Fingerprinting Requirements for Public School Employment
Overview
California law requires all new employees of public school districts and county offices of education to obtain fingerprint clearance from the California Department of Justice (DOJ). Fingerprinting and background clearance must be completed before any paid service can begin.
Background Clearance Policy
Individuals with convictions for serious or violent crimes, or those currently awaiting trial for such offenses, cannot be hired by California public schools. For questions about disqualifying convictions, contact the Division of Licensure Enforcement at Contact the Division of Licensure Enforcement
Contact the Division of Licensure Enforcemen
Who Needs to Be Fingerprinted?
Credential Applicants
All individuals seeking employment in any public school district in Orange County, including substitute teachers, are required to complete fingerprinting. This process may involve two separate fingerprinting requirements, depending on your role and credential status.
1. Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Fingerprinting
Fingerprinting for the CTC is required to obtain or maintain a California teaching credential or permit.
You must submit fingerprints using the CTC Request for Live Scan Form if you are applying for:
A first-time teaching credential
An emergency substitute permit
A child development permit
Any credential or permit and have not previously been fingerprinted with the CTC
For additional information from the CTC regarding fingerprinting, please click here
Substitute Teachers Working Across Multiple Districts
2. OCDE Clearing House Fingerprinting (Local Clearance)
Fingerprinting through the OCDE Clearing House is a separate and mandatory requirement for working in Orange County public schools.
All prospective substitute teachers must complete OCDE Clearing House fingerprinting regardless of CTC status.
Substitute teachers with a valid California credential or substitute permit who work in more than one district within Orange County should use the OCDE Clearing House Consortium Form.
Important Notes
Both CTC and OCDE Clearing House fingerprinting may be required.
CTC fingerprinting does not replace OCDE Clearing House fingerprinting.
These forms do not apply to contracted employees.
Substitute teachers with a valid California credential or substitute permit who are working in more than one district within Orange County should use the OCDE Clearing House Consortium Form.
This allows clearance to work in all 28 public school districts in the county without needing to be fingerprinted for each district individually.
Available Fingerprint Forms
The following forms are available in PDF format under the Instructions and Forms tab:
CTC Request for Live Scan Form – For first-time credential and permit applicants seeking clearance through the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
OCDE Request for Live Scan Form – For substitute, part-time, or temporary employment in any Orange County public school district.
The Clearing House Consortium does not apply to private agencies or non-public schools.
Fingerprinting Appointments
Fingerprinting services are available by appointment only:
Monday through Friday
8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
To schedule an appointment, please visit the Credentialing and Fingerprinting Services tab.
Please call us at (714) 966-4306 if you have any questions.
Our offices are located at: 3001 Redhill Ave. Building 4, Suite 109, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
What to Bring to Your Appointment
When arriving for your appointment, please bring:
A completed Request for Live Scan form and any other necessary forms for your appointment.
A valid government-issued photo ID: (no copies or paper ID's accepted)
Driver License
State ID
Passport or VISA
Applicable fingerprinting form (CTC, OCDE, or Consortium form)
Fingerprinting Fees
Fees range from $25 to $137 per transaction, based on the type of clearance required.
We accept cash and credit cards for live scan services. American Express is not accepted.
