Background Check and Fingerprints FAQs

1. Where can I find a copy of the laws?
2. If a substitute had a background check done for a school district but they are going to sub for multiple districts, do they have to have a new background check done for each district?
3. How long can a school district employ a person if background results have NOT yet been received?
4. If a retired teacher becomes a substitute or support staff employee, are they required to have a background check?
5. How long are background checks valid?
6. If I had a background check done in another state can that be used to obtain my certification?
7. Can I have my background check done at a satellite site in ANOTHER state?
8. If I had a background check done for another purpose (carry and conceal permit, adoption, church, etc.) can that be used for a background check for a school district?
9. Can a University have a copy of my background results?
10. Can I use my background check for church daycare?
11. If I am enrolled in an online university that is OUT OF STATE (ie: University of Phoenix, Western Governor’s, etc) can they have a copy of my results?
12. I had a background check done online, is that valid for my teaching certificate?
13. How much does a background cost?
14. How long does it take to receive background results?
15. I did a background check and paid $45, can that be used for my certification?
16. Why do I have to go to the OSBI to perform another background check?
17. How do I challenge a background discrepancy?
18. How do I know which service code to use when registering for my appointment?

Where can I find a copy of the laws?

• Please refer to the “Laws and Rules” section on the background page on our website.

If a substitute had a background check done for a school district but they are going to substitute for multiple districts, do they have to have a new background check done for each district?

• An applicant may perform ONE background check and each school district they substitute for may request a copy from the state Department of Education. In order for a background check to carry over into the next school year they MUST have worked in each school district at least ONE day in the previous school year.

How long can a school district employ a person if background results have NOT yet been received?

• By law you are able to employ a person for up to 60 school days.

If a retired teacher becomes a substitute or support staff employee, are they required to have a background check?

• A teacher must be employed within the NEXT consecutive school year and have a valid background check on file if being employed by the same school district they retired from. If the applicant is going to be employed for a NEW school district, they must obtain a letter of good standing from the district they retired from and a current background check (within the past FIVE years) must be produced from the retiring school district.

How long are background checks valid?

• FOR SUBSTITUTES AND SUPPORT STAFF- A valid background check must be on file and ONLY then is it up to the school’s discretion on whether or not the applicant needs a new background check.

If I had a background check done in another state can that be used to obtain my certification?

• No, background results are only valid for each state. By law we are not able to obtain or send results across state lines.

Can I have my background check done at a satellite site in ANOTHER state?

• Yes, you may go onto the Idemia website and see if there is a participating site near you. https://ok.ibtfingerprint.com/

If I had a background check done for another purpose (carry and conceal permit, adoption, church, etc.) can that be used for a background check for a school district?

• No, your background results are ONLY valid for school purposes per the OSBI and FBI.

Can a University have a copy of my background results?

• No, background results are ONLY valid for employment and certification purposes. You may bring a copy of a receipt to your professor or they can access the Oklahoma Educators Credentialing System website to view results for recommendations.

Can I use my background check for church daycare?

• No, your background results are only valid for school purposes per the OSBI and FBI.

If I am enrolled in an online university that is OUT OF STATE (ie: University of Phoenix, Western Governor’s, etc) can they have a copy of my results?

• No, background results are only valid for employment and certification purposes therefore we are not allowed to send results to that university for their program. You may obtain a background check at the OSBI or by performing one through an internet based source (ie: accufax-us.com).

I had a background check done online, is that valid for my teaching certificate?

• No, you must perform a fingerprint based background check by coming to the Oklahoma State Department of Education, satellite site, or sending in cards to the  Oklahoma State Department of Education. Any other form of background is NOT valid.

How much does a background cost?

• FOR CERTIFICATION- The fee is $58.25
• FOR EMPLOYMENT- There are two options available, $45 and $58.25. Please check with your school to see which option they would like you to choose.

How long does it take to receive background results?

• $58.25 option normally takes 7 to 10 business days.
• $45 option normally takes 4 to 6 weeks.
  • NOTE: IF an applicant is rejected by the FBI a name search will be conducted and results normally take an ADDITIONAL 4 to 6 weeks.

I did a background check and paid $45, can that be used for my certification?

• No, you MUST perform the $58.25 option to obtain certification prints.

Why do I have to go to the OSBI to perform another background check?

• Once you have been rejected twice you MUST go to the OSBI to do another set of fingerprints cards. The OSBI do NOT reject their own prints so then they automatically get sent to the FBI for results.
• NOTE: AFTER you have done your fingerprints at the OSBI you MUST send them into the Oklahoma State Department of Education so they can be processed.

How do I challenge a background discrepancy?

To challenge the accuracy or make changes to a background check record please contact the following agencies with your questions or concerns.

For records in Oklahoma:

Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation
Criminal Identification Section
6600 North Harvey
Oklahoma City, OK 73116-7910

For Federal records:

FBI CJIS Division
Attention: Criminal History Analysis Team 1
1000 Custer Hollow Road
Clarksburg, WV 26306

Your written request should clearly identify the information that you feel is inaccurate or incomplete and should include copies of any available proof or supporting documentation to substantiate your claim. For example, if your disposition information is incorrect or missing, you may submit documentation obtained from the court having jurisdiction over the arrest or the office prosecuting the offense. The FBI will contact appropriate agencies in an attempt to verify or correct challenged entries for you. Upon receipt of an official communication from the agency with jurisdiction over the data, the FBI will make appropriate changes and notify you of the outcome.

 How do I know which service code to use when registering for my appointment?

• School District Employment: 2B7KRR
• Teacher Certification:  2B7KS5
• Dual Processing: 2B7KTN  **Please note this option is only available at OSDE. The satellite sites do not have this option**