Teacher Education Services

Background Clearance

The Alabama State Department of Education is changing vendors for background clearance. Additional information regarding the new registration procedures for background checks will be made available as soon as we receive information from the ALSDE. At this time, applicants are unable to be cleared through the previous agency. The tentative date for the new procedure is March 13, 2023. 

All candidates must be fingerprinted for a criminal history background check for field placement courses and admission to TEP through the Alabama State Department of Education to the Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) pursuant to Act 2002-457. See the link below for additional information regarding the fingerprinting process.

Please note that there are several agencies who complete background checks. Your background check must be completed through the Alabama Department of Education. If you had a background check completed by the Department of Human Resources or other agency, you will need to complete another background check through the Department of Education.

Fingerprint Instructions

Candidates may check their status and/or verify background clearance with the Alabama State Department of Education.