California Department of Social Services · Community Care Licensing Division

Care Provider Management System

Apply for a background check, track your clearance, and manage your facility roster — in one place.

Start an application Check application status Already registered? Sign in

Choose your path

CPMS gives each type of user their own workspace, with only the information and actions relevant to their role.

I’m an applicant

Apply for clearance, upload your documents, and see exactly where your case stands.

Start an application

I’m an agency or facility

Initiate background checks for your staff, manage your roster, and handle transfers and separations.

Sign in to your facility account

I’m CDSS or licensing staff

Review exemptions, work your case queue, and generate correspondence.

Staff sign in

How a background check works

Four steps, from application to decision. CPMS keeps you informed at every one.

  1. Apply

    Complete the online application, give consent, and upload your supporting documents.

  2. Get fingerprinted

    Visit any Live Scan location in California. We receive your results automatically.

  3. We review

    Results from the DOJ, FBI and the Child Abuse Central Index are matched to your case and routed to the right team.

  4. Decision

    You receive your clearance or exemption decision in the portal, by email, or by mail — your choice.

Know where you stand, always

Submitted Under review Action needed Cleared to work

Your status updates the moment your case moves. When we need something from you, you will see what it is, when it is due, and a direct link to the task — no phone calls, no guessing.

Deadlines matter. When we request records from you, you have 45 days to respond under Health and Safety Code section 1522. CPMS shows the exact due date on your case and reminds you before it passes.

New to CPMS?

Everything you need to get started, depending on who you are.

Applicants

Create an account with your email address, then start your application. If your employer gave you a PIN, have it ready. You can save your progress and come back at any time.

Start an application

Agencies and facilities

Request access with the Licensee User Access Form. Once approved, you can submit applications for staff, manage your roster, and receive electronic notices from the Care Provider Management Branch.

Sign in to your facility account

Trouble signing in, or locked out of your account? Email GuardianLoginSupport@dss.ca.gov.

Resources and support

Guides, locations and lookups — available without signing in.

Find a Live Scan location Search fingerprinting sites across California by city or ZIP code. Guides and training Step-by-step instructions, video tutorials and job aids. Community Care Licensing Program information, regulations and contacts. Public status search Check a clearance status without signing in to the portal.

Contact us

Questions about a notice you received? Call 1-888-422-5669 or email Guardian@dss.ca.gov.

This site is built to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA. If you have trouble using any part of it, tell us and we will help.