Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII)
Mandatory Background Check

ODE Begins Implementation of H.B. 79 with Mandatory Background Checks

To comply with Amended House Bill 79, effective March 29, 2007, the Ohio Department of Education requires applicants for any license or permit it issues to complete an Ohio criminal background check, conducted by the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCII). The requirement includes applicants seeking to transition, renew or advance their licenses as well as applicants seeking new and renewal adult education and pupil activity permits. The BCII fingerprint results must be submitted to ODE electronically through WebCheck.

For information about WebCheck and a listing of locations across the state, visit www.webcheck.ag.state.oh.us

Any applicant who has not lived in Ohio continuously for the past 5 years also must complete a federal criminal background check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Results of both state and federal background checks are valid for 1 year. If an application is received on or after March 29 without the appropriate background check results on file, ODE will place the application on hold pending receipt of the results.

ODE will communicate background check requirements in H.B. 79 for individuals holding 8-year, non-tax and permanent certificates as guidelines and timelines are developed. For questions or more information, please contact the Office of Educator Licensure at (614) 466-3593.

Cost

The cost necessary for BCI to perform the background checks is $15 per transaction. However, some agencies or vendors choose to charge additional fees over and above this required cost in order to raise money for their particular organization - such fees can range from $5 to $40.