Why Pennsylvania School Districts Require FBI Ink and Roll Fingerprinting for New Hires

You landed the job. The contract is signed and the excitement is real.

Now comes the part no one warned you about: the clearances.

For every new Pennsylvania school employee — teacher, aide, counselor, coach, or volunteer — completing your background clearances before day one is not optional. It's the law. And at the center of that clearance process is FBI ink and roll fingerprinting.

Here's everything you need to know — including why you should get it done now, not the week before school starts.

Pennsylvania's Three Required School Clearances

Under Pennsylvania law, anyone working with children in a school setting must complete three background checks before beginning employment:

• Act 34 — Pennsylvania State Police Criminal History Check
• Act 151 — PA Child Abuse History Clearance (Department of Human Services)
• Act 114 — FBI Federal Criminal History Check (fingerprint-based)

Act 114 is the one that requires in-person, ink and roll fingerprinting. Unlike the other two clearances that can be completed online, the FBI fingerprint check must be done at a certified fingerprinting location with physical fingerprint cards.

What Is Ink and Roll Fingerprinting?

Ink and roll fingerprinting is the traditional method of capturing fingerprints by rolling each finger across an ink pad and pressing it onto a fingerprint card. That card is then submitted to the FBI for a federal criminal history check.

It's a quick, clean process — typically just a few minutes per person. But it must be done correctly and completely the first time. Smudged, incomplete, or improperly rolled prints can delay your results or require you to repeat the process.

At Notary Zeal, we take our time to get it right.

Who Needs School Clearances in Pennsylvania?

If any of the following apply to you, you need Act 114 FBI fingerprinting:

✅ First-year or transfer teachers
✅ Substitute teachers
✅ Reading specialists, classroom aides, and support staff
✅ School counselors, social workers, and psychologists
✅ Coaches and activity supervisors
✅ Administrators with student contact
✅ Volunteers working directly with students
✅ Employees of childcare programs affiliated with a school

If you're unsure whether you need clearances, contact your school district's HR department — but the answer is almost always yes.

Why Timing Matters More Than Most People Realize

Clearance processing takes time. The FBI background check alone can take several weeks during peak season — and late summer is absolutely peak season for school clearances.

If you're starting your position in August or September, you should be completing your fingerprinting no later than mid-July to ensure your clearances arrive before your first day.

Most school districts will not allow new employees to report to work — not even for orientation or training — until all three clearances are on file. Don't let an administrative delay hold up your first day.

Chester County's Only Mobile Ink and Roll Fingerprinting Provider

Notary Zeal is proud to be Chester County's only mobile FBI ink and roll fingerprinting provider. We come to you — schools, businesses, or any convenient location — or you can book an appointment at our Malvern location.

At $125 per person, we make it fast, professional, and convenient.

📞 Call or text: 484-549-0068
📍 Serving Chester County and the Greater Philadelphia area

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