Fingerprinting Services at the PCESC
October 29, 2009
Fingerprinting Services are provided at the PCESC by appointment, or you are welcome to walk-in between the hours of 8:00a.m.-4:00p.m. Call the office at 330-297-1436 for information and we will be happy to assist you. Our fingerprinting is done electronically and transmitted directly to the BCI (Ohio check) and the FBI (FBI check). The results can be automatically transmitted to the Ohio Department of Education or mailed to other agencies upon request.
ITEMS NEEDED :
1. Completed Release Form (Available at our Office)
2. Driver's License or State ID Card
3. Cash, Check or Money Order made payable to the Portage County Educational Service Center (PCESC)
COST :
Ohio Check Only $30.00
FBI Check Only $30.00
Ohio and FBI Check $60.00
Please contact the office (330-297-1436) if you have any questions.
Information on background checks 
House Bill 1 requires changes to background check requirements for licensed educators in Ohio beginning Jan. 1, 2010. Educators who are renewing a license or permit and have lived continuously in the state of Ohio for the previous five years and have a BCI background check on file with ODE will need to complete only an FBI criminal background check once every five years. Currently, they must complete both BCI and FBI checks whenever they renew. Educators who have not lived continuously in the state for the past five years will need to complete both a BCI and FBI background check.
Further, educators with multiple licenses only need to submit the required background checks when they are applying for the renewal of the license or permit that is of the longest duration. Educators who hold a permanent certificate are still required to submit the required background checks once every five years. Permanent certificate holders who have lived continuously in Ohio for those five years, however, will only need to submit FBI background checks. Initial applicants for a license must complete both BCI and FBI criminal background checks. These checks need to be less than 365 days old to be considered valid for licensing purposes. For details, click hereand search keywords: background check FAQ.
