PA Act 235 Process

While the Pennsylvania State Police website is a good start, it leaves out some key details.

Here's a checklist on what to do to acquire an Act 235 certificate in Pennsylvania:

Step	Description	Notes
1	Go to the PA State Police website, follow the steps for Basic Applicant and complete online application.	1. Go to www.psp.pa.gov 2. After the first paragraph, you'll see this - All Act 235 certification actions are available on the Applications Page- Click on Applications Page 3. On this page, scroll down and click on Basic 4. On the basic application page, scroll down and click on TACS System 5. On the training and certification page, fill in the area under the Public/Guest Users section 6. Once the applicant pays and submits their application, they will receive an email with further instructions and a link to set up a fingerprint appointment
2	Schedule Fingerprint appointment	There is one contractor the state accepts. Be sure to follow the instructions in the email from the state.
3	Schedule physical examination at PA licensed provider.	Physical Exam Form
4	Schedule psychological examination at PA licensed provider.	Psychological Exam Form
5	Completed and signed exam report forms must be mailed to the Lethal Weapons Certification Unit.	Strongly recommend Registered mail with receipt tracking.
6	You will receive a letter from the PA State Police officially notifying you whether you have been approved.	Expect minimum 2 weeks before response. If longer, call and track down the holdup.
7	Once approved, you can schedule training at an Act 235 certified school. You have six months to complete the 40-hour training from the date of your Approval Letter.	As soon as you receive your Approval Letter from Lethal Weapons Certification, contact an approved Act 235 to register for Act 235 training.
8	Attend and successfully complete 40 hour training class	Act 235 Schools
9	Qualify on range with planned carry firearm	Act 235 Range Qualification Standards (good luck finding a standard. My experience was 147 points out of 150 on a standard B27 target at ranges from 15 to 25 yards, standing, kneeling, and one handed. Only hits inside the large ring counted).
10	Upon completion of training, you must login to TACS to submit the $30 certification fee to the Commonwealth of PA.	Certification fee to Commonwealth of PA: $30
11	You will receive an ACT 235 Certified Agent ID card in the mail.	Expect 2 weeks after submitting completion status and fee.