General Certification

Phone Number
(208) 332-6882

Background Investigation Check

PDF Icon Background Investigation Check Policies and Procedures
PDF Icon Directions for completing Fingerprint Card
PDF Icon To Challenge Your Record

All adults working in Idaho public schools (certificated and non-certificated), or applying for certification, are currently required to have the results of a background investigation check on file with the State Department of Education. This process includes:

  • Being fingerprinted on a State Department of Education fingerprint card
  • Submitting fingerprint card & fee of $40 to the Office of Certification
  • Check is conducted through: (1) Idaho Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI); (2) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) background investigation check; (3) Statewide Sex Offender Register.
  • Clearing the criminal background check (no felonies as noted in section 33-130, Idaho Code).
  • All incomplete fingerprint cards will be returned for completion.

The State Department of Education has approved a new payment process for the Background Records Office. This process, which was designed to assist the districts in meeting the five-day submission requirement, will allow a district to make advance deposits to cover fingerprinting to the Background Records Office. As fingerprints are received from the district, the processing fees will be subtracted from the balance of the prepaid account. Districts will be notified when the account is getting low on funds. For more information, please contact Shannon Haas at the Department at (208) 332-6888 SHHaas@sde.idaho.gov or Andrea Capdeville (208) 332-6882 at acapdeville@sde.idaho.gov.

Resource for Employers: View Background Investigation Check Results

Background Investigation Check
If you have questions regarding the Idaho Background Investigation Check process, please contact Shannon Haas: shhaas@sde.idaho.gov or telephone: (208) 332-6888.

Student Teachers in Idaho
Word Icon Policy for Background Investigation Checks for Student Teachers 2
Forms
PDF Icon Instructions for Handling Fingerprint Cards
PDF Icon Multiple Assignment/Substitute Teacher Form Employment for School Personnel
PDF Icon Background Investigation Database MOA
Word Icon BIC Memorandum of Agreement
PDF Icon Request results form on letterhead without email address
 
Word Icon Request results form on letterhead without email address

It is the State Department of Education's current policy not to send results to the applicant if the results are over three months old. To be consistent with policy, a three months separation from service or pending change in status requires a new background check. The results may be released to the individual employee with this completed and signed form if their fingerprint check is less than three months old.
Word Icon Procedure for Suspending and Unsuspending
PDF Icon Sex Offender Registry Release Form
PDF Icon SES Background Investigation Check Requirements
PDF Icon Noncriminal Justice Applicant Privacy Statement Form