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State Overview
Pennsylvania regulates the security guard industry through PA State Police - Lethal Weapons Certification Unit under a partial (armed only) framework. Training requirements: Act 235 (Armed): Up to 40 hours + physical/psychological exams; Unarmed proprietary: None. Fee structure: Act 235 (armed only): $50 application + $22.60 fingerprints (IdentoGO) + $30 certification = $102.60 total.
Pennsylvania sits in the Northeast region, with a partial (armed only) regulatory posture.
Key Facts
Regulatory framework: Partial (Armed Only)
Licensing agency: PA State Police - Lethal Weapons Certification Unit
Training: Act 235 (Armed): Up to 40 hours + physical/psychological exams; Unarmed proprietary: None.
Fees: Act 235 (armed only): $50 application + $22.60 fingerprints (IdentoGO) + $30 certification = $102.60 total.
Processing time: Multi-step; typically several weeks to months for Act 235 certification
Renewal cycle: 5 years (Act 235)
Key restriction: No state license for unarmed.
eLearning, initial
No training mandate
eLearning, renewal
Training Hours
None (unarmed)
Renewal: 5 years (Act 235)
License Fee
Act 235 (armed only): $50 application +
Multi-step; typically several weeks to months for Act 235 certification
Governing Agency
PA State Police - Lethal Weapons Certification Unit
Lethal Weapons Training Act (Act 235 of 1974)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underestimating the Multi-step; typically several weeks to months for Act 235 certification processing window and starting work before approval is finalized.
Ignoring this restriction in operational planning: No state license for unarmed.
Submitting an incomplete background-check packet or expired fingerprint cards, both of which restart the processing clock.
Missing the 5 years (Act 235) renewal cycle and letting the license lapse, which forces a full re-application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many training hours does Pennsylvania require for unarmed security guards?
Act 235 (Armed): Up to 40 hours + physical/psychological exams; Unarmed proprietary: None.
What does it cost to get a security guard license in Pennsylvania?
Act 235 (armed only): $50 application + $22.60 fingerprints (IdentoGO) + $30 certification = $102.60 total.
How long does Pennsylvania take to process a guard license application?
Multi-step; typically several weeks to months for Act 235 certification
Can I take Pennsylvania guard training online?
Pennsylvania treats online training as n/a for initial coursework and n/a for renewal. Confirm specific course approval directly with PA State Police - Lethal Weapons Certification Unit.
How often do I renew a security guard license in Pennsylvania?
License renewal cycle: 5 years (Act 235).
Practical Tips
Plan for the published processing window: Multi-step; typically several weeks to months for Act 235 certification. Submit applications early to avoid coverage gaps.
Act 235 = Armed lethal weapons (Type L non-firearms, Type F firearms); Act 361 = Private Detective agencies; Unarmed proprietary guards need NO state license. Philadelphia enacted Ch. 9-6800 (minimum training for security officers) effective March 1 2026 but enforcement is postponed, no Recognized Training Programs designated yet. Fees: $50 initial application, $30 certification, $30 renewal, $22.60 fingerprinting.
Restriction to verify before hiring: No state license for unarmed
Direct line for verification: 717-346-4087. Use it before relying on third-party summaries.
Most recent regulatory change (2026-04-15): Philadelphia OWP posted updated proposed regulations for Ch.
Recent Regulatory Changes
Philadelphia OWP posted updated proposed regulations for Ch. 9-6800 reflecting POWER Act changes (enacted May 27, 2025). Public comment period open April 2026.
Philadelphia Ch. 9-6800 (Minimum Training for Security Officers) took effect March 1, 2026 but enforcement postponed, city did not designate Recognized Training Programs by the effective date.
See the "Regulatory Changes" tab for full history →