Firearms safety course options

Standard Firearms Safety Course, Community Firearms Safety Course, Schools Based Firearms Safety Course and Whakatūpato are Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand and community-based safety training courses designed to provide support and knowledge for firearms safety.

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Standard Firearms Safety Course

The course is delivered by firearms safety specialists at venues across the country.  

The course is free, but you must have paid for your firearms licence application.  

The course has 2 parts. 

1. Firearms theory test

  • Duration: 30 minutes
  • Language: English, Simplified Chinese, Te Reo Māori
  • Format: 30 multiple choice questions

    Support: You are welcome to bring a reader/writer or interpreter with you.

    This test confirms your understanding of the Firearms Safety Code, firearms safety practices and legislation requirements.

    You sit the theory test before doing the firearms practical training session.

    Everything you need to know to pass the firearms theory test is in the Firearms Safety Code.

    It's not difficult to pass the firearms theory test if you study the Firearms Safety Code thoroughly – do not just read it once.

    If you do not pass the firearms theory test on your first attempt, you will be given a second opportunity to sit the test after the practical session. If you do not pass the firearms theory test on your second attempt, we will let you know what will happen next.

2. Firearms practical training session

The firearms practical training session covers safe handling and use of firearms. 

You must demonstrate safe handling of a deactivated firearm during your practical training session in accordance with the Firearms Safety Code. If you act in an unsafe way, you'll be removed from the session and we will reconsider your status as a fit and proper person to hold a firearms licence.

Your firearms instructor will work with you during the course to help you with any firearms handling or safety concerns. 

During the session, you'll have an opportunity to practice the following:

- State and apply the 7 basic rules of firearms safety.
- Identify the main components of a firearm.
- Demonstrate safety precautions and states of readiness on various firearm types.
- Know how to safely cross a fence and how to safely use a transit case/bag to transport firearms.

Available safety courses

See the available options in Book your safety course

Community Firearms Safety Course

Community Firearms Safety Courses are launching in 2027.

Trusted firearms leaders in the community are partnering with us to deliver our Firearms Safety Course.  

A community model will enable whānau, clubs, and local leaders to continue upholding firearms education within their own unique environments, while being supported by our training materials, equipment and rigorous quality assurance.  

How to become a Community Firearms Safety Trainer 

 

What is a Community Firearms Safety Course?

Community courses will offer more flexibility in terms of access and locations, but they are the same content delivered to the same standard. 

Attending and passing a community firearms safety training course will progress you through the firearms licence applications process in the same way as if you had attended one of the other course formats.

What makes it different from the Firearms Safety Course offered by Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand?

There is no difference in how the Firearms Safety Course is recognised for licensing purposes.

Community courses will be delivered by approved firearms safety training volunteers around the country. Community firearms safety trainers will deliver the exact same course as our Firearms Safety Officers, using the same content and standards.

It is important to consider if your Community Firearms Safety Course is offering any other course elements. Community firearms safety trainers may offer survival skills, or hunting courses alongside the firearms safety course. Firearms Safety and Education New Zealand-operated safety courses will only offer the Firearms Safety Course.

How much will a Community Firearms Safety Course cost? 

All firearms safety courses are free. 

Schools Based Firearms Safety Course

The Schools Based Firearms Safety Course benefits students, schools, and communities by fostering a culture of safety, respect, and accountability around firearms.

About the course

Our schools-based firearms safety course equips secondary students (16+) with the knowledge and skills to handle firearms safely and responsibly. Developed with schools and the wider firearms community, the program teaches practical safety practices while also ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Firearms are part of life for many New Zealanders whether through farming, hunting, or sport. This course is not designed to introduce young people to firearms but is aimed at those who are already involved in their use and ensures a safe, structured environment, where we build confidence, reduce risk, and promote lifelong responsibility.

Bringing firearms safety training into schools encourages early learning in a setting where good habits can be formed. By teaching respect for firearms alongside clear safety principles, we can help reduce risks, prevent accidents, and ensure that the next generation of New Zealanders who go on to become firearms licence holders, grow up with the skills and understanding to be safe, responsible, and confident around firearms.

Whakatūpato

Whakatūpato is a community-based safety training course for people who live in isolated rural locations and may not be able to attend the standard Firearms Safety Course.

About the course

The Whakatūpato firearms course is designed to promote firearms safety and awareness in rural and isolated communities across New Zealand. Targeting areas where access to formal education and licensing opportunities can be limited, this course provides hands-on, culturally sensitive instruction on the responsible use, safe handling, and storage of firearms.

It empowers participants by fostering a deeper understanding of safety practices, while also ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

For rural communities, where firearms are often used as essential tools for hunting and farming, Whakatūpato offers a vital resource that not only enhances personal and community safety but also supports sustainable and responsible firearms use across generations.

Contact  

For more information about Whakatūpato, contact our Māori Partnerships Group on FSE.MPG@firearmssafety.govt.nz 

 

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