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Educator Background Credentialing Teaching and Learning Reminders & Updates 45 Starting January 1, 2025, Louisiana law (R.S. 17:8.9) requires a criminal background check (CBC) for teacher certification, beyond that which is required for employment purposes as directed in RS 17:15. Federal law mandates that separate CBCs be done for different purposes; therefore, a background check used for employment cannot also be used for certification. ● A criminal history check will be required before a teaching certificate can be issued, renewed, advanced, or modified. ● Certification processes, forms, and technology are being revised to integrate the CBC requirement. ● Certification applications submitted before January 1, 2025, are processed without additional CBC requirements. Submit questions via the Teacher Certification Help Portal.