Notice Regarding Criminal Background Checks

An applicant applying for a professional counselor license by examination or credentials is required by 12 AAC 62.100(b)(6) or 12 AAC 62.130(7) to submit official name-based background reports of state criminal justice information under AS 12.62.005 – 12.62.200.

• Every applicant needs to submit an Alaska name-based background check, even if the applicant was never a resident of Alaska. This report may be obtained by contacting the Alaska State Troopers.
• If the applicant is a resident of a different state, then we require a second name based background check from that state. Contact the state’s law enforcement agency to obtain the report and have it sent directly to this division.
• Only background reports from state law enforcement agencies will be accepted. Reports obtained through online services do not meet the requirement. Government clearances and background checks through a workplace may not be substituted for the state issued background checks.
• Some states do not allow distribution of criminal background checks to third parties or will not provide a report to the applicant if the intent is to forward it to a third party. If you have been licensed in a state that does not authorize the release of a criminal record report to a third party, please submit supporting documentation. Click here for an example of supporting documentation.

For more information, please visit the Frequently asked questions.