Armed Security Guard Training Requirements in Pennsylvania

In accordance with the Private Detective Act of 1953, armed security guards in the State of Pennsylvania must comply with the qualifications needed in order for them to be called as licensed armed security guards. If you are an individual who is interested in applying for this position, you must comply with the amendment of this law upon application to be filled with the Clerk or Courts. 

As required, the following are required for each applicant to meet in order to be fit for the said position: 

• Applicants must be at least 21 years old. 
• Applicants must be a high school graduate and must provide a high school diploma or any equivalent. 
• Applicants must be a resident of the United States and must have a proof of residency. 
• Applicants must have a valid driver’s license in the state of Pennsylvania. 
• Applicants must be of good moral character. He/she must provide letters for character references. 
• Applicants must pass 2 passport size pictures. 
• Applicants must be checked for his/her background and will be conducted by the District Attorney’s Office and the Clerk of Courts. 
• Applicants must also submit to fingerprinting that will be filled with the Pennsylvania State Police Central Repository. 
• Applicants must have proof of firearms training. 

For training, to be a suitable armed security officer, applicants must attend a 40 hours security guard training class and training for firearms at a certified training facility. Range time is also required for an armed guard to take. The classroom education is given to help the applicant perform their duties as a licensed armed guard with confidence and safety.

The following are included in the classroom training: 

• Written reports 
• Emergency and medical care 
• Emergency fire care 
• Legal and ethical issues 
• Use of force 
• Detaining suspects 

The state of Pennsylvania mandates all armed security guard applicants to train for firearms in compliance with the Lethal Weapons Training Act. Applicants will train with a 38-caliber gun, shooting 50 rounds and train using a shotgun. This training will include marksmanship and target to ensure that the armed guard that will be licensed has experience with weapons. Firearm certification is valid for 5 years with an 8 hour refresher course to be taken yearly. Armed security officers are qualified for security sector both in private and public settings. 

Applicants must undergo both physical and psychological examination while applying. Examinations for this must be performed by a licensed Pennsylvania physician and psychologist both paid for by the applicant. This is to ensure their capacity to use lethal weapons. The physician and psychologist must fill out forms and submit them within 15 days from the date of the exam. 

Upon completion of all exams, trainings and requirements, licensed is given to the armed security officer. This license is renewed every two years while a firearm licensed is renewable every 5 years.