Educator Records

Licensing Records

USIMS - Utah Schools Information Management System

The USIMS system was launched in 2021 and is in current development to integrate all educational data platforms that will eventually include Licensing, School Data, Student Data and Finance. 

To create your USIMS account, log into https://usims.schools.utah.gov and click the “Sign Up” button.  Information entered in this system is confidential.  For first-time users, you will be assigned a CACTUS ID (license) number at the completion of your information entry.  For individuals who already have a CACTUS number assigned, the system will sync your existing information. 

Once an account has been established, secure access to personal information, license information, background check status, ethics review, renewal status and copy of a current license may be accessed. Any task in the Checklist that highlights in blue may be updated or viewed. 

Please note that change/correction of a legal name, date of birth or social security number must be handled by the Educator Licensing department.  Please contact Educator Licensing at 801-538-7740 during business hours.

Additional features will be periodically added to this system as development continues. 

CACTUS - Comprehensive Administration of Credentials for Teachers in Utah Schools Records

CACTUS is Utah’s current database that manages educator licensing and assignment records.  Educators may access a “view” of their CACTUS profile by creating an account in https://my.uen.org. 

To view your CACTUS record, which is essentially your Utah Educator License, you will need to be able to log in to your Utah Education Network (UEN) account.  Follow the steps outlined in How To Check in CACTUS if Your Background, Ethics Review and Degree Has Posted in CACTUS.

If you do not remember your login and/or password, contact UEN.org to reset it.  USBE is not authorized to reset UEN account access.

If you are unable to view CACTUS, please verify that your birth date, last four digits of your social security number, and first and last names appear the same in UEN and CACTUS. If you need to change or correct your educator record in CACTUS, please contact the Educator Licensing Team.

If your name requires to be corrected in UEN, clicking the Edit Name and Login link under UEN Tools. When it is corrected, log out of UEN and then back in to apply the change.

Transcripts

All transcripts submitted to the Utah State Board of Education (USBE) must be original.  Transcripts may be submitted electronically or by mailing the original paper document. Submission of transcripts must either be in conjunction with an online application or with an email notification to the USBE to update licensing records (see Posting of a Degree below).

Electronic Transcripts (Preferred method)

USBE accepts electronic transcripts as long as these are submitted directly from the college/university clearinghouse (transcript service) to transcripts@schools.utah.gov. Transcripts should be requested before you submit your application, and your application should indicate in which method the transcripts were submitted and from which college/university. If your college/university is not set up to send transcripts through a clearinghouse you will need to mail an original paper transcript to educator licensing, see Original (Paper) Transcripts below.

Original (Paper) Transcripts

Sealed transcripts in the university envelope are not required, but the documents must be original on the college/university scrip-safe paper. Photocopies or transcripts have been electronically received and printed will not be accepted. Send paper transcripts to:

Utah State Board of Education

250 E 500 S
PO Box 144200
Salt Lake City, Utah 84114-4200

Transcripts will be archived and are not returned unless indicated in writing with the submission. Please include a self-addressed envelope if you would like the transcript(s) returned by mail. No postage necessary.

Foreign (out-of-country) Transcripts

Foreign transcripts must be translated and evaluated for United States equivalency by an approved company. Be sure to obtain a course by-course equivalency and degree evaluation with translation. For a list of acceptable companies who provide this service go to the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) or the Association of International Credential Evaluators (AICE).  My International Education Evaluation (MyIEE) offers a $20 discount to Utah educators with expedited service.

Posting of a Degree

To post or update a new degree in a CACTUS account, request the electronic transcript from the university’s website and have this sent directly to transcripts@schools.utah.gov.  Send a second email to transcripts@schools.utah.gov indicating the origin of the university, your CACTUS number and that this is intended to post a degree.  If an original paper document is being submitted, please send and email to transcripts@schools.utah.gov so that educator licensing knows the reason for your paper transcript submission.

Data Corrections

Modifications to a legal name, date of birth, or social security number are managed by the Licensing Team and require documentation.

Name Change

Submit a current state/federally issued photo ID with the legal documentation that changes the name such as a marriage certificate or pages from court documents.  Submit to licensing@schools.utah.gov with your CACTUS ID#.

Date of Birth

Submit a copy of a document that shows the correct date of birth such as a current drivers license or copy of the birth certificate to licensing@schools.utah.gov with your CACTUS ID#. 

