First-Time Applicants

What is a First-Time Applicant?

You are considered a "first-time applicant" if you:

• Has never held a certificate, authorization, or permit from the West Virginia Department of Education
• Have never had a background check completed using the process listed below. Applicants who were certified prior to 2002 will need to complete a background check when submitting a new application

If you have an existing offer of employment, or if you are currently employed by the WV school system, please work with your employer or potential employer to complete your background check requirements and obtain necessary signatures.

A first-time applicant is not:

• Service personnel (except first-time ECCAT applicants)
• Professional personnel transferring between counties
• Anyone required to complete a background check for a reason other than first-time certification. If you are not a first-time applicant, work with your employer to complete the necessary background check process

All first-time applicants must have a background check completed by IdentoGo that reviews background records held by both the West Virginia State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Background checks completed outside the West Virginia Department of Education’s Background Process cannot be accepted.

General Requirements

All applicants must:

• Submit an application for certification to receive the service code required to be used when scheduling a digital fingerprinting appointment with IdentoGo, or submit a request for fingerprint cards with our office  
• Submit a notarized Release of Background Check Information Form (Form 7) 
• Submit a Character Reference Form (Form 4B), unless you currently work for the WV school system

Digital Fingerprinting

You can schedule an appointment online at Identogo.com or via telephone at (855) 766-7746. 

To schedule an appointment online:

• Visit Identogo.com
• Tap the icon “Get Fingerprinted”
• Choose West Virginia under “Search for Service by State” and then tap the “Go” button
• Under “Enrollment Services” select “Digital Fingerprinting”
• Enter the service code you received via email
• Select “Appointment” to start the appointment process
• Complete the details section information, set an appointment date and time, review and confirm your request, and submit to schedule your appointment
• You will pay IdentoGo directly when you arrive at their location

Requesting Fingerprint Cards

If you are unable to travel for an in-person appointment, you can follow the below steps:

• Request fingerprint cards from our office (Two cards will be mailed to you) 
• Complete all necessary information and have your prints taken
• Send both cards to IdentoGo at the address on the form along with a completed Hard Card form and payment. You can download the form at WV Card Scan Website

PLEASE NOTE: The cost for fingerprinting for certification purposes in West Virginia is $47.25. This cost may vary if you have your fingerprints taken in another state. You should pay this fee directly to Identogo. Do not include the fingerprint fee with your application to the WVDE. 

Background check fees are non-refundable. Be sure you are selecting the correct process for first-time certification. If you select the wrong process, WVDE will not be able to share your results.

If your fingerprints are rejected for any reason, you may need to resubmit fingerprints at no cost to you. If you were fingerprinted at an IdentoGo appointment, they will contact you to schedule a re-print. If you submitted your prints by mail, you will need to request additional cards and resubmit them. You will receive instructions from the Office of Certification if you need to take additional action to complete background check requirements.