Criminal Background Checks

The Board requires applicants to consent to a criminal history record check. The Board shall consider the following factors when making a determination of licensure:

1. The level and seriousness of the crime.
2. The date of the crime.
3. The age of the person at the time of the crime.
4. The circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime, if known.
5. The nexus between the criminal conduct and the prospective duties of the applicant as a licensee.
6. The prison, jail, probation, parole, rehabilitation, and employment records of the applicant since the date the crime was committed.
   1. The completion of, or active participation in, rehabilitative drug or alcohol treatment.
   2. (6b) A Certificate of Relief granted pursuant to G.S. 15A-173.2
7. The subsequent commission of a crime by the applicant.
8. Any affidavits or other written documents, including character references.

If your application is denied in whole or in part because of a criminal conviction, you may request a hearing before the Board under N.C. Gen. Stat §§ 150B-38 through 41.

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Live Scan FAQs and Application

Please note that Live Scan digital fingerprinting can only be used by North Carolina Residents.

What is Live Scan?

Live Scan is digital fingerprinting and transmission of the impression directly to the SBI and FBI for processing.

If you submit your prints via Live Scan, do not submit a fingerprint card or any forms that may have been mailed to you. This could delay the processing of your application!

What are the benefits of using Live Scan?

Some benefits of the Live Scan method are:

• Increased speed in turnaround times to have the background checks completed;
• Higher quality of fingerprint impressions which reduces the chances the fingerprints will be rejected by the SBI;
• Security of identifying information (name, social security number and date of birth);
• Maintaining the integrity of the fingerprint impressions; and
• Fees are similar or less than traditional ink and card fingerprinting (some counties offer Live Scan services free of charge)

What if I don’t live in NC?

What if I don’t live in NC? section to read: If you reside in another state or country, please print two (2) fingerprint cards, instructions, and Authority to Release Information form and take them to your local law enforcement agency. The agency may use your printed forms or they may provide FD-258 fingerprint cards. Fill out the 2 cards according to the instructions. Fingerprinting must be performed by trained law enforcement personnel. You may contact your local sheriff or police office for assistance and additional details. Once you have completed the fingerprinting please mail the signed Authority for Release of Information form, the 2 fingerprint cards, and the $38 criminal background check fee (if not paid online) to:

North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
P.O. Box 77819
Greensboro, North Carolina 27417

If you submit fingerprint cards, DO NOT submit the Live Scan forms. This will delay processing of your application!

How do I submit my Live Scan application?

To submit a live scan application, please access the Live Scan Application located under 'Background Checks' once you're logged in to your Counselor Gateway profile. You will need to complete the following steps:

1. Access, complete, print and sign your Live Scan Application forms which include (a) Electronic Fingerprint Submission Release of Information and (b) Applicant Information.
2. Take both of your printed and signed Live Scan Application forms listed above to your Sheriff or Police Department. These law enforcement personnel will obtain and transmit your fingerprints via Live Scan directly to the SBI.
3. Upload or mail your Electronic Fingerprint Submission Release of Information form, after Live Scan is complete, with your application to:

North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors
P.O. Box 77819
Greensboro, North Carolina 27417

Important Note: Results of your CBC cannot be processed until the Electronic Fingerprint Submission Release of Information form is received in the Board office.

Can I challenge the results of a criminal history record check?

Yes, North Carolina allows an individual to review and challenge the results of a criminal history records check. Please contact the agencies as listed below:

• NC State Bureau of Investigation: 919-662-4509
• Federal Bureau of Investigation: 304-625-5590
• Contact the Clerk of Court in the arresting county