearms comply with legal requirements and ensure retention and continued control.
- 2.7 Discharge firearms where necessary according to legislation and organisational policy and procedures.
- 2.8 Maintain consistency of accuracy in the discharge of firearms as defined by organisational standards and procedures.
3Evaluate response.
- 3.1 Evaluate and review effectiveness of responses according to information, observation and outcomes of events.
- 3.2 Provide accurate and constructive observations of incidents in review and debriefing of incidents.
- 3.3 Complete records and reports that comply with the organisation's procedures, requirements and formats.
- 3.4 Recognise and manage the effects of stress, using stress management techniques.
The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording in the performance criteria is detailed below. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.
Options for action should include:
communication to calm, distract, change focus and negotiate
tactical withdrawal
requests for assistance
degree of force and methods consistent with level and nature of risk
harm minimisation
allowable defensive techniques and equipment.
Legal requirements will be demonstrated through application of:
applicable federal, and state or territory legislation
organisational guidelines, policies and operating procedures.
Options for action should include:
communication to calm, distract, change focus and negotiate
tactical withdrawal
requests for assistance
degree of force and methods consistent with level and nature of risk
harm minimisation
allowable defensive techniques and equipment.
Legal requirements will be demonstrated through application of:
applicable federal, and state or territory legislation
organisational guidelines, policies and operating procedures.
The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Overview of assessment
Evidence for assessment 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. Assessment may require demonstration, where required by work role and responsibilities, of the range of firearms used and issued by organisation.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
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 employability skills as they relate to this unit
ability to use firearms in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.
Assessment will also require demonstration of the use of:
self-defence
avoidance techniques
containment and isolation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains knowledge that may be assessed off the job, for example in a structured learning process, and performance outcomes that should be assessed ideally in the workplace in routine activities and in conjunction with other units with specific functional focus.
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 by an individual responsible for the use of firearms as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to using firearms
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
It is recommended consideration be given to assessing this unit in conjunction with:
CSCSAS205A Contain incidents that jeopardise safety and security
CSCSAS302A Control incidents using defensive tactics.
Overview of assessment
Evidence for assessment 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. Assessment may require demonstration, where required by work role and responsibilities, of the range of firearms used and issued by organisation.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
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 employability skills as they relate to this unit
ability to use firearms in a range of (two or more) contexts or occasions, over time.
Assessment will also require demonstration of the use of:
self-defence
avoidance techniques
containment and isolation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This unit contains knowledge that may be assessed off the job, for example in a structured learning process, and performance outcomes that should be assessed ideally in the workplace in routine activities and in conjunction with other units with specific functional focus.
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 by an individual responsible for the use of firearms as part of a coordinated team, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and changes to routine
copies of legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to using firearms
access to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.
Method of assessment
The following assessment methods are suggested:
observation of performance in routine workplace activities within a range of agreed responsibilities and in various work locations
written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding
completion of workplace documents and reports produced as part of routine work activities
third-party reports from experienced practitioners
completion of performance feedback from supervisors and colleagues.
Guidance information for assessment
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, and any identified special needs of the candidate, including language and literacy implications and cultural factors that may affect responses to the questions.
In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess the underpinning knowledge.
It is recommended consideration be given to assessing this unit in conjunction with:
CSCSAS205A Contain incidents that jeopardise safety and security
CSCSAS302A Control incidents using defensive tactics.
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUZ14 | CSCSAS017 | Use firearms | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| W995 | CSC40112 | Certificate IV in Correctional Practice | Qualification |