All University of Alabama in Huntsville educator preparation candidates must be fingerprinted and cleared by ABI / FBI. You must have a fingerprint clearance before you begin any field experiences in ED 301 or ED 501 or are admitted to the UAH Educator Preparation Program.

Register for Fingerprinting

Applicants must register online for their fingerprint appointment BEFORE arriving at fingerprint location. Print two (2) copies of the applicant registration receipt. Bring one copy to the fingerprint appointment and bring one copy to the Certification Office to be filed with your record.

ALSDE Background Check Website

STEP 1
Registration

Alabama applicants MUST be registered online prior to arriving at a fingerprint location.

Option 1 - Online Registration – Visit the Cogent website to register online.

Applicants are responsible for their own registration. Information incorrectly entered during registration and submitted during fingerprinting CANNOT be corrected and is the responsibility of the applicants. Changes to incorrect registration data MAY be corrected online or by telephone prior to fingerprint submission.

Option 2 - Telephone Registration – 866.989.9316

Cogent encourages ALL applicants to register online. Applicants are responsible for their own registration. Information incorrectly entered during registration and submitted during fingerprinting CANNOT be corrected and is the responsibility of the applicants. Changes to incorrect registration data MAY be corrected online or by telephone prior to fingerprint submission.

STEP 2
Payment

Fingerprint Fee is $49.65

  • Applicants may pay online during registration using a debit or credit card.
  • No cash, credit card or business checks are accepted at the fingerprint locations.
  • Applicants may pay at the fingerprint site with money order or cashier check.
  • Payments must be made out to Cogent Systems.
  • Applicants are responsible for the nonrefundable, nontransferable fee.
  • Payment amount for ALSDE fingerprinting is $49.65.

STEP 3
Fingerprinting

You must choose any Alabama site listed on the  Cogent Systems website.

Primary Documents

Cogent Systems requires current, valid and unexpired picture identification documents. As a primary form of picture identification, a state-issued driver's license may be presented by an applicant when being fingerprinted. For those applicants without a driver's license, a state identification card may be presented if the state's identification card standards are the same as for the driver's license.

In the absence of a new driver's license applicants may provide one or more Secondary Documents including:

  • State Government Issued Certificate of Birth
  • US Active Duty/Retiree/Reservist Military ID Card (000 10-2)
  • Passport
  • Social Security Card
  • Certificate of Citizenship (N560)
  • Certificate of Naturalization (N550)
  • INS I-551 Resident Alien Card Issued since 1997
  • INS 1-688 Temporary Resident Identification Card
  • INS I-688B, I-766 Employment Authorization Card

Secondary Documentation must be supported by at least two of the following:

  • Utility Bill (with Address)
  • Voter Registration Card
  • Vehicle Registration Card/Title
  • Paycheck Stub with Name/Address
  • Cancelled Check or Bank Statement

A candidate whose suitability determination precludes admission to a State-approved educator preparation program has the right to due process procedures in accordance with the current Educator Certification Chapter of the Alabama Administrative Code.