Why do we require fingerprint record checks for K-12 education employment and certification?

Fingerprint-based background checks help to safeguard children and strengthen public confidence in the integrity of public and private education. Fingerprint clearance is a practicum, internship and certification requirement.  Woodring College of Education is under strict legal and contractual agreements to insure that our students have fingerprint clearance through the WSP and FBI.  The law is detailed here:  RCW 28A.410.010.

What is digital fingerprinting?

Digital fingerprints look like a picture of all ten fingers, palm down. The technology used is called live scan; these machines take high-quality prints by scanning the applicant’s fingers electronically to create a digital image. Once scanned, the live scan system submits fingerprint image automatically to the Washington State Patrol (WSP). The electronic scanner is clean, easy to use, and eliminates the need to ink-and-roll fingerprints manually onto a special card.

How do I get a digital fingerprint record check?

Here’s how to get your fingerprints into the background check process digitally.

How long is my fingerprint clearance valid?

Two years from the clearance date from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

My fingerprints did not scan well and were rejected because of poor print quality. What do I do now?

If your live scan or inked card fingerprints are rejected because of poor quality, there are two alternatives.

Alternative #1: get a second fingerprint card (inked or scanned)

1. OSPI will send you a fingerprint card.  If you don't receive one you can request a fingerprint card from Woodring Teacher Certification Office.
         Miller Hall 216
         email: Susan.Cahill@wwu.edu
         Phone 360-650-4930

2. Return to the agency that produced your first set of fingerprints and have your fingerprints done a second time.  Many agencies do not charge for reprints.   You can opt to go to a different agency but they will probably charge you a fingerprinting fee.

3. Attach the rejected fingerprint card to the new (completed) fingerprint card.

4. Mail the completed fingerprint cards to WSP at:
   Washington State Patrol
   Identification & Criminal History Section
   PO Box 42633
   Olympia, WA 98504-2633

Alternative #2: Go to the Olympia Washington State Patrol Office

The Washington State Patrol never rejects prints that they take.  If your prints are rejected several times for “poor print quality” we may suggest that you drive to Olympia WSP office.  This is the only WSP Office in the state that does fingerprinting.  Contact the WSP Customer Service Unit at (360) 705-5100 for details. The WSP Office is located at 4242 Martin Way E., Olympia and hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, except legal holidays. 

Fingerprint clearance is a requirement for internship and certification.  You can be postponed or ejected from an internship if your fingerprint clearance lapses.  The timing can be a problem when prints are rejected.  The Office of Field Experience can help you arrange for time away from your internship to travel to Olympia if this becomes an issue.

I lost my rejected fingerprint card. What do I do now?

Write in red on the left hand corner of the new fingerprint card or live scan print out – WSP resubmit. This tells WSP that you have already paid the background check fee.

Will I have to get new fingerprints every two years?

If you will not complete your program and be recommended for certification before your fingerprint clearance expires you must provide a new fingerprint record check.

Can I provide fingerprint record check results I had done for another government agency, the military, or for a gun permit, (or other) as a substitute for OSPI’s fingerprint check?

No. Washington State law does not allow substitute versions of any fingerprint record checks.

Who receives my fingerprint results?

WSP/FBI send the results of fingerprint record checks to OSPI. The results reside in a secure database that designated staff from public schools, colleges, and universities, Washington’s school for the deaf and school for the blind, as well as certification programs, can access online. OSPI can send the results of fingerprint record checks to private schools by letter.

What happens if my fingerprint record check results show a Record of Arrest/Prosecution (RAP)?

OSPI will send you a copy of the record that they receive from the WSP/FBI. OSPI does not share RAP information directly with colleges and universities; however, a designated staff person in the Teacher Certification Office can view fingerprint record check results through a secure Web site.

Can the FBI reject my fingerprints because of poor print quality?

Yes. If the FBI notifies us that they cannot accept your first fingerprint record, you must submit a new set of fingerprints. If the FBI rejects your fingerprint record a second time we will ask them for a Name and Date of Birth Clearance.