TB Test must be within 3 months prior to the first field class. (The first field class for a program, not the first field class for the academic year or semester.) If you currently have a TB test that is less than a year from the given date (do not retest within one calendar year), please contact the Office of Candidate Services at 610-436-2999.

• EGP Majors ONLY: Repeat TB test every 2 years
• All Others: No retest is needed until applying for student teaching except in rare cases

Test Administration

• Your primary care physician
• Student Health Services (Commonwealth Hall, Ground Floor • 610-436-2509)
  • Please call 610-436-2509 or email healthctr@wcupa.edu to learn about specified dates or schedule an appointment.
  • Cost: $34 with charge applied to student account
• The Occupational Health Center (915 Old Fern Hill Road, Building A, Suite 3, West Chester, PA 19380 • 610-738-2450)
  • Hours: 7:30-5:00. No appointment necessary. Minimum 30 minute wait. No testing on Thursdays.
  • Cost: $22 cash or check
  • Many drug stores have clinics that can administer a TB test.
• Some local Pharmacy/Drug Stores

The WCU TB Testing Form is preferred to report the results of your TB test or a letter from your doctor including the date the test was read and the test results. Your immunization record is NOT acceptable as proof of the test and will not be accepted.

Note: Some school districts hosting early field students and student teachers require a TB test issued within the year they begin their school district assignment. School district requirements take precedence over University policy. Never retest until one year after the "date read" of previous TB report.

Online

• Pennsylvania Access to Criminal History
• Cost: $8
• Do not choose the Volunteer version

By Mail

• Complete the PA Criminal Record Check Form
• Cost: $8

Important: Print the certificate and not just the receipt!

Online

• PA Child Welfare Information Solution
• Cost: $8 by credit/debit
• Do not choose the Volunteer version

By Mail

• Complete the PA Child Abuse Paper Application Form
• Cost: $8 money order & fee for money order
  • Cash and personal checks are NOT accepted.
  • Please photocopy your money order and application form and retain for your records.
• Clearance request and money order must be mailed to:
  • Childline & Abuse Registry, Dept. of Human Services, P.O. Box 8170, Harrisburg, PA 17105-8170
• Call 717-783-6211 to check on your application. The office is open 9-11am and 1-4pm.

In Person

It is also possible to go to the office of the Dept. of Human Services, Office of Children, Youth, & Families in Harrisburg at 5 Magnolia Drive, Harrisburg, PA and obtain the PA Child Abuse Clearance. See directions to drive to Harrisburg for more information.

Fingerprinting must be completed in Pennsylvania. Before visiting a Pennsylvania fingerprinting site:

• Register online using debit/credit card or by phone 888-439-2486.
• Payment is accepted at site using a money order or cashier's check payable to "Cogent Systems."
• Your registration must be completed through Cogent System's PDE registration page and your resulting registration number MUST begin with "PAE."
• The fee for the fingerprinting service is $27. This includes an unofficial Civil Applicant Response (report of the results) on ivory paper automatically mailed to each applicant which comes from PA Department of Education.
• Bring the Civil Applicant Response to the scanning station. If you don't receive the report within three (3) weeks of being fingerprinted, call 888-439-2486 to check on your application.
• The Civil Applicant Response will NOT be sent after 30 days for fingerprinting. The office is open 9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.