Police Clearance Certificate for Employment Purposes
Many employers in Canada require a Police Clearance Certificate or Criminal Record Check as part of their hiring process. Whether you’re applying for a government position, healthcare role, financial services job, or another position of trust, a background screening helps employers verify your suitability for the role.
At F.I.P.S. (Fingerprints, Identifications and Pardons Services), we provide RCMP-accredited digital fingerprinting and criminal record check services to support employment screening for individuals across Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.
This guide explains what a Police Clearance Certificate for employment is, when it is required, the different types of checks available, and how to obtain one.
What Is a Police Clearance Certificate for Employment?
A Police Clearance Certificate (also called a Criminal Record Check, Police Check, or Police Clearance) is an official document used to verify whether an individual has a criminal record or other information relevant to an employer’s hiring requirements.
The exact type of check depends on the employer and the position. Some employers require a basic name-based criminal record check, while others require a fingerprint-based RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check.
Why Do Employers Require a Police Clearance Certificate?
Employers use criminal record checks to:
- Promote workplace safety
- Meet regulatory or licensing requirements
- Protect clients, customers, and employees
- Verify applicant identity
- Reduce hiring risks
- Comply with organizational screening policies
Police clearance requirements vary by industry and job responsibilities.
Jobs That Commonly Require Police Clearance Certificates
A Police Clearance Certificate may be requested for positions in:
- Government
- Healthcare
- Education
- Childcare
- Financial Services
- Banking
- Security Services
- Law Enforcement
- Transportation
- Long-Term Care
- Social Services
- Volunteer Organizations
- Professional Licensing
Some employers may also require a Vulnerable Sector Check if the role involves working with children or vulnerable adults.
Types of Employment Criminal Record Checks
- Name-Based Criminal Record Check
A name-based criminal record check searches police databases using:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
This type of check is commonly used for:
- General employment
- Office positions
- Retail
- Warehouse jobs
- Administrative roles
If your identity cannot be confirmed through a name-based search, fingerprints may be requested.
- RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check
An RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check is based on digital fingerprints and provides positive identity verification.
Employers may request this type of check for:
- Federal government positions
- High-security roles
- Law enforcement
- Immigration-related employment
- Positions requiring enhanced security screening
Fingerprint-based checks are the most accurate method of confirming identity.
- Vulnerable Sector Check
A Vulnerable Sector Check is used when employees or volunteers will work with:
- Children
- Seniors
- Individuals with disabilities
- Other vulnerable persons
This check has additional legal requirements and must be requested through the hiring organization.
When Are Fingerprints Required?
Fingerprints may be required when:
- Your employer specifically requests an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check.
- A name-based search produces a possible match that requires identity confirmation.
- You are applying for certain federal government or high-security positions.
Being asked to provide fingerprints does not mean you are suspected of a crime. They are used to accurately verify your identity.
What Documents Do You Need?
Applicants should generally bring:
- Two valid government-issued identification documents
- At least one photo ID
- Any employment request letter or screening instructions (if provided)
Examples of acceptable ID include:
- Passport
- Driver’s Licence
- Permanent Resident Card
- Provincial Photo Identification Card
How Long Does It Take?
The fingerprinting appointment usually takes 10–15 minutes.
Overall processing times depend on:
- Type of criminal record check requested
- RCMP processing (if fingerprint-based)
- Employer requirements
- Whether additional verification is needed
Why Choose F.I.P.S.?
F.I.P.S. has more than 30 years of experience providing fingerprinting and identity verification services.
Our Employment Screening Services
- RCMP Digital Fingerprinting
- Certified Criminal Record Checks
- Employment Criminal Record Checks
- Identity Verification
- Police Clearance Certificates
- Background Screening Support
Why Employers and Applicants Choose F.I.P.S.
- RCMP-Accredited Fingerprinting Agency
- Secure Digital Submission
- Experienced Fingerprint Technicians
- Walk-In Service Available
- Fast and Professional Service
- Convenient Toronto and GTA Locations
We proudly serve clients throughout Toronto, North York, Scarborough, Etobicoke, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, and the Greater Toronto Area.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It is a criminal record check used by employers to help determine whether an applicant has a criminal record or requires additional identity verification.
No. Requirements vary by employer, industry, and the responsibilities of the position.
A standard Criminal Record Check is generally name-based, while an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check uses digital fingerprints to positively verify identity.
Fingerprints are required when an employer specifically requests an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check or when a name-based search cannot conclusively verify identity.
Most digital fingerprinting appointments take approximately 10–15 minutes.
Not always. Some employers require a recent certificate or a specific type of criminal record check.
No. It is only one part of an employer’s hiring and background screening process.
You can obtain the required criminal record check or RCMP fingerprinting services through an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting provider such as F.I.P.S., depending on your employer’s requirements.
A Police Clearance Certificate is an important part of the hiring process for many positions in Canada. Understanding which type of criminal record check your employer requires can help you avoid delays and ensure your application is completed correctly.
Whether you need a name-based Criminal Record Check or an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check with digital fingerprinting, F.I.P.S. provides professional, secure, and efficient services to help you meet your employment screening requirements.