As of June 2014, the FBI has changed the name of the FBI Criminal Record Check (or Criminal Background Check) to Identity History Summary Check. US Residents applying it for it recently may have found themselves confused as to what the difference between the two are, but they are in fact the same thing. The change was made to remove the word “criminal” which may have been found offensive to some.
Searching for “FBI Criminal Background Check” in a search engine will still yield the same results and take you to the same page, however please be aware of the change to avoid confusion. Those who have applied previously for the check and obtained it under the previous name will experience no difference when submitting it to the appropriate office when applying to teach English in South Korea.
For more information about applying for the FBI Identity History Summary Check can visit the official site at:
https://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks
The website says that The Identity History Summary Check cannot be used for employment or licensing. So…I’m still confused…Can you help clear that up for me?
Here is the detailed information that is provided on the FBI page.
Pursuant to 28 CFR 16.30-16.34, an Identity History Summary is provided solely for you to conduct a personal review and/or obtain a change, correction, or updating of your record. It is not provided for the purpose of licensing or employment or any other purpose enumerated in 28 CFR 20.33. If the reason you are requesting an Identity History Summary or proof that an Identity History Summary does not exist is for employment, licensing, or adoption purposes within the United States, you may be required by state statute or federal law to submit your request through your state identification bureau, requesting federal agency, or other authorized channeling agency. Please contact the requesting agency or the appropriate state identification bureau (or state police) for additional information. For a list of state identification bureaus, visit http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/identity-history-summary-checks/state-identification-bureau-listing.