Loading...
Loading...
How to become a licensed security guard in Pennsylvania. No state license required. Armed training: 40 hours. Total initial fees: $245-$545. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Security Guard
Governing Authority
No state guard card (Lethal Weapons Training Act for armed)
No
License Required?
Varies
Unarmed Training
40 hrs
Armed Training
$245-$545
Total Initial Fees
Annual (Act 235)
Renewal Period
18+
Min Age (Unarmed)
State Regulation
VerifiedNot Required
License Requirement
No state-level licensing
Regulation Level
Regulation Notes
Pennsylvania does not require a state guard card for unarmed security guards. Armed guards must comply with the Lethal Weapons Training Act (Act 235). Some municipalities have local requirements.
Additional Requirements
Training Hours
Additional Requirements
Armed training available
40 hrs
Firearms Training Hours
Qualification Requirements
Must complete 40-hour Act 235 Lethal Weapons Training certification
Authorized Firearm Types
Requalification Frequency
Annual firearms requalification required
Guard Card / Licensing Exam
VerifiedNot Required
Guard Card
18+
Unarmed Min Age
21+
Armed Min Age
Yes
Required
Yes
Fingerprinting
Yes
Federal Check
Yes
State Check
Disqualifying Offenses
Drug screening not required by state
No
Company License
Employer Training Obligations
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Training Fee Varies by training provider | $200-$500 (Act 235) |
Armed License Fee | $45 |
Renewal Fee | $45 |
Total Initial Fees Total varies based on training provider selected | $245-$545 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
VerifiedAnnual (Act 235)
Renewal Period
8 hrs
CE Hours Required
Refresher Training
Annual refresher required for Act 235 certification
Firearms Requalification
Annual firearms requalification required
Renewal Fee
$45
Security guard licenses must be renewed on schedule. Most states require refresher training covering updated laws, use-of-force guidelines, and emergency procedures.
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedDoes Not Accept Out-of-State Credentials
Transfer Details
Pennsylvania does not have state-level unarmed security guard licensing.
Security guard license reciprocity varies significantly by state. Most states require new applicants to complete state-specific training and background checks regardless of prior credentials.
Pennsylvania's Lethal Weapons Training Act (Act 235) only applies to armed guards. Unarmed guards have no state-level requirements, creating a significant gap between armed and unarmed regulation.
This state does not license or register security guards at the state level. Requirements may exist at the local (city/county) level. Check with local law enforcement or business licensing offices.
Pennsylvania only licenses ARMED security guards under Act 235 (Lethal Weapons Training Act). Unarmed security guards are not state-licensed.
Armed guards must have Act 235 (Lethal Weapons Training Act) certification.
Act 235 training is 40 hours and requires annual renewal.
Some municipalities (Philadelphia, Pittsburgh) may have local licensing requirements.
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Pennsylvania.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#1 of 51
Salary
#32 of 51
Cost
#27 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Security Guards (SOC 33-9032)
Entry Level
$34,370
25th percentile
Median
$37,680
-2% vs. national avg ($38,370)Experienced
$45,210
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
43,710 employed in this state
Source: BLS OEWS – Security Guards (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+3.5%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+35,900
over 10 years
Annual Openings
137,700
per year (avg.)
1.0M currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 4–15 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: No state guard card (Lethal Weapons Training Act for armed) — Licensing Requirements
4–12 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: No state guard card (Lethal Weapons Training Act for armed) — Licensing Requirements
Study guides for security guard licensing exams.
Browse Study Guides on Amazon →As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Shop essential tools and supplies to get started in your career.
Training requirements, guard card process, armed vs unarmed paths, background check details, and renewal info — delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. We respect your privacy.
Pennsylvania does not require a state-level security guard license. All licensing is managed through the No state guard card (Lethal Weapons Training Act for armed).
Requirements vary by state and local jurisdiction. Always verify current requirements with your state licensing authority.