By Fingerprinting Ohio
Introduction: Why Fingerprinting Services Are Needed in Ohio
Across Ohio, many employers, licensing boards, and government agencies require fingerprint-based background checks. According to the Ohio Attorney General’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), these checks help verify identity for employment, volunteering, and various regulated fields.
Because fingerprinting is a recurring requirement for many professions, there is consistent public demand for both electronic submissions and ink fingerprint cards when an exemption applies. As a result, some people explore becoming fingerprint technicians — either to offer services in their community or to add fingerprinting to an existing business.
This blog post explains what you should know before getting started, based on publicly available information from BCI.
What Does a Fingerprinting Technician Do?
A fingerprinting technician helps individuals complete the fingerprint portion of a background check process. Responsibilities typically include:
- Working with clients who need fingerprints for employment, volunteering, or agency requirements
- Capturing fingerprints using ink on a fingerprint card (when allowed)
- Ensuring the required fields on the card are completed
- Maintaining a clean and organized workspace
- Offering mobile fingerprinting when appropriate
This section reflects general responsibilities. BCI does not regulate the title “fingerprint technician,” and no state-issued certification is required specifically for ink fingerprinting.
Understanding Ohio’s Fingerprinting System (Based on BCI Guidelines)
To avoid any misinformation, here are verified, factual points from Ohio BCI that every aspiring fingerprint technician should understand:
1. Electronic submission is the standard.
The Ohio Attorney General states:
“All fingerprints must be submitted to BCI electronically through WebCheck or a card scan unless the required reasons for an exemption are met.”
This means ink fingerprint cards are used only when an exemption applies.
2. Ink fingerprinting has specific requirements.
For ink cards, BCI requires:
- Fingerprinting ink only
- Fingers rolled nail to nail
- All required information completed on the card
If any mandatory fields are missing, BCI will return the card unprocessed.
3. The correct fingerprint card must be used.
BCI requires the official BCI Civilian Background Check card for state checks.
4. An exemption form may be required.
When submitting ink cards to BCI, an official Request for Exemption from Electronic Fingerprint Submission Requirement may need to be included.
5. Federal (FBI) ink cards must meet similar requirements.
For FBI submissions processed through BCI, similar instructions apply regarding ink, card completion, and accuracy.
Helpful Skills for Anyone Considering Fingerprinting Work
The following skills are helpful for anyone planning to offer fingerprinting services:
- Professional communication when working with the public
- Attention to detail, since incomplete or unclear fingerprints can be returned
- Clean and organized setup, especially when using fingerprint ink
- Respect for required procedures, including proper card handling and completing required fields
These skills support accuracy and professionalism — both important for individuals offering fingerprint services.
Why Training Matters
Because BCI has specific rules about how cards must be completed and how fingerprints must be captured, proper training helps ensure:
- Clear, acceptable ink prints
- Correct card completion
- Compliance with BCI’s detailed instructions
- Better customer experience
- Fewer rejected or returned fingerprint cards
Training also helps practitioners understand the difference between situations requiring ink cards versus electronic submissions — a distinction Ohio takes seriously.
To support this need, my Fingerprinting Course teaches practical skills, proper technique, common mistakes to avoid, workspace setup, and how to provide fingerprinting services responsibly. The course does not replace BCI’s requirements — it teaches you how to perform the service properly and professionally.
Start With Knowledge and Proper Preparation
Becoming a fingerprinting technician in Ohio begins with understanding:
- The difference between electronic submissions and ink cards
- When ink cards may be used
- What BCI requires on every fingerprint card
- Why accuracy matters
- How proper training helps you provide professional service
If you want to learn how to perform ink fingerprinting the right way — using proper technique, clean impressions, and accurate card handling — my Fingerprinting Course walks you through everything you need in a simple, practical way.