08/07/2024
Act 235 Application Process
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires that any person wishing to become a certified security officer, or who is privately employed and is required as a condition of employment to carry a lethal weapon, must participate in a 40 hour Lethal Weapons Training Program. Pennsylvania also requires that every five years, individuals who have been certified, must attend an 8 hour recertification (renewal) program. Act 235 Training Academy, LLC offers these classes throughout the year with sessions held at the Oakdale Community Center and the FOP Lodge 47 in Eighty-Four, PA.
APPLICANTS
The application process has several important steps. It begins by applying to the Pennsylvania State Police Lethal Weapons Training Unit.
Step 1: Complete an online (Basic Applicant) application using the TACS System. (tacs.pa.gov)…Log in as a First-Time User on the left side of the screen. If the system recognizes your information, you may be instructed to select the other option to log in with your existing profile, also on the left side of the screen. Once you are in the system select the Home Act 235 button and select the Basic Training Application. Scroll down to select “Start Application”. Complete all required information on each screen and submit when you have finished. This will require a credit card payment of $72.50.
Step 2: When you submit your application, you will receive an automated email from Identigo/Morphotrust with instructions for scheduling your fingerprint session. You must be fingerprinted at one of the approved Identigo/Morphotrust locations. You will not receive the results of your fingerprints; these will be forwarded directly to the Lethal Weapons Certification Unit for review.
Step 3: When you submit your application, you will also receive a confirmation email from the Lethal Weapons Certification Unit with instructions to download and print the physical, vision, and psychological examination forms. You must undergo a physical, vision, and psychological examination at your own expense. The physicians must be PA licensed and the physicians must submit completed and signed forms to the Lethal Weapons Certification Unit.
WAIVERS: Individuals who have completed comparable law enforcement training within the past five years may be waived of the academic training requirement. Individuals who have successfully qualified on a law enforcement fi****ms course within the past 12 months may be waived of the fi****ms training requirement. To request waiver consideration, please submit supporting documents to the Lethal Weapons Certification Unit at [email protected] or at the address listed below.
Step 4: It is the applicant's responsibility to schedule the training after receiving the approval letter from the State Police. After you receive approval, contact Act 235 Training Academy at 412-360-8212 to schedule training.
To schedule for either the basic forty (40) hour course or the eight (8) hour renewal course, please contact us at 412-360-8212 or by email at [email protected]. Please note that YOU DO NOT have to pay in advance for this course but bring a check or money order, payable to “Act 235 Training Academy”, to the first class. Finally, after receiving approval from the Pennsylvania State Police to attend one of our courses, they will send you a letter explaining your next step and whether you were approved to take the course. This letter, or a copy, MUST be brought to the first class or you will not be permitted to attend.
When does the next class begin?
• Academics & Skills: Programs are set on an as needed basis. Call for dates. Sessions begin at 8AM and end at 6PM. Location: Oakdale Community Center 104 Seminary Avenue Oakdale, PA 15071 and Short Mountain Conservation Club 200 Gun Club Road Lykens, PA 17048
• Fi****ms: Programs are set on an as needed basis. Call for dates. Sessions begin at 8:00AM and conclude at 6:00PM. Location is the FOP Lodge 47 138 Valley Rd, Eighty Four, PA 15330. Students need a serviceable duty sidearm, revolver or semi-automatic, a holster and sturdy belt, magazine holder, ball cap, ear and eye protection (safety glasses), and 150 rounds of factory ammunition. Students can rent a firearm for $25.00 which includes ammunition or can buy additional ammunition for $20.00 per box of 50 rounds.
• Cost: $435 for Basic Certification with Fi****ms, $250 for Basic Certification without Fi****ms, $200 for Basic Certification without Academics, $100.00 for Renewal with Fi****ms, and $50 for Renewal without fi****ms… payable to: Act 235 Training Academy
