American Board › Background Checks
Enrollment requirements
Background Checks
American Board requires that all teachers pass our mandatory background check. This is in addition to the background check that will be required by your state and local school.
Current candidates
Where to find your form
Your Background Check Form is waiting on your American Board Dashboard.
Not enrolled yet? You will get access to the form after you enroll.
All candidates
Background Check Form
The Background Check Form can be found on your American Board Dashboard.
Your background check will be run at the end of your program, after you have passed your exams, and before your certificate is issued.
Teaching abroad
International Candidates
Candidates outside of the United States will submit a background check or letter from their local police or government jurisdiction verifying that they have not committed any felonies or misdemeanors while living in that jurisdiction.
Mail your letter to
The international background check letter should be sent directly to:
American Board
1123 Zonolite Rd, Suite 29
Atlanta, Georgia 30306
Eligibility
Background Check Requirements
Every candidate must pass a criminal background check before American Board issues a certificate. Not sure where you stand? In unique circumstances, American Board may run your background check before you enroll to confirm you are eligible.
01
Felony Convictions Candidates who have been convicted of a felony or military offense, or who have felony (or similar) criminal charges pending, are not eligible for American Board certification.
02
American Board Discretion Misdemeanor charges are reviewed case by case and, at the discretion of American Board and the pertinent state Department of Education, may be cause for denial or revocation of certification. Suspended teaching credentials, licenses, or permits are also reviewed, and a credential revoked or voided due to misconduct makes you ineligible.
03
If You Do Not Pass If your background check does not clear, American Board will not issue your certificate, and a certificate that has already been issued may be revoked. Submitting false information or leaving out material information on your application is also grounds for denial or revocation. If our background check vendor cannot complete a check of your criminal history, you will be asked to complete an FBI background check, with results sent directly to American Board from the FBI.
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