Frequently Asked Questions

Effective July 1, 2020, the Board no longer requires an applicant to disclose prior criminal record history, pursuant to Business and Professions Code section 480. Any criminal record will be discovered upon receipt of fingerprint results, at which time, the Board will request the applicant to voluntarily provide an explanation and evidence of rehabilitation.

Please note that the Board is notified of all criminal record history, including convictions that have been dismissed or expunged. The Board may not deny a license on the basis of a conviction that has been dismissed, pursuant to Penal Code sections 1203.4, 1203.4a, 1203.41, 1203.42, or 1203.425, or a comparable dismissal or expungement.

The Board is unable to provide legal advice to applicants or their representatives. The Board reviews each conviction based not only on the conviction itself in relation to the statutes, but also on the underlying issues that led to the conviction. Every situation is unique and is addressed on an individual basis.

All information related to an applicant's criminal history is considered when determining an applicant's eligibility for licensure, including, but not limited to: The specific conviction; when the incident occurred; the circumstances surrounding the arrest/conviction; the number of convictions an applicant has; the applicant's compliance with the court's terms and conditions; and the applicant's rehabilitation.

The Board has four options relative to licensure: issue a full and unrestricted license; issue a license with a public letter of reprimand; issue a probationary license; or deny a license. These actions must be substantiated by appropriate evidence.