​​ Fingerprint clearance is required for certificated employment; for temporary teaching certificates; and for first-time applicants for credentials, certificates, or permits.

CERTIFICATED EMPLOYMENT

California State Education Code prohibits the employment of a certificated employee, who has been convicted of a serious or violent felony. To ensure compliance with law, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and COE/school district/employers request employment background clearances (including criminal history information) about applicants for certificated employment from the California Department of Justice (DOJ).

Each background clearance is reviewed prior to issuance of a credential, permit, or certificate by the CCTC.

APPLICANTS FOR TEMPORARY TEACHING CERTIFICATES

A person who meets the requirements for a teaching credential and has submitted an application packet for the credential through the County Office of Education may apply for a Temporary County Certificate (TCC). The TCC enables the applicant to teach while the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) processes the application.

Education Code 44332 prohibits a County Office to issue a temporary teaching certificate until a criminal history has been obtained and processed and DOJ/FBI verifies a clear record of serious/violent felony conviction. Therefore, a County Office of Education is required to obtain a CTC-issued Certificate of Clearance and shall not issue a temporary certificate if the applicant has not obtained the Certificate of Clearance.

FIRST TIME APPLICANTS FOR CREDENTIALS, CERTIFICATES, OR PERMITS

First time applicants for a credential, certificate, or permit, in the State of California, are required to submit fingerprint images to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) before any credential or permit can be issued by the Commission. These fingerprints for the CCTC can be in addition to any fingerprints required by the employer.

Fingerprinting for CCTC credential applications is available at any Livescan office.

 The Live Scan form for credential application can be found on the CCTC website.