Criminal Record Clearance (Act 34 of 1985 PA School Code) Guidelines

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To ensure that the documents attached to your application are the best quality possible, we advise all applicants to print and read the guidelines below.

1. Do not send your original clearance form, the application for a criminal record background check, or out-of-state clearances.
2. Without exception, clearance results are valid for one year. You must renew your clearances annually and send PA-Educator.net a copy of the results, not the application form.
3. Criminal Record clearances older than one year have expired and will not be added to an applicant’s credentials file.
4. Instructions and the clearance application form can be found at the Pennsylvania State Police web site or request a copy using the Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History (PATCH) system.
5. To check the status of a clearance request, please call the Pennsylvania Department of Education at 717-783-9973.