FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Game Ranger?
A Game Ranger is a person that acts as a custodian of wildlife and is responsible for the management and upkeep of the natural environment.
How do I become a Game Ranger?
We would suggest that you undertake formal studies in the Natural Sciences (BSc. Biology/Zoology) or, as a minimum, a National Diploma in Conservation.
What is a Field Guide?
A Field Guide is a person who should possess vast knowledge about the natural environment. A Field Guide acts as an interpreter between the environment and the paying client.
How do I become a Field Guide?
- The first step is to register with the Field Guides Association of Southern Africa (FGASA) as a member.
- Secondly you need to complete a training course which will award the successful applicant with a FGASA level 1 qualification. This is the entry level qualification required for entry into the workplace.
- Assuming that you have successfully completed your FGASA Level 1 qualification, you will be required to obtain a Professional Driving Permit (PDP) in order to transport clients legally on public roads. Click here to read about the process and download the PDP application forms.
- The last step of the process is to register with the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT). Click here to download the Application Form and the Code of Conduct.
How do I register with FGASA?
Note: FGASA Level 1 Course and Correspondence Course Practical students are expected to ‘register as a member’ with FGASA well in advance of the start of these courses.
The membership registration process entails completing a membership application form, signing a code of conduct, paying a non-refundable registration fee, an annual membership fee (the cost of which depends on whether you are South African, African or International) and a materials fee - all payable directly to FGASA, as per details on the membership application form. (The materials are a FGASA Level 1 Training Manual, Guiding Skills Manual and FGASA level 1 Workbook).
- Step 1: Download the applicable membership application form here: South African, African or International, or check the FGASA website for the latest version (www.fgasa.org.za). You will find all the relevant instructions, costs and contact details displayed on those forms.
- Step 2: Complete the membership application form, pay the relevant fees to FGASA and send the completed application form, signed code of conduct and proof of payment directly to FGASA.
- Step 3: Wait for the FGASA membership material to be posted to you. Chase them, if necessary.
- Step 4: Read through the FGASA Level 1 Training Manual before you start our course. The workbook will assist you in preparing for the exam.
Can I work in a Big Five area with only a FGASA Level 1 qualification?
- The answer is, unfortunately, no. Most prospective employers will not permit you to work in a Big Five area with only a FGASA level 1 qualification.
- In order to work in a Big Five area you will need to complete the Trails Guide Course. A Trails Guide is a specialist Field Guide that is qualified to conduct both foot and vehicle safaris in big game areas - the difference being that s/he is qualified to carry and use a rifle.
How do I become a Trails Guide?
Once you have completed your FGASA Level 1 qualification and you are 21 years or older you can then participate in a Trails Guide Course. In order to become a Trails Guide, you are required to do the following:
- Obtain the Trails Guide Training Manual and Workbook from FGASA, study the manual and complete the workbook.
- Complete the FGASA Trials Guide Theory exam (click here to download the exam application document)
- Complete the SASSETA 10750 Competency with a bolt action rifle or manually operated carbine certificate course. For no hassles please contact Du Toit Lamprechts to complete your SASSETA rifle course on 011 907 4145.
- Complete the FGASA Advanced Rifle Handling Course. For further details about the FGASA Advanced Rifle Handing Course please click here.
- The last step is to complete the View Potentially Dangerous Animals (VPDA) practical assessment. Please refer to the explanation below pertaining to the VPDA assessments for back-up and lead qualifications.
What is a Trails Guide back-up or Second rifle qualification?
This is a Trails Guide that has completed all of the above but has not yet accumulated sufficient encounters with dangerous game on foot (ten encounters and fifty hours). This individual is not permitted to lead a walk without the supervision of a fully qualified Trails Guide, but may be used as a back-up.
What is a Trails Guide First Rifle or Lead rifle?
This is a Trails Guide who has completed all of the necessary short certificate courses (see above) and has accumulated a further fifty encounters with dangerous game on foot as well as another one hundred and ten hours under the supervision of a suitably qualified mentor (i.e. a FGASA qualified Trails Guide and appointed mentor). This individual is permitted to lead a walk in a big game area.
What is the minimum calibre of rifle used by Trails Guides in a Big Five area?
A .375 Holland and Holland is considered to be the minimum, a rifle with an excess of 4000ft/lbs/square inch stopping power may be used.
Do I require a South African Police Services (SAPS) white competency card (plastic credit card type) to be employed as a Trails Guide?
Unfortunately this is still up for debate, with SAPS saying yes you do. FGASA is currently trying to establish whether it's sufficient to have the paper certificate from a SASSETA accredited training provider...
When am I eligible to write my FGASA Level 2 theory exam?
Once you have a full FGASA Level 1 qualification and have logged 260 days of working experience, you may be practically assessed and then you may apply to write the FGASA Level 2 exam.
When am I eligible to be practically assessed for my FGASA level 2?
You may be practically assessed once you have accumulated 260 days of work experience and your green logbook has been signed off by the FGASA offices.
When am I eligible to write my FGASA level 3 theory exam?
- The FGASA level 3 theory exam has been split into two different exams: 3a and 3b.
- You may write the level 3a exam once you have achieved a full FGASA level 2 qualification and logged 520 days.
- You may write the FGASA Level 3b exam once you have passed the FGASA level 3a exam.
When am I eligible to be practically assessed for my FGASA level 3?
You may be practically assessed on the level 3 once you have written and passed both the level 3a and 3b examinations and you have accumulated more than 520 days work experience. Your green logbook will also have to be signed off by the offices of FGASA.
Am I permitted to re-write the FGASA exam if I failed the theory exam whilst on course with a registered FGASA Training Provider?
- Yes you can re-write the exam.
- Please note that you can only re-write the exam at a National Sitting, these are normally scheduled in March, July and October each year.
- The National sittings are held in the following areas: Berg-en-dal (Mpumalanga), Bloemfontein (Free State), Elephant Plains (Mpumalanga), Entabeni (Limpopo), East London (Eastern Cape), Cape Town, Hoedspruit (Limpopo), Hluhluwe (Kwa-Zulu Natal), Johannesburg (normally at the Indaba Hotel, Fourways), Kariega (Eastern Cape), Letaba (Kruger National Park), Lion Sands (Mpumalanga), Mabula (Limpopo), Madikwe (North West Province), Maun (Botswana), Nelspruit (Mpumalanga), Pietermaritzberg (Kwa-Zulu Natal), Pilanesberg (North West Province), Polokwane (Limpopo), Sabi Sabi (Mpumalanga), Shamwari (Eastern Cape), Singita (Mpumalanga), Skukuza (Kruger National Park) and Welgevonden (Limpopo).
Must I have a valid First Aid level 1 certificate before being practically assessed?
Yes
How often must I renew my First Aid certificate?
Most First Aid certificates are valid for three years, provided you did the course through a well recognised training company.
Is my FGASA certificate/qualification accredited by the Culture, Arts, Tourism, Hospitality and Sports Sector Education and Training Authority (CATHSSETA)?
Yes, FGASA is accredited by CATHSSETA and your FGASA certificate is well recognised in the industry.
