Whether you’re applying for a new job, volunteering, obtaining a professional licence, or completing an immigration-related process, you may be asked to provide a CPIC Check. Although many Canadians have heard the term, few understand what it is, how it works, or when it is required.

At F.I.P.S. (Fingerprints, Identifications and Pardons Services), we help individuals and organizations obtain CPIC Criminal Record Checks, RCMP-certified fingerprinting, and identity verification services throughout Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, and the Greater Toronto Area.

This guide explains what a CPIC Check is, when you need one, and how it differs from other criminal record checks.

What Is a CPIC Check?

A CPIC Check is a criminal record search conducted through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database. CPIC is Canada’s national law enforcement information system, used by police agencies across the country to access and share criminal justice information.

A CPIC Check is typically a name-based criminal record check that searches available police records using your:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth

The purpose of a CPIC Check is to determine whether an individual has a criminal record or other information relevant to the type of background screening requested.

Why Is a CPIC Check Important?

A CPIC Check helps employers, licensing organizations, volunteer groups, and government agencies make informed decisions while promoting safety and trust.

It is commonly required for:

• Employment applications
• Volunteer positions
• Professional licensing
• Educational placements
• Tenant screening (where permitted)
• Business registration requirements
• Insurance applications
• Government-related positions

For many organizations, a CPIC Check is an important part of their hiring or screening process.

Who Needs a CPIC Check?

You may need a CPIC Check if you are applying for:

Employment

Many employers request a criminal record check before hiring new employees, particularly for positions involving responsibility, finance, healthcare, education, or public safety.

Volunteer Positions

Organizations working with the public often require background screening before accepting volunteers.

Professional Licensing

Regulated professions may require criminal record verification before issuing or renewing licences.

Educational Programs

Certain colleges, universities, and training institutions require criminal record checks before students begin clinical placements or internships.

Immigration and International Applications

Some immigration or international applications may request a criminal record check or, depending on the requirements, an RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check.

What Information Does a CPIC Check Search?

A standard CPIC Criminal Record Check typically searches available criminal conviction information using your name and date of birth.

Depending on the type of check requested, additional information may also be considered according to applicable laws and the requesting organization’s requirements.

The exact information disclosed depends on the level of screening requested.

CPIC Check vs. RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check

Many people assume these are the same, but they are different.

CPIC Check

• Name-based search
• Uses your name and date of birth
• Commonly used for employment and volunteer screening
• Faster for routine background checks

RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check

• Fingerprint-based search
• Uses biometric identification
• Provides positive identity verification
• Often required for immigration, citizenship, Record Suspensions, U.S. Entry Waivers, and international employment

If fingerprints are specifically requested, a CPIC name-based check alone may not satisfy the application requirements.

When Are Fingerprints Required?

Fingerprints may be required when:

• An RCMP Certified Criminal Record Check is requested
• A name-based search identifies a possible match
• Immigration authorities require biometric verification
• Canadian citizenship applications require fingerprints
• International visa or employment applications require certified criminal record verification

Digital fingerprinting provides the highest level of identity verification available.

How Do I Get a CPIC Check?

The process typically involves:

Step 1

Confirm which type of criminal record check the requesting organization requires.

Step 2

Present valid government-issued identification.

Step 3

Complete the application.

Step 4

If fingerprints are required, visit an RCMP-accredited fingerprinting agency for digital fingerprinting.

Why Choose F.I.P.S.?

F.I.P.S. has more than 30 years of experience providing criminal record checks, digital fingerprinting, and identity verification services.

Our Services Include

• CPIC Criminal Record Checks
• RCMP Certified Criminal Record Checks
• Digital Fingerprinting
• Immigration Fingerprinting
• Citizenship Fingerprinting
• Record Suspension Fingerprinting
• U.S. Entry Waiver Fingerprinting
• Identity Verification Services

Why Clients Choose F.I.P.S.

• RCMP-Accredited Fingerprinting Agency
• Over 30 Years of Experience
• Secure Digital Processing
• Walk-In Service Available
• Fast and Accurate Processing
• Convenient GTA Locations

We proudly serve clients throughout Toronto, Brampton, Mississauga, North York, Scarborough, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, and the Greater Toronto Area.