Act 67: School Security Personnel Basic Training Course
The School Security Personnel Basic Training Course is a non-degree certificate program offered through the IUP Criminal Justice Training Center. This program is specifically designed to satisfy the requirements for the Pennsylvania Act 67 of 2019. Successful completion of this program will certify the graduate to work in Pennsylvania schools only, in the following roles: School Police Officer, School Resource Officer, and School Security Officer.
The School Security Personnel (SSP) Basic Training Course is a 40-hour block of instruction for those wishing to work in school-based law enforcement or security-type positions. The course provides a knowledge base for the SSP to build rapport with students and staff. The material is also designed to provide non-protection personnel, i.e. school teachers, administrators, counselors, etc. with a thorough overview of the SSP functions as part of the school staff. The course is offered by IUP through face-to-face instruction or an online platform.
Both face-to-face and online courses are approved by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD).
Admission is contingent on approval of the director of the IUP Criminal Justice Training Center and on various clearances.
The 40-hour (pass/fail) program may be offered in-person and/or online throughout the year. Successful completion requires students to pass unit quizzes and deliver a culminating presentation. Students will receive a letter of completion upon passing the program. A course representing the SSP program will appear on the student's IUP clock hour transcript, which will serve as the official confirmation of completion.
Applying to the Program
During completion of your application, when asked on the admissions form for Student Type, answer "School Security Personnel Basic Training Program."
You will also see a requirement on the admission form for high school/GED documentation. This is not necessary. You can still apply without supplying this documentation.
There is a $30 application fee for each student. The $30 fee must be paid at the time of application.
The cost of tuition for both in-person and online is $395. Both the application fee and tuition can be paid online on the IUP Marketplace.
Before applying for the SSP Basic Training Course, please contact SSP Program Coordinator Aaron Vanatta or Director Marcia Cole for information on course scheduling.
- Cell: 724-350-1513 - Vanatta
- Office: 724-357-3987 - Cole
If you have any questions, please feel free to call either Director Marcia Cole or Program Coordinator Aaron Vanatta.
Access the online admission form for this course.
After you apply, send an email to Program Coordinator Aaron Vanatta (avanatta@iup.edu) or Director Marcia Cole (mcole@iup.edu) indicating your preferred training location. They will need to know this in order to keep your registration information accurate.
IUP reserves the right to cancel any scheduled training course for lack of enrollment or other unforeseen emergency circumstances. A full refund of your course fee, or rescheduling of training, will be processed. The $30 registration fee is nonrefundable.
Please contact Program Coordinator Aaron Vanatta or Director Marcia Cole for more information regarding the IUP SSP Basic Training Course.