Background Check

ALL STUDENTS PLEASE NOTE:

If this process isn't followed correctly you may have to complete the background check process again and repay all associated fees, delaying your enrollment in class.

Before beginnINg the USBE BACKGROUND CHECK PROCESS, ALL STUDENTS SHOULD NOTE THAT YOU MUST BE 18 YEARS OLD TO BEGIN THE PROCESS. IF YOU ARE NOT 18, PLEASE WAIT TO BEGIN THIS PROCESS UNTIL THAT DATE.

All students must have a cleared background check to receive a permission code. There is still plenty of room available in these classes. No student is permitted in the class without a verified USBE background check and a permission code.

In order to participate in any field-based course in the teaching licensure programs, students must pass a State and Federal background check through the Utah State Board of Education (USBE). Students must complete the background check prior to the first-course meeting. Failure to do so may jeopardize your ability to complete course requirements and receive a grade in field-based courses.

Please note that students should complete the physical fingerprinting at the locations listed on the paperwork found on thier USIMS account under Fingerprinting Instructions or on our website. No other locations will be accepted. Note that the University Campus Police does not meet this requirement as it is not on the listed locations. Students should note the YUP or BCI locations are the preferred locations than school district buildings. To ensure that your physical fingerprinting is reported back to the USBE you must take the paperwork that is found on your USIMS account under Fingerprinting Instructions when you complete your physical fingerprinting. If you do not take this paperwork with you, your background check will not be sent to the USBE and we cannot accept it. All checks must be verified with the USBE, we will not accept any background checks from outside entities.

To verify that your background check is on record with the USBE, locate your CACTUS Number, and provide proof of your USBE Background Check for permission codes; please create or access your USIMS account using the directions found below. Public Health or Child Care Licensing background checks will not be accepted as they are not on record with the USBE.

Students who previously accessed the CACTUS system via UEN will need begin using and accessing the USIMS system.

If your background check is not on record, you will be required to complete the USBE Background Check directions found below. Note that these are step-by-step directions and students are strongly encouraged to use them to successfully complete the USBE Background Check process correctly and accurately.

Students should note the following to successfully complete a USBE Background Check. Students must complete both steps listed below to complete the USBE Background Check. Only completing the online portion will not complete the USBE Background Check.

To access your USIMS Screenshot for permission codes:

This information is for those who have already completed their USBE Background Check. If you need to begin the process, please go to Step One below.

Students should note that all screenshots will need to be turned into a PDF document. If you have already received a clearance email from the USBE informing you that you have a cleared background check you do not need to do a new background check. The information below will link your UEN/CACTUS account with the new USIMS System.

Please read these directions carefully to ensure that you take the correct screen shot. Students who do not take the correct screenshot may be required to submit a new one.

Go to https://usims.schools.utah.gov/. Log into your account. Note that you do not need to complete the Ethics Review at this time.
Click on Home-Checklist.
Make sure that the carrot (arrow) next to License Info is displaying your information.
Take a screen shot of everything from the word "Home" to the bottom where it says, "Personal Information." Please ensure that you have all information on this screenshot. If necessary, you can take multiple screen shots. However, you will need to add all pages together in one pdf document for the permission code request form. If you need help doing this, please go to: https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/add-pages-to-pdf.html
Students should note, their USIMS screenshot may not show your background check clearance date. This is normal. For a clearance date, please refer to the email that would have been sent to you by the USBE to the email you used to set up your USIMS account (before July 2020, your UEN/Cactus account.)

Step One: Initiate the Background Check Process (Complete the Online Portion):

Create an account with USIMS.

1. Go to https://usims.schools.utah.gov/.

2. Click on "Sign Up Now". Enter in your email address. Click the blue Send verification code button. Note, that this email address should be one that you check frequently. Do not use a throwaway email address for USIMS. Then go to your email and get the verification code from the email that was sent to you. Enter it into the box.

3. Create a password and confirm it.

4. Type in your first and last names.

5. Then click on the blue Create button.

Home-Checklist Please note that you do not need to complete the Educator Ethics Review at this time.

Licensing Issues
1. Click on the Licensing Issues button.

2. Please read through the statement verifying your credential status. Most UITE students will not have any sort of credential with the USBE or any other licensing entity and will select the first statement. If you have not had a credential, select the first statement. If the statement is true and you have had a credential revoked, please select the second statement.

3. Click on the blue “I Agree” button.

Educator Privacy Policy Statement
1. Please read through the statement.

