Employee & Contractor Clearance Requirements
This page outlines clearance, training, and documentation requirements for District employees and individuals employed by companies under contract with the District who provide direct services to students.
Clearances and required documentation must be obtained prior to beginning employment or service and must be kept current in accordance with Pennsylvania law and District policy.
Clearance requirements for third-party organizations using District facilities are outlined separately on the Background Checks & Clearances overview page.
Who This Page Applies To
This page applies to:
- Full-time and part-time District employees
- Athletic and extracurricular staff employed by the District
- Contracted service providers
- Student teachers and interns
- Any other individual authorized to provide direct services to students on behalf of the District
Individuals seeking to volunteer should refer to the District’s Volunteer Eligibility & Clearance Requirements page.
Clearance Type Based on Compensation
Clearance type depends on whether an individual is compensated for their services.
Individuals serving in paid positions must obtain clearances designated for employment purposes. Volunteer clearances are not valid for paid employment or contracted service roles.
Employment-designated clearances require payment of applicable processing fees, as determined by the issuing agency.
Required Background Clearances (Act 153)
Pennsylvania law requires the following background clearances for employees and contracted personnel who have direct contact with students:
- Must be renewed every five (5) years
- Must be renewed every five (5) years
- Must be renewed every five (5) years
- Required for all District employees and contracted service providers
Fingerprinting Service Code (Employees): 1KG6XN
Required Training (Act 126)
Act 126 – Child Abuse Recognition and Reporting Training
Both parts are mandatory and must be completed prior to service and renewed every five (5) years.
- Online training through the University of Pittsburgh / PA Child Welfare Resource Center
- No cost
- Available through the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) SAS Portal
- No cost
Employees and contracted service providers must complete both parts of Act 126 prior to providing services to students.
Additional Required Documentation
Act 24 – Arrest or Conviction Form (PDE-6004)
All employees and contracted service providers must submit a completed Act 24 form disclosing any arrests or convictions.
Act 168 – Sexual Misconduct/Abuse Disclosure Release
Required for new hires only.
The Act 168 form must be completed and returned for:
- The applicant’s current employer
- All former employers that were school entities (regardless of position)
- Any former employer where the applicant had direct contact with children
School Personnel Health Record
A completed School Personnel Health Record is required for individuals providing direct services to students, including but not limited to:
- Teachers
- Nurses
- Administrators
- Custodians and maintenance staff
- Librarians
- Counselors and psychologists
- Student teachers
Tuberculin (TB) Skin Test
- Must be administered within three (3) months prior to submission
- Once a qualifying nonsignificant TB test is submitted, additional testing is not required unless:
- Exposure to active tuberculosis occurs, or
- Additional testing is directed by the Department of Health
Clearance & Documentation Summary by Role
*Act 168 applies to new hires only.
Submission & Approval Requirements
All required clearances and documentation must be submitted at least seventy-two (72) business hours prior to the individual’s intended start date.
Clearances must be on file with the District and formally reviewed and approved prior to the individual beginning employment or contracted services. The District does not recognize a grace period.
Merely possessing clearances or having them on file with another organization is not sufficient.
Because clearance documents contain personally identifiable information:
- District employees must submit materials directly to the District
- For contracted service providers, the required documentation must be submitted by the contracting company
- Clearances may not be routed through or retained by other District employees or administrators
- Written authorization is required for any third party to release documents to the District, in accordance with Pennsylvania State Police auditing guidelines
Where to Submit Documentation
Supporting documentation may be submitted:
In person to the District Administrative Offices
1 Academic Avenue, Suite 200
Johnstown, PA 15904
Via email to: [email protected]
Please include the individual’s full name and role in the subject line.
Contact Information
For questions regarding clearance requirements or submission procedures, please contact the District Administration Office at 814-266-6063.