BC Guide for Independent Schools

Teacher Certification

Criminal Record Check (CRC) Procedures

Starting January 1, 2008, changes to the Criminal Records Review Act requires that the Inspector of Independent Schools must ensure that every individual who applies for or holds certification under the Independent School Act or who is specified in a Letter of Permission (LoP) undergo a Criminal Record Check (CRC) through the Office of the Inspector of Independent Schools.

Prior to issuing an Independent School teaching certificate or LoP, the Inspector must obtain a criminal record check authorization from the teacher certification applicant. If a determination is made that an applicant presents a risk and unless that determination is overturned, the inspector must review the individual's application for certification or proposed LoP and take appropriate action. Teachers who currently hold Independent school teacher certificates can now apply online. Please note, this is not required for Letters of Permission (LoP and 3LoP) which were issued before January 1, 2008.

Please Note: the online option is not available to New applicants applying for first time certification until the new school year. New applicants can only apply by manually downloading the Consent to a Criminal Record Check manual form (see below).

The fee for the criminal record check is $20. You will receive a new certificate, the fee for issuing a teaching certificate is also $20. Therefore, the total fee for processing a criminal record check and issuing a teaching certificate is $40.

Note: This $40 fee payment must be made by certified cheque or money-order payable to the Minister of Finance or if applying online can be made by credit card.

New Teacher Applicants:

The fee for the criminal record check is $20. In all likelihood, you will be completing this criminal record check in conjunction with applying for an Independent School teaching certificate. The fee for issuing a teaching certificate is also $20. Therefore, the total fee for processing a criminal record check and issuing a teaching certificate is $40.

Note: This $40 fee payment must be made by certified cheque or money-order payable to the Minister of Finance.

Payment and Consent to a Criminal Record Check form are to be mailed to:

Ministry of Education
Office of the Inspector of Independent Schools
PO Box 9153 STN PROV GOVT
Victoria BC V8W 9H1