Background Check Service

The ID Center at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown hosts the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare and Pennsylvania Department of Banking Federal Background Check fingerprinting site (provided by Cogent Systems).

Act 114 of 2006, Section 111 of the Public School Code was amended effective April 1, 2007 to require a Federal Criminal History record for individuals working in schools who have direct contact with children.

BEFORE: Applicants MUST REGISTER ONLINE BEFORE coming to the Fingerprinting site.  (Review the complete process below).

DIRECTIONS:  Directions to Pitt-Johnstown and maps of the area and the campus are available online. 

1. You MUST register with Cogent Systems (online or by telephone) prior to coming to the fingerprint site.  Fingerprint services will not be provided to applicants without prior registration at any fingerprinting location. 
   
   
2. Pay the application fee online using a credit card or debit card.  Money orders or Cashiers checks PAYABLE TO COGENT SYSTEMS will be accepted at the fingerprint site if you cannot pay electronically.  If paying in person, each patron to be fingerprinted MUST have their own individual Money Order or Cashiers check.  A single Money Order or Cashiers check must be for the exact amount required.  Applicable rates can be found  online at the Cogent Systems website.
   
   
3. NO CASH TRANSACTIONS OR PERSONAL CHECKS CAN BE ACCEPTED AT THE FINGERPRINT SITE.
   
   
4. Come to the fingerprint site during normal operational hours with proper identification.
   
1. Check this web site for days when the fingerprint service IS NOT available.
   
2. Groups of 10 or more should contact us in advance so that arrangements can be made to accomodate you.
   
   
5. Pitt-Johnstown ID Center Staff will review your identification to establish and confirm your identity.
   
   
6. Pitt-Johnstown ID Center Staff will scan all ten fingers to complete the process.
   
   
7. The fingerprint information is then electronically sent to the Pennsylvania State Police, who in turn submit the fingerprints and demographic information for the FBI.
   
   
8. The FBI forwards the Federal Criminal History Record to the Pennsylvania Department of Education who then forwards the record to the applicant.
   

DO NOT CONTACT COGENT SYSTEMS OR PITT-JOHNSTOWN AFTER YOUR FINGERPRINTS HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED.  WE DO NOT HAVE THE MEANS TO CHECK ON YOUR APPLICATION STATUS.

Complete information and the online registration site can be found at Cogent Systems Fingerprint Services for Pennsylvania.