The Criminal History Review Unit (CHRU) was established in 1997 and is responsible for coordinating the state and federal criminal history record background checks of individuals who are applying for licensure or certification, or for those who have already obtained a license or certificate from one of the boards or committees of the Division of Consumer Affairs. The CHRU derives its authority from the enabling statutes of the boards and committees it serves.

Individuals residing in New Jersey are required to be fingerprinted by the live-scan fingerprinting vendor under contract with New Jersey. Once the individual has been fingerprinted, the information is electronically forwarded to the New Jersey State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for both agencies to investigate whether the individual has any record of criminal activity. The results are returned electronically to the Criminal History Review Unit. The information received is compiled and forwarded to the board or committee of the applicant or licensee.

Criminal History Record Information (CHRI) is governed by federal and state regulations. Both the federal regulation, 28 C.F.R. § 20, and New Jersey’s regulation, N.J.A.C. 13:59-1.1 et seq., strictly limit the use of this information and provide substantial institutional barriers to protect both the security of Criminal History Record Information and the confidentiality of the applicant and licensee.

Each of the following boards and committees within the Division of Consumer Affairs is subject to Criminal History Record Background Checks:

Acupuncture Examining Board Occupational Therapy Advisory Council Alcohol & Drug Counselor Committee New Jersey State Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers & Ophthalmic Technicians Athletic Training Advisory Committee New Jersey State Board of Optometrists Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Advisory Committee Orthotics & Prosthetics Board of Examiners New Jersey Cemetery Board Perfusionist Advisory Committee New Jersey State Board of Chiropractic Examiners New Jersey State Board of Pharmacy New Jersey State Board of Dentistry New Jersey State Board of Physical Therapy Electrologist Advisory Committee Physicians Assistant Advisory Committee Fire Alarm Burglar Alarm and Locksmith Advisory Committee

Professional Counselor Examiners Committee Hearing Aid Dispensers Examining Committee New Jersey State Board of Psychological Examiners New Jersey State Board of Marriage & Family Therapy Examiners New Jersey State Board of Respiratory Care New Jersey State Board of Massage Therapists New Jersey State Board of Social Work Examiners New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners New Jersey State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners New Jersey State Board of Nursing New Jersey State Board of Real Estate Appraisers

Frequently Asked Questions - Criminal History Record Background Check

Frequently Asked Questions - Fingerprint Scheduling Process