Clearances for ABCS

If you have already completed the clearance process with Penn in the past 5 years, before doing any of these steps, email netter-compliance@sas.upenn.edu and backgroundchecks@hr.upenn.edu to check that your clearances are on file and valid. All Nursing, Dental, and Medical school students should have completed clearances as part of your academic program. Review Frequently Asked Questions about clearances HERE.

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FOR DOMESTIC (NON-INTERNATIONAL) STUDENTS

Per Pennsylvania law and Penn policy, all Penn students interacting with minors more than once in a semester, virtually or in-person, must complete three clearance checks: PATCH - PA Criminal History Search, PA Child Abuse, and Idemia fingerprinting for your FBI clearance. Additionally, all students working with School District of Philadelphia schools must complete mandated reporter training. All documents must be on file with the University to be fully cleared. 

To complete your clearances:

STEP 1: Visit 3401 Walnut Street, Room 329-A (the Max Kade Center) during one of the following time slots. Expect to stay for ~30 minutes. You do not need to sign up for a time in advance. You must know your Social Security Number, and bring your laptop and PennCard. 

  • Monday, January 26th, 10:00AM – 2:00PM 
  • Tuesday, January 27th, 10:00AM – 2:00PM
  • Wednesday, January 28th, MAX KADE CENTER CLOSED - NO APPOINTMENTS
  • Thursday, January 29th, 10:00AM – 2:00PM
  • Friday, January 30th, 10:00AM – 1:00PM 

During this visit, you will receive your PATCH - PA Criminal History Search and your PA Child Abuse background checks. You will also sign up for an IdentoGO fingerprinting appointment for your FBI clearance. 

STEP 2: Attend your scheduled fingerprinting appointment at the location designated in your IdentoGO confirmation email. Your FBI clearance will be sent by email 24 hours after your fingerprinting appointment. Send a PDF copy to: netter-compliance@sas.upenn.edu and backgroundchecks@hr.upenn.edu.

STEP 3: If you are working with a School District of Philadelphia school, complete the 3-hour mandated reporter training by following these instructions.

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FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ON A (F-1/J-1) VISA WHO HAVE NOT WORKED IN THE UNITED STATES

International students who have not worked in the United States and are volunteering for a period less than 90 days will sign an affidavit in lieu of completing the three clearances. Additionally, all students working with School District of Philadelphia schools must complete mandated reporter training. All documents must be on file with the University to be fully cleared. To complete your clearances:

STEP 1: Sign this affidavit and email it to netter-compliance@sas.upenn.edu and backgroundchecks@hr.upenn.edu, with subject line: “International Student Affidavit”

STEP 2: If you are working with a School District of Philadelphia school, complete the 3-hour mandated reporter training by following these instructions.

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FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ON A (F-1/J-1) VISA WHO HAVE WORKED IN THE UNITED STATES (INCLUDING ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT)

Follow the same process as domestic students.

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