Every applicant, including those reinstating their registration or applying from outside Canada, must submit a criminal record check.
Criminal record checks cannot be older than 90 days from the date of your application to be accepted by the College.
The way to get a criminal record check differs depending on where you live when you apply.
If you have a criminal record, you need to provide supporting documentation that explains your criminal record.
- The report must include records of discharges that have not been removed from the CPIC system in accordance with the Criminal Records Act and records of outstanding criminal charges of which the police are aware.
- Applicants are required to report any pardons they have received.
- The name on the report must match the name that appears on the applicant’s registration application.
- The report must indicate that a search was completed on all names the applicant is currently using or has used.
- The date of birth on the report must match the applicants.
- The costs relating to obtaining a criminal record check will be the applicant’s responsibility.
The College will retain criminal record checks for applicants’ records.
The College requires that all applicants living in Canada complete their criminal record checks through myBackCheck, an online service provided by Sterling Backcheck. MyBackCheck provides applicants with a cost-effective way of obtaining criminal record checks.
The College receives the results directly from Sterling Backcheck, generally within 24 hours of the request, allowing for a more efficient and streamlined application process. Applicants may also choose to forward their myBackCheck result to another agency or employer that is registered with Sterling Backcheck at no additional cost.
Results from myBackCheck are considered valid for 90 days from the date of issue. If you have issues navigating the mybackcheck.com site, please call them directly at 1-877-455-6730.
If applicants choose not to use mybackcheck.com and instead obtain a Criminal Record Check through local police services, the original document or a notarized copy must be submitted to the College. Please note that this can hold up your registration process. Employers might also ask for a criminal record check, but their requirements could differ from the College’s so make sure you meet the requirements for both parties.
The College will not accept criminal record checks done by private companies.
Applicants outside Canada should contact their police department to obtain a criminal record check. We do not accept record checks conducted by third parties (e.g. private companies).
A criminal record check verifies whether you have a criminal history. The name of this document can vary by location, such as a police certificate, police clearance certificate, good conduct certificate, judicial record extract, or another name.
If your criminal record check is in a language other than English, you will need to provide a certified translation.
The College will accept notarized criminal record checks submitted for immigration to Canada if the check was conducted no more than 90 days before applying to the College.