2. Check mark the box indicating, “I have acknowledged the above Statement.”

3. Select the blue “Continue” button.

Educator Information Lookup
1. Enter in your Date of Birth (mm/dd/yyyy)

2. Enter in your Social Security Number, use dashes.

3. Confirm your Social Security Number, use dashes.

4. Click on the blue “Submit” button.

Students who do not have a social security number are ineligible to proceed further. If you are an international student on a visa, please contact the International Student & Scholar Services Office on how to obtain one.

Personal Information
1. Click on the Personal Information button.

2. Your CACTUS ID number will be displayed here.

3. Enter or update your first name, maiden name and last name.

4. Please select your gender.

5. Enter or update your address, phone number and email address. Note, this email address should be one that you check frequently. Do not use a throwaway email address for USIMS.

6. Enter or update your race/ethnicity.

7. Under Utah Teacher Education Program:

8. Select Yes

9. Select University of Utah

10. Click on the blue “Save” button.

Criminal Background Review Required
1. FBI Privacy Act Statement

2. Read through the statement and click the blue Continue button. It is very important that you read the statement. Please ensure that you do so before clicking on the “Continue” button.

3. Utah Consent to Background Check

4. Read through the statement and click the blue “I Agree” button. Please ensure that you read through the entire statement.

5. Background Check

6. Fingerprint Instructions for the Utah State Board of Education-Educator Licensing.

7. Select Fingerprint Instructions. Note that this is the location of the paperwork that you must take with you to your physical fingerprinting appointment.

8. Print the two pages of the Fingerprint Instructions. And enter in your CACTUS ID number prior to going to complete the physical fingerprinting. You do not need the actual fingerprint cards printed off.

Students should proceed to step 2 of the Background Check, the physical fingerprinting portion.

STEP TWO: Complete the Physical Fingerprinting:

All students will need to complete Step Two of the background check process. Please use the information below to complete this process. Students should note that only completing the online portion does not complete the process and you will not have a cleared USBE Background Check.

All students should note that In-state Utah (LiveScan) fingerprinting typically takes 2-6 weeks to receive your clearance after completion the physical fingerprinting. Out of State physical fingerprinting (using fingerprint cards) can take up to 16 weeks to receive clearance.

Students that are out of state and will not be in Utah before the beginning of the semester should not plan to register for a field practicum course for the following semester. (i.e. intend to register for EDU 1010 fall 2022 but will not be in Utah until August should plan to take the course in spring 2023 and complete the in-state option in September or October once they are in Utah).

Students in Utah a Month Prior to the Beginning of the Semester:

UITE strongly recommends students complete their physical fingerprinting at YUP locations which typically have same or next-day appointments available. The fee at YUP is $21.00. If you are an Orientation student or a Utah resident, please complete this option.

We do not encourage students to go to other locations including school district offices as they do not always forward the background check to the USBE or complete the full required check. If you complete the check at a school district office, please note that you may risk having to complete your physical fingerprinting again if your fingerprints are not sent to the USBE.

1. Note that no forms will be emailed to you. All information that you need to complete the physical fingerprinting is available on USIMS.

2. Print off the first page on the Fingerprint Instructions and write in your CACTUS id number on the left chart under Cactus ID #. This can be found on your Personal Information tab on USIMS.

3. Schedule your appointment and pay your fee at one of the YUP locations below.

4. Ensure that you take the first page of fingerprint instructions with your CACTUS id number on it as well as your government-issued photo id with you (i.e. drivers license). Do not complete your physical fingerprinting without both the completed form and your id. If you do not have these, your fingerprints will not be sent to the USBE upon completion and you will have to complete the process again, repaying all fees.

Your Unique Prints (YUP) Fingerprinting - Recommended location.

YUP Fingerprinting has several locations in Utah. Please choose the one closest to you if you choose to complete your physical fingerprinting at that location. Please go to the YUP website to schedule your appointment. Students who choose the YUP Fingerprinting should use the following information when scheduling their appointment:

1. After choosing your location, select Direct Submission/LiveScan for your fingerprinting option.

2. Ensure that you have the PDF paperwork that is found in your USIMS account under Fingerprint Instructions with you CACTUS number written in. You CACTUS number can be found on your Personal Information on USIMS. If you do not take your paperwork, you will have to complete the physical fingerprinting again and repay all associated fees-delaying your background check clearance.

3. The fee at YUP for your physical fingerprinting is $21.00. YUP often has next day appointments available for you to choose from.

