The PA Child Abuse History (ACT 33), PA Criminal Record Check (ACT 34), and the FBI Fingerprint Criminal History (ACT 73) clearances are required prior to beginning any graduate program. Please be aware that obtaining some clearances (particularly Act 73) can take many weeks. Please allow sufficient time for the likely delay when you apply.
The clearances are effective for 5 years unless there is an event. Updated background will be needed for any event that occurs while in school/employed and approval/denial of clinical rotation is needed. Some facilities may require yearly renewal of all clearances. Students are responsible for any costs incurred to obtain these clearances.
Please note the following information:
- ACT 33: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance application is processed online: Pennsylvania Child Welfare Information Solution
- It is recommended that you apply as: Individual 14 years of age or older who is applying for or holding a paid position as an employee with a program, activity or service, as a person responsible for the child's welfare or having direct contact with children; applying as an employee who is responsible for the child's welfare or having direct contact (providing care, supervision, guidance or control to children or having routine interaction with children) in any of the following in which children participate and which is sponsored by a school or a public or private organization.
- You will receive an email when your results are available. You will need to log back into the website to retrieve results. PLEASE BE SURE TO KEEP YOUR USERNAME AND PASSWORD IN A SAFE PLACE, YOU WILL NEED THESE TO RETRIEVE YOUR RESULTS.
- ACT 34: Pennsylvania Criminal Record Check is processed online: PATCH
- It is recommended to apply as Employee
- A link to the results comes back immediately (in most cases).
- Click on the case number link to obtain the certificate. Save it to your computer and print a copy.
- ACT 73: FBI Fingerprint Clearance
Pennsylvania Residents apply at: Digital Fingerprinting | IdentoGo- When applying through IdentoGo enter your zip code and click on the site where your fingerprints will be processed
- It is recommended that you apply using the DHS SERVICE CODE # 1KG756 --- Employee >=14 Years Contact w/ Children
- Your results will be sent to the mailing address listed on the application, so be sure to use a non-campus mailing address. Please be aware that results on the Act 73 application can take up to 12 weeks to come back.
- Please check the website above for approved fingerprint scan locations. Locations are updated frequently, as more sites are approved.
- Do not apply through the Department of Education or the Department of Justice.
Non-Pennsylvania Residents apply at: DHS.PA.gov - FBI Fingerprinting- Follow the instructions under the heading FBI Criminal History Clearance
- Your results will be sent to the mailing address listed on the application. Please be aware that results on the Act 73 application can take up to 12 weeks to come back.
- Do not apply through the Department of Education or the Department of Justice.
Copies of these clearances should be uploaded to the compliance documentation software (the system will be available once admitted and enrolled) by the due date. Clearances can take up to 12 weeks to receive results. Please plan accordingly. You will not be permitted to serve in a Teaching Assistant (TA) / Teaching Fellow (TF) role or attend clinical rotations without the clearances.