Fingerprinting

As of July 2, 2001, under the Schools Against Violence in Education Legislation, applications for new teaching certificates are subject to a fingerprint-supported criminal history background check. Background checks are required for all school personnel, including applicants for certification and all educational services (BOCES).

SUNY Oswego recommends all candidates be fingerprinted PRIOR to student teaching for Childhood Education, Adolescence Education, TESOL, VTP and Technology Education majors as well as internships for Counseling Services and School Psychology majors.   Mental Health Counseling does not require fingerprinting.

Where can I get fingerprinted?
You can get fingerprinted at University Police, 109 Pathfinder Hall or at any police station in NY. In order to be fingerprinted for NYS teacher certification, Counseling Services and School Psychology, you must already have completed the online fingerprint application including payment through the New York State Education Department.

Most police departments require that you make an appointment to be fingerprinted. If you plan to be fingerprinted by SUNY Oswego University Police, call University Police (315-312-5555) in advance to schedule an appointment. If you plan to be fingerprinted elsewhere, call that police department in advance and make an appointment. You will need to bring a government issued photo ID (e.g., driver's license or passport) and provide your social security number so the police department may access your fingerprint information. There is a service fee payable by cash or check at the time the fingerprints are taken. If you are being fingerprinted by University Police, please see the University Police website for the current cost. Other police departments may have separate fees: please check with the specific department where you are having the fingerprinting done for those fees. This is a separate fee and is not included in any costs or service fees associated with your application.

When should I get fingerprinted?
SUNY Oswego recommends that you get fingerprinted PRIOR to student teaching for Childhood Education, Adolescence Education, VTP, and Technology Education majors as well as internships for Counseling Services and School Psychology majors. Some school districts (e.g., NYC) require that you be fingerprinted prior to any field experience in that district. Thus in some cases, you may need to complete fingerprinting prior to a specific field experience. The Field Placement Office will advise you if you need to complete the fingerprinting prior to student teaching. 

How long do fingerprints take to clear?
Fingerprints take several weeks to clear.

How can I tell if my fingerprints have cleared?
You can check the status of your fingerprints by calling OSPRA at 518-473-2998.

To learn more about fingerprinting, and to begin your fingerprinting application, please go to the NYS OSPRA site: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/ospra/home.html