You’ve completed the training. You’ve passed the exams. You’re ready to take the next step in your career, whether that means becoming a real estate professional, security guard, insurance professional, or entering another regulated profession.

Then you reach another requirement in the licensing or registration process: a criminal record check.

If you’ve never completed one before, you may have questions. What type of check do you need? Can you complete it online? How long will it take? And can you use a criminal record check you already have?

Criminal record checks are used as part of the licensing or registration process for some regulated professions in Canada. However, requirements can vary depending on the profession, province, and regulatory body.

Before you apply, here’s what you need to know about completing a criminal record check for professional licensing in Canada.

Do You Need a Criminal Record Check for Professional Licensing?

Some professional licensing and regulatory bodies in Canada require applicants to complete a criminal record check as part of the licensing or registration process. Requirements vary by profession, province, and regulator, including the type of check required and how recent the results must be.

If your licensing body requires a criminal record check, always review its instructions before ordering one. This can help you avoid completing the wrong type of screening or having to repeat the process.

Can You Get a Criminal Record Check for Licensing Online?

Depending on the type of check required by your licensing body, you may be able to complete your criminal record check entirely online.

With Triton, eligible applicants can complete a criminal record check securely online, 24/7, without having to complete unnecessary in-person or manual steps. In many cases, results can be returned in as little as 5 minutes.

Before getting started, confirm that the type of criminal record check offered online meets your regulator’s requirements.

Why Do Licensing Bodies Require Criminal Record Checks?

Professional regulators are responsible for establishing standards and requirements for people entering and practicing within their professions.

Depending on the profession, criminal record screening may form part of a broader assessment of an applicant’s suitability, conduct or eligibility for registration.

This can be particularly relevant for professions involving:

  • Positions of trust
  • Access to sensitive or confidential information
  • Financial responsibilities
  • Public safety
  • Work with clients, patients or other members of the public

A criminal record does not necessarily mean someone will automatically be denied a professional license. How information is considered depends on the regulator, applicable legislation and circumstances.

Which Professions May Require a Criminal Record Check for Licensing?

There is no single criminal record check requirement that applies to every regulated profession across Canada.

Requirements can vary between provinces and regulatory bodies, which is why applicants should always confirm the requirements directly with the organization issuing their license or registration.

Below are some professions and regulated occupations where criminal record screening may form part of the licensing or registration process.

Real Estate Professionals

The Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) requires new applicants to provide a recent Canadian criminal record and judicial matters check as part of the registration process. Triton has partnered with RECO to help real estate applicants and registrants complete their CRJMC.

Requirements may be different in other provinces, so applicants should consult their provincial real estate regulator before obtaining a check.

Security Guards

Security guards are another example of a regulated occupation where background screening can be part of the licensing process.

In Ontario, for example, applicants for a security guard or private investigator license must meet eligibility requirements established by the province, including requirements related to criminal history.

Insurance and Financial Services Professionals

Certain insurance and financial services professionals must meet suitability requirements before they can become licensed.

Depending on the province, profession and regulatory body, applicants may be asked to provide information about criminal charges or convictions or complete additional screening as part of the licensing process.

Healthcare and Other Regulated Professionals

Healthcare and other regulated professions can also have screening, disclosure or suitability requirements associated with registration or employment.

However, the requirements are not identical across professions or provinces. Some roles may also involve working with vulnerable populations, which can affect the type of screening requested.

What Type of Criminal Record Check Do You Need for a Professional License?

The type of criminal record check you need depends on the requirements established by the organization issuing your professional license or registration.

This is important because the terms criminal record check, criminal record and judicial matters check and vulnerable sector check do not refer to the same type of screening.

For example, an organization may specifically request a criminal record check, while another licensing or regulatory process may require a different level of police record check.

Don’t choose a check based solely on what you think your profession normally requires. Check the application instructions or contact your regulator first.

How Long Does a Criminal Record Check for Licensing Take?

