Alabama’s New Teacher Background Check Rules — What You Must Know
Introduction
If you're pursuing teacher certification in Alabama, there’s a critical update you can’t afford to overlook. In 2024, the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) overhauled its background check process—and these changes are causing major delays for unprepared applicants. In fact, 32% of certification applications are now held up due to fingerprinting errors, costing aspiring educators precious time.
Whether you’re following a traditional certification pathway or seeking emergency certification, these updates could make or break your Alabama teacher certification timeline. The good news? With the right guidance, you can avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smooth approval process.
This article breaks down exactly what’s changed, how to comply step-by-step, and how American Board students bypass headaches with expert support. Let’s get your certification on track.
1. What’s Changed in Alabama’s Background Check Process in 2024?
Alabama’s updated rules aim to enhance school safety while speeding up processing—but only if you follow the new protocols correctly. Here’s what’s different:
🔹 Digital Fingerprints Only (No More Ink Cards)
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Old Rule: Paper fingerprint cards were accepted.
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New Rule: Only digital Live Scan fingerprints from approved providers are allowed.
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Why It Matters: Using non-approved locations (like some UPS/Walgreens sites) will result in rejection.
🔹 FBI + ABI Checks Now Required (Previously Just ABI)
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Old Rule: Only an Alabama Bureau of Investigation (ABI) check was mandatory.
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New Rule: Both FBI and ABI checks are required, adding a $15 fee (total cost: $59).
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Why It Matters: Out-of-state applicants must now complete Alabama-specific checks, even if they’ve passed background checks elsewhere.
🔹 Faster Processing (If Done Right)
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Old Timeline: 2+ weeks for results.
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New Timeline: 3-5 business days—but only if fingerprints are high quality.
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Why It Matters: Smudged or low-quality prints force a redo, adding 3+ weeks of delays.
🔹 Stricter Arrest Disclosures
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Old Rule: Minor offenses or expunged records sometimes went unreported.
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New Rule: You must explain ALL arrests, even if charges were dropped or expunged.
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Why It Matters: Failure to disclose leads to automatic denial, even for minor incidents.
🔹 Reciprocity Impact
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Old Rule: Out-of-state teachers could sometimes transfer existing checks.
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New Rule: Fresh Alabama FBI+ABI checks required, regardless of prior certifications.
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Why It Matters: Even experienced teachers relocating to Alabama must restart the process.
Pro Tip: If you have any past legal issues, use ALSDE’s pre-application review service before paying fees to avoid wasting time and money.
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2. Step-by-Step Fingerprinting Guide
Follow these steps exactly to prevent costly mistakes:
Step 1️⃣: Find an Approved Live Scan Provider
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Where to Look: ALSDE’s official list at alsde.edu/fingerprinting.
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Avoid: Non-certified locations (some retail stores offer fingerprinting but aren’t ALSDE-approved).
Step 2️⃣: Bring the Right Documents
You’ll need:
✔ Driver’s license (or state ID)
✔ Pre-filled ALSDE background check form (download online)
✔ Payment ($59 total for FBI + ABI checks)
Step 3️⃣: Submit to ALSDE Within 30 Days
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Critical Detail: Demand a quality score of 90+—low scores cause smudges and rejections.
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If Prints Fail: You must restart the process, so choose a skilled technician.
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3. Common Disqualifiers (And How to Appeal)
Not all past mistakes will ruin your certification chances—but some are automatic rejections:
🚫 Automatic Disqualifications
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Felony convictions (especially violent/sex crimes)
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Child abuse registry listings
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Fraudulent certification documents
⚠️ May Be Appealed (Case-by-Case Review)
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Misdemeanors older than 5 years
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DUIs (if you won’t operate school vehicles)
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Minor drug offenses (with proof of rehabilitation)
Appeal Tip: Submit court records, rehabilitation proof, and reference letters to strengthen your case.
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4. How American Board Students Skip the Headaches
American Board’s Alabama teacher certification program includes exclusive tools to simplify compliance:
✅ Pre-Check Guidance: Free webinar on navigating disclosures.
✅ Fillable Form Templates: ALSDE-approved phrasing to avoid rejections.
✅ Partnered Live Scan Providers: Discounted $49 fingerprinting at 20+ AL locations.
✅ Fast-Track Support: Dedicated certification specialist for urgent questions.
Enrolled? Check your student portal for these resources.
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5. Timeline Cheat Sheet
📅 Ideal Schedule
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60 days before applying: Complete fingerprints.
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2 weeks before applying: Verify ALSDE has processed checks.
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Emergency certification hack: Submit prints with a district employment letter to expedite.
⏳ Nightmare Scenario (Avoid These!)
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Smudged prints → +3 weeks delay.
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Missing arrest explanation → Auto-denial.
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FAQ
1. ❓ What’s the biggest change in Alabama’s 2024 background check rules?
Alabama now requires digital Live Scan fingerprints instead of ink cards. Additionally, both FBI and ABI checks are mandatory (previously only ABI). Applicants must also disclose all arrests, even expunged ones. These changes aim to speed up processing but cause delays if not followed correctly.
2. ⏳ How long does the new background check process take?
If done correctly, results arrive in 3-5 business days. However, smudged fingerprints or incomplete forms can add 3+ weeks of delays. To avoid setbacks, use an approved Live Scan provider and verify print quality before submission.
3. 💰 How much does the Alabama teacher background check cost?
The total fee is $59 ($44 for ABI + $15 for FBI). Some providers charge extra for services. American Board students get a discounted rate of $49 at partnered locations.
4. 🚫 What crimes disqualify you from Alabama teacher certification?
Automatic rejections include felony convictions (violent/sex crimes), child abuse registry listings, and fraud. Misdemeanors older than 5 years may be appealable. Always disclose all arrests, even if charges were dropped.
5. 📍 Where can I get fingerprinted for Alabama teacher certification?
Only ALSDE-approved Live Scan providers are accepted. Find the official list at alsde.edu/fingerprinting. Avoid non-approved locations like some UPS/Walgreens stores.
6. ✍️ Do I need to explain expunged or dismissed charges?
Yes. Alabama now requires full disclosure of all arrests, even if expunged or dismissed. Failing to report them leads to automatic denial. If unsure, consult ALSDE’s pre-application review service.
7. 🔄 Can out-of-state teachers transfer existing background checks?
No. Even with a clean out-of-state record, Alabama requires fresh FBI+ABI checks. This applies to all certification pathways, including reciprocity.
8. ⚖️ Can I appeal a background check denial?
Yes, for certain cases like old misdemeanors or DUIs (if not driving school vehicles). Submit court records, rehabilitation proof, and reference letters to strengthen your appeal.
9. 🚑 How can American Board students avoid fingerprinting issues?
American Board provides exclusive resources, including discounted Live Scan services ($49), fillable forms, and certification specialist support to prevent delays.
10. 📅 When should I complete fingerprinting for Alabama certification?
Get fingerprinted 60 days before applying to allow time for processing. Emergency certification candidates should submit prints with a district employment letter to expedite approval.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
Alabama’s 2024 background check rules apply to all certification pathways, including American Board graduates. The key to avoiding delays? Get fingerprinted early and double-check every detail.
Want a foolproof checklist?
👉 Download our free Background Check Guide at https://www.americanboard.org/alabama/
👉 Need live help? Call 877-669-2228 for certification support.
Don’t let a simple mistake derail your teaching career—act now and secure your Alabama certification without the stress!
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