BCI/FBI Requirements
Background Checks for Student Teaching and Field Experience
All students enrolled in student teaching or a field experience course are required to have current fingerprint background checks, (BCI) Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification and (FBI) Federal Bureau of Investigation. Both background checks expire after one year. (Valid 12 months/365 days from the date of issue).
Please note: Starting July 1, 2024, any individual enrolled in a course that is part of an Educator Preparation Program AND who will be in a Pk-12 classroom as part of the course must obtain a Pre-service Teacher Permit before they are allowed in schools for their Field Experience or Student Teaching assignments.
Fingerprinting Background Services at the IRC
You can have these background checks completed by filling out the in person, at the Instructional Resource Center (IRC) in Room 221 White Hall, during operating hours. Find IRC hours of operation, fee information, and items to bring.
IMPORTANT: Background Checks for the Pre-Service Permit
Get your BCI and FBI Background check ASAP.
Use code 3319.291 for both BCI and FBI Background checks.
You can schedule a background check on the second floor of White Hall in the Instructional Resource Center (IRC) by using this link or going to any other that does background checks.
Have your background check sent electronically to the Ohio Department of Education/State Board of Education. We recommend you have a copy sent to yourself for your records.
You are not required to get a new background check if you have had one done within 1 year of the date that the pre-service permit is issued and if an electronic copy of that background check was sent to the State Board of Education (formerly the Ohio Department of Education) at the time you got the background check. If your background check is nearing expiration, it may expire before issuance of the pre-service permit.
Other Important Information
If you recently received a background check but did not have it sent electronically to the State Board of Education (or formerly the Ohio Department of Education), you will need to get a new background check. If you are unsure, check in your OHID account to see if the state has received a copy.
We kindly ask that you DO NOT send the results of your background checks to 5XÉçÇø Vacca Office. Neither the Vacca Office of Student Services nor your faculty views these results.
This is your only official copy of your results. The IRC does not have access to your results.
If you have any questions regarding your fingerprints or if you would like to obtain additional official copies for a fee from BCII call 877-224-0043, or 740-845-2000.