DBS Check
Thank you for accepting your offer to study at the University of Nottingham or the Lincoln Medical School.
Next steps...
You now need to complete the additional conditions of your offer.
This includes a DBS Clearance check.
Please complete the following steps.
DBS clearance
To apply for your DBS check, you'll need the PIN and secret word for the course you have an offer for.
Please use the table below to find the correct PIN and secret word for your course.
Start your DBS check
Frequently asked questions
Deadlines
Please see the email asking you to complete your DBS check for full details on the deadline.
This must include:
- completing the DBS check details online
- verification of ID documents
We do not expect all DBS certificates to have been issued by this date, but you must have completed the two steps outlined above by the deadline.
The deadline I have been given to meet for DBS is different from my friend who has applied for the same/a different course
We write to applicants about DBS in batches. If you've been contacted later than your friend, your deadline will be later than theirs.
I cannot meet the deadline for the DBS check
If you are afraid you cannot meet the deadline you have been set, please let the relevant team know:
Identity documents for DBS checks
What documents do I need to verify my identity for the DBS check and how are they checked and verified?
You can use only the documents required by the DBS service. Visit the gov.uk website to find out more.
If you have any queries please visit the First Advantage Online Disclosures website.
If you cannot find the answer to your question, please contact the First Advantage Online Disclosures team:
You must take your documents:
- either to the Post Office (service available only for checks submitted on First Advantage Online Disclosures on or prior to 31 August 2023)
- or to a University of Nottingham Student Service Centre where they will be checked and immediately returned to you.
Post Office staff will scan a barcode that you provide which will be issued to you by First Advantage after you have input all of your details on their system. This barcode scan notifies the DBS service that your identity has been verified and your check will be set in motion.
Please note that only certain Post Offices offer the First Advantage checking service. Visit the First Advantage website for further details.
I do not have my passport, driving license, birth certificate, or other key documents with me at this present time as they are at a different address
If you do not have enough of the eligible documents listed on the gov.uk website, please contact the relevant team:
We'll need to talk to you to find out when it's possible to run your DBS check and if necessary, we may need to seek approval from the admissions tutor to request an extension to the deadline.
Existing DBS certificates
I have an existing DBS can I use it?
All firm offer holders are asked to do a new DBS check with our provider First Advantage Online Disclosures.
Length of DBS cover
How long does the University of Nottingham DBS cover last?
The DBS check will cover you for three years’ study. If you need a new one because your course is longer than three years or because you take time out of the course and do not complete within three years, you'll need a second check so that you have cover, unless your original check is registered with the DBS Update Service.
DBS check payment
Who pays for the DBS check?
School of Medicine - Firm offer holders pay for their own DBS check when visiting the Post Office to have ID verified. School of Medicine students who need a second check later in their course will be funded by the school if their initial check is not registered on the Update Service.
School of Health Sciences - Firm offer holders are not charged for the DBS check but must pay for a second check if one is needed if their initial check is not registered on the Update Service.
DBS Update Service
What is the DBS Update Service and do I need to join?
We strongly recommend that you register your new DBS on the DBS Update Service.
School of Health Sciences students who choose not to register for the update service will have to self-fund any additional DBS costs. For example - if you take an interruption to studies, if you're required to make up time and extend your course for any reason, or for any elective requirements.
Overseas students and DBS checks
I am an international student, when do I complete the DBS check?
Overseas and EU students are required to undertake an international DBS check. We'll send you details of how to do this via email.
If you're already currently living in the UK but have lived in other countries for more than six months in the past five years, you'll be required to complete both a UK DBS check now and also international DBS checks for each of the countries you've lived in. We'll contact you about this at offer holder stage.
If you're unsure of what you're required to do, please let the relevant team know:
When the DBS check is complete
Do I need to send in my DBS certificate to the university?
This is not necessary as we can see the outcome of your check on the First Advantage system. We'll need to see your DBS if it contains information on cautions, offences, etc. as the system only shows us if a check is clear or not.
Advice and support
If you have a general question about your course or application, please email our enquiries team. As a student based at the University of Nottingham or the Lincoln Medical School, you'll benefit from a range of advice and support.
If you have any questions about the DBS check, please get in touch.
Please include your full name, course, and student ID on all emails.