How to get a security guard license in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has a state credential for armed guards only, issued by the no statewide license for unarmed security guards found; armed guards: Pennsylvania State Police, Lethal Weapons Certification Unit (Act 235 of 1974). Unarmed guards need no individual state license.

Licensing agencyno statewide license for unarmed security guards found; armed guards: Pennsylvania State Police, Lethal Weapons Certification Unit (Act 235 of 1974) official source
Credential for unarmed guardsNo state license for unarmed guards; armed guards need the Act 235 Lethal Weapons Training certification (PSP) official source
Credential for armed guardsAct 235 Lethal Weapons Training certification (card) for privately employed agents who carry a lethal weapon official source
Minimum age, armed18 (Act 235 eligibility on the PSP application page) official source
Training, armedApproved Act 235 training at a PSP-certified school after a written approval (valid 6 months); pass marks 70% academic and 75% firearms; initial course hours not stated on the pages read; 5-year renewal needs an 8-hour renewal course (classroom plus range) for firearm-certified agents (37 Pa. Code 21.19, 21.24) official source
Background checkYes for Act 235: fingerprints (MorphoTrust/IdentoGO), physical, vision and hearing exams and a psychological exam by a licensed psychologist; no disqualifying conviction under 18 Pa.C.S. 6105, no first-degree misdemeanor or higher, no crime of violence official source
State feeUSD 104.95 total (Act 235 initial certification: USD 50.00 application fee + USD 24.95 fingerprint fee + USD 30.00 certification fee (PSP page); exam and training costs are separate) official source
Renewal5 years (Act 235 certification is for a period of five years, per a search summary of the statute; renewal within six months before expiry) official source
Working while the application is pendingNo for armed work: carrying a firearm for employment without Act 235 training/waiver and certificate is a misdemeanor (22 P.S. 49, PSP FAQ). Unarmed work needs no state credential official source

Official Pennsylvania application page

Checked against official Pennsylvania sources on Oct 18, 2026. Rules change: confirm with the licensing agency before you apply. This page lists only facts we could confirm on an official page.

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