Clearances

Updated: 2/15/2015

Pennsylvania Act 153 requires volunteers to have three clearances completed before working with students.

1) Pennsylvania Criminal History Background Check (epatch.state.pa.us)

• Fee: $10 (paid via credit card)

• Click on the "Submit a New Record Check" link.

2) Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance (www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis)

• Fee: $10 (paid via credit card)

• You will have to create an account and login to complete the request.

• You will need to have addresses for all former residences and names of anyone living with you since 1975 to complete the application.

3) Federal Criminal History Record Check (www.pa.cogentid.com)

• Fee: $27 (paid via credit card)

• Select the “Department of Education” and then select “register online.” Go through the online registration process.  

• Print out the last screen where it says you have completed registration.  This is your proof of registration and is valid for 90 days.

• You will need to take your proof of registration and a valid ID (e.g., drivers license) to a fingerprinting location to complete the process.

• Fingerprinting locations near you can be found on the website where you registered.

• Once fingerprinted, Criminal History Record Information reports will be made available online to approved entities (e.g., school districts), via a secure web site.  You may request an unofficial copy to be sent to your home.

New volunteers must comply immediately and submit all three clearances before working with students. 

Proof of updated clearances (original documents or online verification) must be provided to the school office before volunteering at a school event. Clearances will be subject to renewal based on a three year anniversary date. As these are state and federal clearances, they will be effective for use at other school buildings (e.g., middle school).