Background Check

You MAY NOT participate in required field experiences UNTIL your background check has cleared. Failure to receive clearance in a timely manner could delay you a semester or more in the program, as you will have to repeat the semester to complete field experiences.

Your admissions letter will give you instructions on the clearance process. Please make sure you read it carefully.

To complete the Teacher Education background check process:

1. Visit the USBE Background Check website to start the process.
2. Click on initial licensure and continue through the step by step process.
3. Print out the authorization letter, and take this with you when you go to the fingerprinting office.
4. Make arrangements to visit a USBE Live Scan site:
   Utah Educator LiveScan Fingerprint Sites

For the time being, you need to go to the Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) Office located at 3888 West 5400 South West Valley to get fingerprinted.  You need to schedule an appointment and they are about three weeks out.  The phone number to call is 801-281-5193

Please follow the directions below:

After you have received an email from USBE saying you have cleared your background check, your clearance card and lanyard will be available in the Teacher Education Advisement Center ED 230. Please call 801 626-7694 to see when someone will be available.You will need to provide proof of identity with a picture ID. The clearance card must be worn at all times when you are in a school and the lanyard must hold the clearance card and WSU ID.

PLEASE BE ADVISED:

If you started a USBE background check online at Educator Licensing Online after July 1, 2015, it is now being continuously monitored. Another check will not be necessary unless your Utah Educator License expires or there is no activity on your CACTUS record after one calendar year for earning a Utah Educator License.