Demonstrating expertise in the arms trade through testing
Usually, the examination is carried out by order of the authority to which you have applied for the weapon permit and cannot be applied for separately.
Depending on the scope of the trade permit you are applying for, the examination includes certain categories of weapons.
In the theoretical part of the exam, you must prove knowledge of the regulations on the trade in firearms and ammunition, the acquisition and carrying of firearms as well as the basic features of the other weapons regulations.
In the practical part of the exam, you must demonstrate safe handling of the tested weapon categories. This includes, among other things, disassembling and assembling, naming essential parts and describing how they work.
In order to successfully pass the specialist examination for the trade in weapons and ammunition, you need not only theoretical, but also practical knowledge. Therefore, extensive preparation is recommended.
If you have applied for a permit to trade in ammunition, the treatment of the common ammunition and its use in the associated firearm will be examined.
As a master gunsmith registered in the register of craftsmen, you already have the expertise and do not have to prove it again by taking an examination at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce.
Process flow
Normally, you apply for permission to trade in arms and are then reported for examination via the relevant licensing authority. At some chambers of commerce and industry, you can or must register yourself.
- As a rule, you will receive a notification from the authority responsible for the trading licence that the examination is to take place
- Your registration will be confirmed by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce and you will receive an invitation to the exam date
- You take the exam on site at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce
- You will receive the certificate of successful completion of the specialist examination by the Chamber of Industry and Commerce
With the subsequent reference of the specialist knowledge, you can continue the licensing procedure for the arms trade.
Who should I contact?
Competent authority
Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK)
Requirements
- As a rule, the authority to which you have applied for the arms trade permit must register or pre-register you for the examination
Which documents are required?
- If applicable, notification from the authority responsible for the trading licence that the examination is to be carried out
- Government-issued photo ID for identification during the exam
What are the fees?
You can find out the fees from the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), where you take the exam.They result from the fee schedule of the competent state authority.
What deadlines do I have to pay attention to?
The certificate of expertise is indefinite and valid nationwide.
Processing duration
- Specialist examinations take place irregularly, so the duration between notification from the authority and the examination may vary
- The certificate is usually available immediately or a few days after passing the oral part of the exam
Legal basis
Applications / forms
- Forms: usually you can get all the necessary forms from the authority that issues arms trade permits, in some cases also directly from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Online procedure possible: no
- Written form requirement: no
- Personal appearance required: yes
Appeal
- Detailed information on how to file an objection can be found in the notification of failure to take the exam
- Administrative court action
What else should I know?
Based on information from the Federal Ministry of the Interior
Technically approved by
Association of German Chambers of Commerce and Industry
Professionally released on
22.10.2020
