Most one-time volunteer opportunities don’t require clearances, but it’s always a good idea to have them. What clearances you’re required to have will largely depend on where and what you are going, so it’s important to understand the scope of the opportunity you’ve signed up for.

The three most commonly required clearances in Pennsylvania are: PA ChildLine, PA Criminal History Check, and FBI Criminal History Check, the first two of which are free for volunteers to obtain. Links to each of these clearances and the directions to complete them are listed below. You can also visit KeepKidsSafe.gov for further information.

PA ChildLine Clearance 

1. Link (https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwis/public/home)
2. Click "Create Individual Account"
3. Click "Next"
4. Fill in your informaiton, Click "Next"
5. You will receive an email with your account password
6. Follow site steps to receive your clearance

PA Criminal History Check

1. Link (https://epatch.state.pa.us)
2. Click “New Record Check”
3. Click "Accept Terms and Conditions"
4. Fill in your information, Click "Next"
5. Click "Proceed"
6. Fill in your information, Click "Enter this Request"
7. The screen will refresh, Click "View Queued Record Check Requests
8. Click "Submit"
9. Click the control number by your name, Click "Certification Form" to receive your clearance

FBI Criminal History Check

1. Link (https://uenroll.identogo.com) or call (1-844-321-2101)
2. Enter the service code "1kG6ZJ"
3. Fill in your information, create an appointment
4. There is a $22.60 fee for fingerprint service
5. Bring two forms of identification to you appointment

Updated 1/16/20