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 that every five years, individuals who have been certified, attend an eight hour recertification program. Programs available:
Certification Course with Firearms
SECUR100 - Basic Certification with Firearms
The program covers basic explanations of the provisions of the Lethal Weapons Act, Private Detective Act of 1953, provisions of basic rights under the 1st, 4th, 5th 9th and 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as well as a basic understanding of several PA Crimes Codes sections and the Justification of Use of Force. Participants will also undergo skills training in handcuffing, disarming, and weapon retention as well as firearms training and qualification. Northampton Community College has the final determination for acceptance into this program.
Fee: $350
Enrollment Requirements - BASIC
- Participants must be at least 21 years of age.
- Participants must have firearms experience.
- Review and complete the State Police Lethal Weapons Certification procedures. Begin the process now. All required applications and forms are online at that site.
- PA State Letter of Approval must be obtained before registering for any Act235 course.
Please register for a program, after all the enrollment requirements are completed.
Upcoming classes:
Students must supply their own firearm and ammunition. Weapons and ammunition are not provided.
Certification Course without Firearms
SECUR101 - Basic Certification without Firearms
This program is for individuals who have taken the 40 hour certification program, but have failed to pass the written portion of the class. The twenty six hour hour training will cover basic explanations of the provisions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons Act 235 , Private Detective Act of 1953, provisions of basic rights under the 1st, 4th, 5th 9th and 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, as well as a basic understanding of several PA Crimes Codes sections and the Justification of Use of Force. Participants will also undergo skills training in handcuffing, disarming, and weapon retention as well as training in the use of other lethal weapons other than firearms. Northampton Community College has the final determination for acceptance into this program. Fee: $225
Please register for a program, after all the enrollment requirements are completed.
Upcoming Classes:
Students must supply their own firearm and ammunition. Weapons and ammunition are not provided.
Recertification Course – Classroom & Firearms
SECUR102 - 8 Hour Recertification with Firearms
Eight hour program for recertification to carry a lethal weapon for participants who have successfully completed the 40 hour certification program and whose license is about to expire. Course covers basic explanations of the provisions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons Act 235, as well as a basic understanding of several PA Crimes Codes sections and the Justification of Use of Force. Participants will also re-qualify with a firearm. Training must be completed within six months of your recertification approval letter issued by the State Police. Northampton Community College has the final determination for acceptance into this program. Fee: $175
Enrollment Requirements - RENEWAL CERTIFICATION
- Review and complete the State Police Lethal Weapons Renewal Certification procedures. Begin the process now. All required applications and forms are online at that site.
- PA State Letter of Approval must be obtained before registering for any Act235 course.
Please register for a program, after all the enrollment requirements are completed.
Upcoming Classes:
Students must supply their own firearm and ammunition. Weapons and ammunition are not provided.
Recertification Course - Without Firearms
SECUR103 - 3 Hour Recertification Without Firearms
This program is for individuals who have taken the 8 hour recertification program, but have failed to pass the written portion of the class. This three (3) hour course covers basic explanations of the provisions of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons Act 235, as well as a basic understanding of several PA Crimes Codes sections and the Justification of Use of Force. Northampton Community College has the final determination for acceptance into this program. Fee: $100.
Please register for a program, after all the enrollment requirements are completed.
Upcoming Classes:
Students must supply their own firearm and ammunition. Weapons and ammunition are not provided.
Recertification Course – Firearms Only
SECUR115 - 5 Hour Recertification – FIREARMS ONLY
This five hour course is for students who require Act 235 Recertification and have an academic waiver for the course. This is for the Firearms portion only. Class held at the Hellertown Gun Range. 1793 Meadows Rd Hellertown, PA 18055 . Northampton Community College has the final determination for acceptance into this program.
Fee: $100
Enrollment Requirements - RENEWAL CERTIFICATION
- Review and complete the State Police Lethal Weapons Renewal Certification procedures. Begin the process now. All required applications and forms are online at that site.
- PA State Letter of Approval must be obtained before registering for any Act235 course.
Please register for a program, after all the enrollment requirements are completed.
Upcoming classes:
Students must supply their own firearm and ammunition. Weapons and ammunition are not provided.
Upgrade Training (Non-firearms license to a firearms license)
SECUR108 - 14 Hour Lethal Weapons Firearms Only (Upgrade Course)
This 14 Hour course provides firearms familiarization and qualification for upgrading a current Act 235 Non-Firearms License to an Act 235 Firearms License. Letter of Approval from PA State Police is required for enrollment in this course. Northampton Community College has the final determination for acceptance into this program. Fee: $200
Enrollment Requirements
- Participant must have firearms experience
- License
- Reply letter issued by the PA State Police indicating you are eligible for upgrading your license
Please register for a program, after all the enrollment requirements are completed.
Upcoming Classes:
Students must supply their own firearm and ammunition. Weapons and ammunition are not provided.
More Information
View our flyer (PDF) to assist with the enrollment process.
In order to register, participants must have firearms experience and a copy of their PA State Police approval letter. Students must supply their own firearm and ammunition. Weapons and ammunition are not provided.
For questions, please email safety@northampton.edu.