Security Badges

Cincinnati Public Schools requires that CPS-issued security badges be worn by anyone entering CPS' schools and offices.

Click here: Make a Background Check Appointment
- Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Tuesday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- No Background Checks on Friday

One-time or Infrequent Visitors

Must obtain CPS-issued security badges; includes student teachers, co-op students, interns, police officers in CPS' employ, consultants, contractors, vendors and volunteers. Background checks are required to receive CPS security badges.
Local background checks: For individuals who will not have unsupervised contact with students, the check is done in the county where the person lives.
BCII (Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification) and FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) background checks, which include fingerprinting: For everyone who will have unsupervised contact with students; unsupervised contact means not being accompanied by a CPS employee.
Levels of background checks vary based on contact with students.
The Security Badge Authorization Form signed by the building administrator is required.

Complete a Local Background Check by visiting:
- Hamilton County Justice Center, (1000 Sycamore Street, Room 100, 45202; Ph. (513) 946-6600; Hours: Monday-Friday 7 a.m.– 3 p.m.)
- Please make sure to bring a valid Driver’s License/State Issued ID with you to obtain your background check
- Note: There is a $5 fee (exact cash)
Complete FBI/BCII Background Check:
- Background checks are now available at the Employee Care Center for CPS employees and volunteers.
- The price for the FBI background check is $36.00.
- The price for the BCI background check is $32.00.
- Cash, Debit Cards, and Credit Cards (Visa or Mastercard only) are accepted. Please bring the exact amount when using cash. We are unable to provide change.
- Days and hours:
  - Monday: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  - Tuesday - Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
  - No Background Checks on Friday

To schedule an appointment, go to:
- Badge Appointment Scheduling
To receive your CPS Badge:
- Visit Cincinnati Public Schools, Education Center, 2651 Burnet Ave, 45219 (Monday - Thursday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.)
- - Please bring with you your:
  - Current Local or FBI/BCII Background AND
  - State Issued ID/Driver's License
Enter at the front door of the Education Center and check in at the front desk.

Board Policy No. 8475 — CPS Background Checks Procedure