33 STEPS
1. The first step is to open a web browser and visit USIMS website. Start here.
2. If you registered with the (SSO) Single Sign-On option, please click the button to use your Microsoft or Google Account
3. If you previously registered a USIMS account because you did not have a Microsoft or Google Account to use, please enter your email address and USIMS password, then click Sign in
4. You are now on the Educator Licensing Portal in USIMS. Please allow a few moments for the system to determine what task items need to be completed.
5. Data provided in the Personal Information and Look up Tasks will allow USIMS to check CACTUS for an existing Background Check.
6. USIMS will also check criteria to determine if a background check in CACTUS is already on file.
7. If CACTUS returns data to USIMS indicating a new Background Check is required, a new task will appear. The next task will have a yellow flag next to it, and turn blue when you hover over it.
8. Click on Criminal Background Review Required to begin the next task.
9. First, please carefully read the FBI's privacy act statement.
10. Scroll down and click Continue after you have read the statement.
11. On the next screen, you'll consent to the background check.
12. Confirm your information displayed such as date of birth and address. Please return to the USIMS dashboard and update your address under "personal information" as needed. If your date of birth is wrong, please email USIMSHelpDesk@schools.utah.gov
13. Review the consent agreement to the FBI Background Check with USBE. If your legal name has changed, and you have questions. please email USIMSHelpDesk@schools.utah.gov . You are can consent under a previous legal name and proceed with the task.
14. After reviewing the details, click I Agree to consent to the background check.
15. This will take you to the Background Check Review Task Screen.
16. Now that you have successfully consented to a Background Check and read the FBI Privacy Statement, you have completed the initial step of your background check, indicated by the User Document.
17. Your background check is not completed until fingerprints are received for analysis by the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) in coordination with the FBI.
18. Click on the Fingerprint Instructions to find out how to submit fingerprints for the background check.
19. Please carefully review the Fingerprint Instructions. There are different processes for submitting fingerprints for analysis.
20. For In Utah, please carefully follow the instructions on this side of the table.
21. For In Utah, digital fingerprints can be submitted electronically or by mail. Electronic Direct Submission is the preferred method.
22. For Outside of Utah, please carefully follow the instructions on this side of the table.
23. For Outside of Utah, digital fingerprints can be submitted. Most fingerprint services perform the process with a digital scanning device, but you are unable to submit them electronically.
24. “During your appointment, ask your fingerprint technician for a physical copy of your fingerprint cards. Currently, the only submission method for fingerprints that are taken out-of-state is by mail-in.”
25. Once you have submitted your fingerprints for analysis, please allow up to 30 days for your background check to clear.
26. If the task item for the Criminal Background Review Fingerprint Instructions is still showing as requested after 30 days, email USIMSHelp@schools.utah.gov for additional information.
27. Once USBE has received evidence of your Background Check clearance, you'll see the Criminal Background Review Fingerprint Instructions task is not under Checklist when you log into USIMS.
28. The task item has now moved to the lower half of the Educator License Portal Dashboard, and shows as completed. No further action is needed for this particular task.
29. The Background Check is complete, but you can revisit the task at any time. To see details of this task, click on it. It will have a yellow flag next to it, and turn blue when you hover over it.
30. In the Background Check Fingerprints task item, there is a section further down labeled User Documents
31. The User Documents include the initial Consent to Background Check, as well as the Background Check Status.
32. Click Home at the top of this page to return to the main dashboard.
33. That's it. Your done. You should see any other outstanding task items on your dashboard's checklist. If you do not, please log out and close your browser, then log back in. Contact the USIMSHelp@schools.utah.gov if you experience technical issues.