YUP Fingerprinting
1133 N Main St. #127
Layton, UT 84041
(435) 359-3151
Mon. to Fri.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

YUP Fingerprinting
394 W. Main St. #103
Lehi, UT 84043
(435) 359-3151
Monday to Friday
9:00 am - 4:20 pm

YUP Fingerprinting
95 W 100 S #104
Logan, UT 84321
(435) 359-3151
Monday to Thursday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

YUP Fingerprinting
231 E 400 S #350
Salt Lake City, UT 84111
(435) 359-3151
Monday to Friday
9:00 am - 4:20 pm

YUP Fingerprinting
1240 E 100 S, Bldg 23 Ste. 202J
St George, UT 84790
(435) 359-3151
Mon. to Fri.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm

Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) Fingerprinting

Students who decide to use the BCI for their physical fingerprinting should be aware of the following information.

1. You must schedule an appointment with the BCI. Please go to https://bci.utah.gov/fingerprint-and-photo-services-for-the-public/ to make the appointment.

3. The fee at the BCI is $15.00.

4. Your appointment with the BCI may be a few weeks away. They do not often have appointments available within the week.

The BCI is located at 3888 West 5400 South, Taylorsville, Utah 84118, 801-965-4445.

Hours: Monday – Friday 8am to 5pm.

Other locations on the USBE paperwork, will have fees of their own. Students are encouraged to use either the BCI or YUP for their physical fingerprinting. Students are reminded to ensure that if they use a school district office that the background check is forwarded to the USBE by having their paperwork with them. These offices do not always automatically do this and you may have to do a new background check. Some school district offices will not complete USBE Background Checks for those who are not employees. Please check with the location before going to complete your physical fingerprinting.

Out of State Students:

This is for those students who are out of state and need to complete this prior to attending the University of Utah and will not be at an in person Orientation.

Students are reminded that this can take 16 weeks to complete and should only be completed by students who intend to register for field practicum classes in a later subsequent semester, giving themselves at least four months to successfully complete the process.

Students are expected to plan their fingerprinting and field practicum course selection appropriately to accommodate the background check process. Students who complete physical fingerprint cards should not plan to complete fieldwork in next academic semester due to the time it takes to complete this process. (i.e. A student planning on taking EDU 1010 in fall should plan to start the process no later than May 1, otherwise the student should plan to take the course in spring.)

Follow the instructions found on the Fingerprint Instructions page, right side of the table.

1. Go to a police station or another agency that will complete physical fingerprinting. Check prior to going to the location to see if the location requires you to schedule an appointment or will accept walk-ins.

2. Take your government issued photo id with you.

3. Make sure that your fingerprinting is done in black ink or digitally completed. The USBE strongly recommends the FD-258 card which can be downloaded from the FBI website: Applicant Fingerprint Form (FD-258) — FBI.

4. Complete all of the required spaces. See the sample card on the remaining pages of the fingerprint instructions for greater detail.

5. Return to the USBE Educator Licensing Office one completed fingerprint card. DO NOT FOLD, BEND, STAPLE OR PUNCH HOLES IN FINGERPRINT CARDS.

6. Mail card to the address using the shipping information found on the Fingerprint Instruction page.

For all students: Your background check should update in USIMS once it is cleared. You may also receive an email from the USBE informing you that your background check has cleared.

Questions? Contact Ms. Kristen Lindsay, Kristen.lindsay@utah.edu

Important information to complete a full check:

You must list the University of Utah as the Institution you are attending when you complete the online portion of the background check procedure.

Your USBE Background Check is valid for five years, provided nothing occurs to invalidate it. The background check will be continuously monitored for continued clearance.

Background check status will be recorded by the UITE at the University of Utah and instructors in future field-based classes will be made aware of your clearance status so that you do not have to complete the check more than once within a five-year period.

IMPORTANT: You have one year from the time you log into the USBE system to take your form to the BCI or YUP site and get your prints taken. If you do not complete the process within the time limit, you will be taken out of the USBE system and will have to repay all fees. We strongly encourage you to complete this process as soon as possible to prevent delays in clearances which may delay enrollment in some classes.

If a student does not pass the background check, they cannot complete the field requirements of field practicum courses.

Please follow the directions listed above, these are written to help you successfully complete the process.

Students should note that background checks that cannot be verified by the USBE's database will not be accepted, with no exceptions. If you have completed a check for a different UT state department you can verify your background check status with the USBE either via USIMS or CACTUS (only students who created at CACTUS account via UEN Spring 2022 or earlier should use this account all others should use USIMS). If there isn't a background check on record for you on CACTUS or USIMS, then you will need to complete a new one using the process above.

Urban Institute for Teacher Education

College of Education