Processing times depend on the type of criminal record check required and the applicant’s circumstances. Eligible online criminal record checks completed through Triton can return results in an average of 5 minutes.

Some checks may take longer if additional verification or fingerprinting is required.

If you have a licensing deadline approaching, check the screening requirements early. Waiting until the final stage of an application can create unnecessary delays if you discover that you need a different type of check or additional documentation.

How Long Is a Criminal Record Check Valid for Professional Licensing?

There is no universal expiry date for criminal record checks used for professional licensing in Canada. The organization requesting the check determines how recent your results need to be.

For example, a regulator may require a check completed within a specified period before your application. Another organization may have different requirements. Some may require you to renew your check yearly.

A criminal record check also reflects information available at the time the check is completed. For that reason, an older check may not satisfy a regulator’s current requirements.

If you already have a criminal record check, confirm with your licensing body whether it will accept your existing results before purchasing another one.

Always confirm before submitting an existing check.

How to Get a Criminal Record Check for Professional Licensing

If you’ve been asked to complete a criminal record check for your professional license, the process can be straightforward once you know exactly what is required.

  1. Review Your Licensing Requirements

Start with the regulator, licensing body or professional association requesting the check.

Look for the exact name of the check required, how recently it must have been completed, and whether there are specific submission instructions.

  1. Confirm the Type of Check

Don’t assume all background checks or police record checks are interchangeable.

If the instructions aren’t clear, contact the organization requesting the check before you purchase one.

  1. Prepare Your Identification

You will need to verify your identity as part of the criminal record check process. Review the identification requirements before beginning so you have the necessary information available.

  1. Complete Your Criminal Record Check

If your licensing body accepts the type of criminal record check available through Triton, you can complete the process securely online.

  1. Follow Your Regulator’s Submission Instructions

Once your check is complete, follow the licensing body’s directions for providing your results and complete the rest of your application.

One Step Closer to Your Professional License

You’ve worked hard to get to this point. If a criminal record check is one of the final requirements for your professional license or registration, completing it doesn’t have to slow you down.

Once you’ve confirmed the type of check your licensing body requires, you can complete an eligible criminal record check securely online with Triton, with results available in as little as 5 minutes.

Ready to complete your next step?

Get Your Criminal Record Check Online

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Record Checks for Professional Licensing

Do all professional licenses in Canada require a criminal record check?

No. Criminal record check requirements vary by profession, province and regulatory body. Review the requirements of the organization responsible for issuing your license or registration before ordering a check.

What type of criminal record check do I need for licensing?

The licensing or regulatory body determines which type of check you need. Always follow its instructions because different types of criminal record and police record checks are not interchangeable.

Can I get a criminal record check for professional licensing online?

Yes, in some cases. If your licensing body accepts an eligible criminal record check, you may be able to complete it securely online. Triton’s eligible online criminal record checks can return results in as little as 15 minutes.

Does a criminal record check expire?

Criminal record checks do not have one universal expiry period that applies to every licensing organization. The organization requesting the check determines how recent your results must be.

Can I use an old criminal record check for my professional license?

It depends on the licensing body’s requirements. Some organizations require a check completed within a specified period or a particular type of check. Confirm whether your existing results will be accepted before submitting them.

Can I use the same criminal record check for multiple applications?

Potentially, but each organization decides what it will accept. A check accepted for one employer, regulator or organization may not satisfy another organization’s requirements.

Do I need fingerprints for a criminal record check?

Not always. Fingerprints may be required depending on the type of verification needed and the applicant’s circumstances.

Is a criminal record check the same as a Vulnerable Sector Check?

No. A criminal record check and a Vulnerable Sector Check are different types of screening. If an organization specifically requests a Vulnerable Sector Check, you should follow its instructions. Triton does not provide Vulnerable Sector Checks currently.

What should I do before ordering a criminal record check for licensing?

Confirm the exact type of check required, how recent it needs to be and any submission requirements with your licensing or regulatory body. Doing this first can help you avoid ordering the wrong check or delaying your application.