The PLEC of HACC, Central Pennsylvania’s Community College, is a certified center as specified by the Pennsylvania Lethal Weapons Training Act 235. Each participant who receives an approval letter from the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) to attend this course and successfully completes the program will be certified by the PSP, Lethal Weapons Certification section. This training is designed for an individual, 18 years or older, who is employed for the purpose of providing security, protective patrol, detective or criminal investigative services for a fee and who carries a firearm, baton or other lethal weapon in the course of his/her employment. In order to be certified, the applicant must pass a physical, psychological examination, and a criminal history check. Appropriate PSP application forms must be completed by the applicant.
NOTE: Before you can register for this class with us you must:
The certification is not one of attendance, but of successful completion. Please be advised that all forms are available through the Lethal Weapons website at www.psp.pa.gov/lethalweapons.
NOTE: If enrollment numbers are insufficient, or an emergency situation should occur, courses may be canceled with limited notice.
What can I do with Act 235 in the workforce?
$22,000-$50,000
Annual Salary Estimate
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
What are HACC’s classes like?
HACC offers a 40-hour course and an eight-hour recertification course. In order to be certified, applicants must pass a physical, psychological examination and a criminal history check. Appropriate PSP application forms must also be completed.
Where are classes held?
Senator Jeffrey E. Piccola Law Enforcement Complex, HACC’s Harrisburg Campus
For more information:
Act 235 is a certification class. Students taking this class should already be proficient in using a firearm—as this IS NOT a beginner’s course for new shooters.
The purpose of this course is to develop knowledge of the critical nature of the use of force as applied to Certified agents. Justification of use of force in the protection of life and property will be included. The student will learn safe handling of firearms and fire a familiarization course with a 12-gauge shotgun and meet qualification standards with a handgun.
This course consists of 22 hours of classroom instruction, four hours of armed and unarmed defense, and 14 hours of firearms training. Participants must successfully pass a written examination on the classroom program and a firearms qualification on the range.
Students must have the ability to safely participate in the firearms course required for Lethal Weapons, Act 235 certification. One of the time stages of this course requires kneeling and rising unassisted.
Required equipment for this course: A handgun that is at least a .38 or 9mm caliber and less than .50 caliber—which must be in good, operable condition as determined by HACC Range Instructors; at least two (2) magazines for semi-automatic pistols or at least one (1) speed loader for revolvers; 250 rounds of FACTORY ammunition (five boxes of 50) for your weapon (NO RELOADS!); a “strong-side” hip holster; a cleaning kit and rags; eye and ear protection, and a baseball-style hat.
HACC will provide the use of a shotgun and ammunition during the shotgun familiarization portion of the course.
NOTE: Do not bring firearms to the classroom portions of this course.
View Class Schedule (pdf)
Individuals are required to successfully complete the recertification course every five years.
The purpose of this course is to provide an update and refresher of those sections of the PA Crimes Code which are most applicable to certified agents. The student will learn how a pistol, revolver, and shotgun operate and safe handling techniques. The student will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the use of a handgun and safe handling and firing of a 12-gauge shotgun.
This course consists of three hours of classroom instruction and five hours of firearms training/qualification.
Required equipment for this course: A handgun that is at least a .38 or 9mm caliber and less than .50 caliber—which must be in good, operable condition as determined by HACC Range Instructors; at least two (2) magazines for semi-automatic pistols or at least one (1) speed loader for revolvers; 150 rounds of FACTORY ammunition (three boxes of 50) for your weapon (NO RELOADS!); a “strong-side” hip holster; a cleaning kit and rags; eye and ear protection, and a baseball-style hat.
HACC will provide the use of a shotgun and ammunition during the shotgun familiarization portion of the course.
NOTE: Do not bring firearms to the classroom portions of this course.
View Class Schedule (pdf)
Individuals who are interested in certification without firearms are required to attend a 26 hour course, which includes 22 hours of classroom instruction and four hours of armed and unarmed defense. The Academic-Only Certification will be scheduled during a “regular” 40 hour Lethal Weapons class.
To repeat the academic portion of the 40 hr class – the cost is: $195.
To repeat the firearms portion of the 40 hr class – the cost is: $195
Note: You must repeat the course at the same location.
To repeat either the academic or firearms portion of the eight hr class – the cost is: $100
Note: You must repeat the course at the same location.
Testimonials
“Outstanding knowledge base"
"A lot of experience"
"Good Range experience shared "
"Very knowledgeable high energy ”– March 2020 participants
“Very Knowledgeable & Easy to follow, really pushed me to do my best and pass!"
"Easy going and helpful!"
"Very valuable information taught with firearms instruction"
"Fantastic on the range ”– February 2020 participants
“These gentleman were very engaging and knowledgeable. I enjoyed the class very much and recommend it!"
"Great Class! ”– January 2020 participants
