Background Checks

Background Checks

All Utah educators must pass a criminal background check by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) to obtain a license and work with students. 

You must have a valid U.S. Social Security Number (SSN) to request a USBE background check. If you do not have one, contact the U.S. Social Security Administration first.

Background checks from other states cannot be shared with USBE. 

How to Start Your Background Check in USIMS

Before getting fingerprinted, create an account in the Utah Schools Information Management System (USIMS).

  • Go to USIMS: Complete all required tasks on your checklist to set up your profile. A valid SSN is required. 
  • Request a background check: You will provide consent in the Criminal Background Review Required task.
  • Review Instructions: Locate the Fingerprinting Instructions link on the "Next Steps" screen in USIMS. 

Submit Your Fingerprints

If you are physically in Utah, use a LiveScan site. This is an electronic process and is the fastest way to complete your background check.

Step 1: Make an Appointment

Schedule an appointment at our Salt Lake City office or an approved Utah LiveScan Site.

Step 2: What to Bring

You must bring the following to your appointment:

  • Identification: A valid, government-issued photo ID.
  • Educator ID: Your CACTUS/Educator ID (found in your USIMS profile).

Step 3: Provide Required Codes

To ensure your results reach our office, you must provide the technician with these specific codes:

  • Reason for Fingerprinting: National Child Protection Act/Volunteers for Children Act (NCPA/VCA)
  • USBE Agency Code: B1017

If you are applying from outside of Utah, you must mail a physical fingerprint card. We cannot accept electronic or digital fingerprint files from other states.

Step 1: Visit a Professional Service

Go to a local police station or a private fingerprinting service.

  • Bring: A valid, government-issued photo ID.
  • Ask for: A standard FD-258 fingerprint card.
  • Method: Prints may be "ink-rolled" or digitally printed onto the physical card.

Step 2: Complete the Demographic Information

You must fill out every field on the card. Missing information will result in your card being rejected. Ensure the following are included:

  • Full Name & All Aliases (such as maiden names)
  • Current Address
  • Personal Physical Description: Sex, race, height, weight, eye color, and hair color.
  • Birth Information: Date of birth and place of birth.
  • Identification Numbers: Your Social Security Number and your CACTUS/Educator ID.
  • Signatures: Both you and the official taking the prints must sign and date the card.

Step 3: Check the Print Quality

Before leaving the office, look at your card. To avoid a "low-quality" rejection, ensure:

  • Full Coverage: Each print shows the area from the fingertip down to the first knuckle.
  • Fully Rolled: Each finger was rolled from nail bed to nail bed.
  • Clarity: There are no smudges, and the prints are crisp and clear.
  • Order: All 10 prints are in the correct boxes as labeled on the card.

Step 4: Mail Your Card

Choose the address that matches your mailing method.

If Sending by Regular Mail (USPS)

USBE Educator Licensing
PO Box 144200
Salt Lake City, UT 84114-4200

Important Note on Mailed Prints: We receive standard mail at an off-site facility. Due to this delay, it may take up to 3 weeks for your documents to reach our office.

 If Sending Express (FedEx/UPS)

USBE Educator Licensing
250 E 500 S
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

Wait Time and Status

  • Important Note on Mailed Prints: We receive standard mail at an off-site facility. Due to this delay, it may take up to 3 weeks for your documents to reach our office.
  • Print Processing: It can take up to 25 business days to process prints after we receive them.
  • Check Your Status: Check your USIMS account. Your background check has cleared when your USIMS Checklist shows:
    • "Criminal Background Review Fingerprint" = COMPLETED, and
    • "Criminal Background Review" = CLEARED
  • Low-Quality Prints: If your prints are unreadable due to low ridge quality or poor scanning, you must submit a second set.
    • Tip: Hydrate and use moisturizing hand lotion the night before testing to improve print quality.
    • If a second set fails, USBE will run a "name check only," but you will be required to submit prints periodically until they register successfully in the Rapback system. . 

Updating Expired Background Checks

If your last background check was before July 1, 2015, you must update your fingerprints. You cannot work with students until this update is finished.

Background Clearance Inquiries

The Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission (UPPAC) reviews professional ethics and background clearances for USBE. If your record has a UPPAC hold, USBE cannot process any license actions until the hold is officially cleared.

  • If questions or issues arise with your background clearance, UPPAC will email you instructions on how to resolve them.
  • For questions regarding documents and clearance procedures, contact UPPAC at 801-538-7745 or by email at UPPAC@schools.utah.gov.