Required Background Check

• M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (online and residential): Must purchase the background check and fingerprinting package during COUC 500. FBI fingerprinting must be completed prior to COUC 512.
• M.A. in Marriage and Family Counseling (residential): Must purchase the background check and fingerprinting package during COUC 500. FBI fingerprinting must be completed prior to COUC 512.
• M.A. in Marriage and Family Therapy (online): Must purchase the background check and fingerprinting package during CEFS 500. FBI fingerprinting must be completed prior to CEFS 512.
• M.A. in Addictions Counseling: Must purchase the background check and fingerprinting package during ADCN 505. FBI fingerprinting must be completed prior to ADCN 512.
• Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision: Must purchase the background check and fingerprinting package prior to applying for the Ph.D. program and prior to COUC 998 Practicum and COUC 999 Internship.

Failure to complete FBI fingerprinting prior to COUC 512, CEFS 512, ADCN 512 or prior to applying for the Ph.D. program will result in a hold being placed on the student’s account preventing future registration until FBI fingerprinting has been completed.

Book Voucher: Students who wish to pay for their background check and fingerprinting package with a book voucher may do so through the Barnes & Noble College website.

You must have the FBI fingerprinting portion of the background check fully completed through Castle Branch in order to apply for Practicum or Internship – no exceptions. If you do not have your fingerprints fully completed at the time of application, you will be denied.

• Background purchasing instructions
• Background check receipt example
• FBI fingerprinting confirmation checklist example

Students are responsible for any fees that are associated with any of the available background packages. Full background checks take approximately 3-5 days from submission of forms to receive a report (clearance/non-clearance) – CastleBranch supports this service. All fees associated with any of the available background packages will be paid directly to CastleBranch.

Please note: Students may be required to complete more than one attempt for successful completion of the fingerprinting portion of the background check.  If you have questions or concerns, please email COUNbackground@liberty.edu.