Social Security Number 

Because of the sensitivity of this information, please schedule an appointment either online or in person with Licensing staff.  Schedule a Licensing Appointment.

Position/Job Assignment

Contact your Local Education Agency (LEA) Human Resources or administration to make corrections to assignment data or history.

Print your Educator License

Only Professional-level license levels, license areas and endorsement areas will print at this time. Expired Licenses cannot be printed.  You may print your license by following these steps:

  • Log into your USIMS account
  • From the "Home" screen, click on the “License Info/Print License” drop-down
  • Click the link  Print/Download Your License option
  • A PDF copy of your Professional license will be generated.
  • You may print or save this file for future reference.

License Verification

All license types may be validated including Professional, Associate, SOEP Provider Specific and LEA-Specific and may include test results, if applicable.

There are three options to verify a Utah Educator License, subject to the license status:

Option 1:  View Online (Available any time to anyone.)

    • Educator Licensing Lookup Tool  Online verification accessed directly from USBE/CACTUS. Enter First and Last Name and click Search. Click on “Details” to see license.  ** District information is not required and should only be entered for currently assigned educators.

Option 2:  Print Current Professional License (Only Professional-level license levels, license areas and endorsement areas will appear. Expired Licenses cannot be printed.)

    • USIMS:  Log into USIMS account. From the “Home” screen, click on the “License Info” section and then click the "Print/Download Your License" option.
    • Educator Licensing Lookup Tool (No CACTUS/License number appears) Enter First and Last Name and click Search.  Click on “Details” to see license.  Take a “screenshot” of the page for documentation. 

Option 3:  Written verification (Expired or Current licenses)  Written request from the educator is required. Send an e-mail to licensing@schools.utah.gov with the subject line License Verification Letter and your CACTUS number (e.g.: License Verification Letter – Ed U. Cater 123456) and include:

    • Full Name (including any maiden or previous last name)
    • CACTUS Identification Number or other identifying information (MM/DD birthdate and last four digits of your Social Security Number)
    • Statement that educator gives permission to release licensing information including degrees and/or test results, when applicable.
    • Recipient’s email address or address if physical documentation required.

ARL Verification

If your standard (professional) license was earned through the USBE’s former Alternative Routes to Licensure (ARL) Program, please indicate that program information and validation is required.

Form Requests

Verification Forms requested by other states or agencies.

Documents requested by other state/government agencies seeking confirmation of a license, endorsement, renewal eligibility and/or testing requirements must be submitted as a PDF to licensing@schools.utah.gov. Please include a statement with your email that you are giving permission to USBE to release your licensing information including testing results, if applicable.  Complete the applicant sections required on the form with any signatures prior to attaching.  If not stated on the form, please indicate where to return the completed document.

Employment Records

The Utah State Board of Education does not provide verification of employment.  Please contact your previous or current employers for any employment verification needed.

Background Check Status

You may be able to view your Background Check Status in your USIMS or CACTUS license records.

Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission (UPPAC)

UPPAC is the arm of the USBE charged with promoting and maintaining the high degree of professional ethics and practice required in the education profession. In the event questions arise with the background clearance status, applicants will receive an email from UPPAC that provides instructions on how to resolve any inquiries.

For questions regarding documents and procedures to clear background checks with issues, please contact UPPAC at (801) 538-7745, or by email to UPPAC@schools.utah.gov.

License Record Request

Request information should be e-mailed to licensing@schools.utah.gov.

Option 1:  Educator Transcripts digitally or physically received by Utah State Board of Education (USBE)  A written request from the educator is required with express written permission to release degree and university information. Send information to licensing@schools.utah.gov and include the following information:

  • Full Name (including any maiden or previous last name)
  • CACTUS ID number or other identifying information (MM/DD of the birthdate and last four digits of your social security number)
  • Recipient's email
  • Name(s) of college or university transcript requested.

Option 2:  Board-approved content knowledge test results (Praxis) records  A written request from the educator is required. Send information to licensing@schools.utah.gov and include the following information:

  • Full Name (including any maiden or previous last name)
  • CACTUS ID number or other identifying information (MM/DD of the birthdate and last four digits of your social security number)
  • Statement granting permission for USBE to release posted test history.
  • Recipient's mailing address and/or e-mail.