Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons Training Act
BASIC APPLICANTS
Please follow the instructions below to apply for initial certification as a Lethal Weapons Agent.
STEP 1:
Complete an online (Basic Applicant) application using the TACS System. 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 $50.00.
STEP 2:
When you submit your application you will receive an automated email from Morphotrust with instructions for scheduling your fingerprint session. You must be fingerprinted at one of the approved 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 and psychological examination forms. You must undergo a physical 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.
You may contact the preferred psychologist, Doctor Tanenbaum, at (610) 664-3442.
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 firearms course within the past 12 months may be waived of the firearms training requirement. To request waiver consideration, please submit supporting documents to the Lethal Weapons Certification Unit at mpolethalweapcert@pa.gov or at the address listed below.
PHOTOGRAPHS:
If you do not possess a valid PA driver’s license or are an out-of-state resident you must, in addition to the steps above, submit two (2) passport size photos to the Lethal Weapons Certification Unit at the address below.
PA STATE POLICE
Lethal Weapons Certification
Unit 8002 Bretz Drive
Harrisburg, PA 17112
STEP 4:
Upon receipt of official notification you have been approved for training you should schedule training with Liberty Training Services an Act 235 certified school. It is your responsibility to schedule the training after receiving the approval letter.
STEP 5:
Upon completion of training, login to TACS (click 'have an account' login using your last name, full birthday: MM/DD/YEAR, and the last four digits of your SSN) to submit the $30.00 certification fee by credit card payment. (We no longer accept checks or money orders.)
FEE BREAKDOWN
Basic Certification Course
Armed or “F” Card $400.00
Academic and Skills Only or “L” Card $325.00
Re-Train After Failure $300.00
Re-Certification Course $250.00
