Not that I mind having my background checked--after working at 3 VA's and getting fingerprinted at each one--I'm pretty sure I'm clean. But, it can be an annoying task, especially if the state you are getting licensed in has specific, quirky requests. And, it's more money, for those of you thinking of how much to budget for this beastly licensing task.
For instance, in California, the fingerprinting procedures have gone all digital and most everywhere around that has fingerprinting services have Live Scan for that very reason (p.s. You can not get fingerprinted at the police stations in CA anymore. They've outsourced it.). And, interestingly/frustratingly, Oregon wants/requires the old FBI card with ink fingerprints. Here's where the extra effort comes in, trying to find places that still do ink. So, FYI, if you live in CA or another digitized fingerprint state and are applying to a traditional-ink state, budget time for that and it takes a bit for the background check, so the EARLIER THE BETTER!
Bottom line: plan early, check out your state requirements and the resources around you (esp. if you don't live in the same state you are applying), and keep a little money aside for it.
All that rant to say that it is done! I just mailed them off today and the only thing potentially outstanding are my references. So, we'll see how long it takes from when I get the notice they have it. I'm starting the clock now.
I got my official letter from the board in Alabama saying that my application is complete and will be reviewed by the board July 8th! Now that it is official... I REALLY need to be logging study hours. I guess I should have looked into the whole "must test within XX days" thing before I sent in the application. Ooops. :)
ReplyDeleteMH,
ReplyDeleteI think you'll be okay. The 60-days starts when you pay for the test through PES, not when you get approved from your state. That's my understanding anyway. So, you have unlimited time, until you pay the money and schedule your test with PES. Check though, just in case I'm on crack.