Firearms Standards

Firearms FAQ Page

Each year, MPOETC establishes and publishes minimum standards for annual firearms qualifications.  Beginning in 2020, MPOETC required all certified officers to qualify on a standardized course of fire for the primary duty weapon (handgun).  Departments that wish to use a different primary duty weapon course of fire may submit that request and a copy of the proposed course to RA-SPMPO_FIREARMS@pa.gov for approval.  Starting in 2022, departments are required to qualify officers using either a previously approved course of fire or the standard MPOETC course listed below.

2022 Qualification Requirements and Handgun Course (Mandatory)

ATTENTION: Due to issues associated with procuring ammunition, the requirement to use duty ammunition for the first phase of qualification is waived through the end of 2022.  Departments should document what ammunition they use for qualification but are not required to request approval from MPOETC for this modification.

MPOETC encourages firearms instructors to use the other standardized courses of fire available below when qualifying officers on weapons other than their primary duty weapon (handgun). 

Municipal Police Instructors (Firearms)

Municipal Police Instructors (MPI-Firearms) are certified by MPOETC in two-year increments (renewable) and authorized to conduct firearms training at certified municipal police academies. Individuals wishing to be MPI-Firearms certified by MPOETC must be employed by a certified police academy and the certified police academy must submit the request for certification.