Background checks are a critical tool for building trust, whether you’re hiring new employees, screening tenants, or issuing security clearances and professional licences. They offer a deeper look into a person’s employment history, past behaviours, and criminal records, helping organizations make smarter, safer decisions.
At Certn, we make background checks faster, easier, and more accessible for businesses of all sizes, and for individuals, too. Our MyCRC service empowers people to proactively see what’s on their record, putting the power of transparency back into their hands.
Certn is headquartered in BC and has screening experts who’ve been working with clients across many industries in western Canada since we launched online criminal record checks in 2017. With a team of experienced screening experts and a platform designed for speed and simplicity, we’re proud to offer trusted checks that move at the speed of your business.
Keep reading to find out more about how to get a criminal record check in Alberta and answers to frequently asked questions.
What Shows Up on a Criminal Record Check Alberta
There are different types of background checks and the kind you need depends on the purpose, whether it’s job-related screening, applying for a professional licence, or volunteering. This applies to all provinces and territories in Canada.
Below we’ve listed common background checks and why you might be asked to complete them, with a focus on checks for hiring and property management.
Criminal Record Checks
Criminal record checks or criminal history checks are what people often think of when they think of background checks. It’s probably why you’re here.
What’s involved in a criminal record check Alberta? Criminal record checks involve checking local, provincial, and/or federal databases for information on arrests, convictions, and other police-related issues.
A standard criminal record check is typically the most basic check, and it will show an individual’s criminal convictions that are registered under the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). This can include:
- Summary Offences: These are less serious crimes, such as minor theft or public intoxication, and are typically punishable by fines or short prison sentences. A standard criminal record check will list these offences.
- Indictable Offences: These are more serious crimes like fraud, assault, or robbery. Indictable offences are also visible in a standard criminal record check, especially if the individual was convicted in court.
If you’ve been granted a pardon (now known as a record suspension) by the Parole Board of Canada, their criminal record won’t show the offences that have been pardoned, provided that you haven’t reoffended. Pardoned offences are essentially erased from the record and don’t appear in background checks.
Some minor convictions may become “spent” after a certain period, meaning they’re no longer considered for certain purposes, such as employment. However, these convictions could still show up in more comprehensive background checks or when specific agencies (like the police) access your history. It’s best to talk to a lawyer or legal professional for more advice on how to navigate this.
Can an employer ask for a criminal record check Alberta?
Yes. However, even if you have a criminal history, it doesn’t mean you can’t get a job. It may impact what kinds of roles you can apply to, but here are some tips for finding work with a criminal record on the Government of Alberta’s website. This blog post on Jobs that Require a Criminal Record Check has more information. For example, screening is mandated for federally regulated employers such as people working for chartered banks and airlines.
As outlined by the Government of Alberta, all employers are required to look carefully at each individual case and evaluate how the criminal history may impact the responsibilities of the job. Consult on our piece on Tips for Addressing a Criminal Record in an Interview for navigating this.
Can your landlord ask you for a criminal record check?
While criminal record checks are very commonly used in job screening, there are some province-specific restrictions around criminal record checks by landlords on tenants.
Alberta property managers and landlords can ask for information about your employment and income, rental history, credit references, and credit. They can also require a criminal record check (provided they get your consent) if a reasonable person would consider it appropriate in the circumstances and only for the purposes that they disclose to you as the prospective tenant. A landlord can’t require you to consent to a criminal record check as a condition of providing a tenancy unless the information is necessary to provide that tenancy. For example, if the rental unit is connected to a daycare. The Human Rights Act protects tenants from discrimination based on race, gender, religion, and other protected grounds. Having said all this, in most instances, a criminal record check isn’t necessary for tenancy.
Driver’s Abstracts
Driver’s abstracts and driving record checks look for a history of traffic violations or accidents. Driving record checks are part of a comprehensive background screening process that helps employers make informed decisions about who to hire, specifically for roles where safe and responsible driving is essential.
Employment History
Employment history checks, also known as employment verification, is a process through which someone confirms the accuracy of job information you provide in an application. Employment verification vets job titles, timelines, and other related details. Employment history checks are typically part of the job screening process and are done to ensure that the information you’ve provided is truthful and accurate. It can also happen as part of the rental application process as a way to confirm that you’re able to afford the monthly rent.
Education Verification
Similarly, education verification is a process through which someone confirms the accuracy of your educational background as cited in your application. Education verification confirms the authenticity of institutions, dates of enrollment, and any degrees, diplomas, and certificates you may have claimed to have. Education verification is an important step for employers to ensure that they’re hiring people with the necessary qualifications and experience for the job, and contributes to the overall integrity of their hiring process.
Credential and Licence Verification
For jobs requiring specific certifications or licences, credential verification vets the validity of any professional designations. This is common in professions such as health care, law, and trades where a professional licence to practice or operate is mandatory.
Credit Checks
For certain roles, especially those involving financial responsibilities, cash handling, or access to sensitive financial information, a credit check may be part of the background screening process. A credit check typically involves reviewing a candidate’s credit report from a credit bureau to assess their financial history and trustworthiness.
Whether an employer is allowed to request a credit check as part of hiring depends on the laws where you live. In Alberta, as in most provinces across Canada, credit checks are permitted, but they must be directly relevant to the job. This means employers can’t just run a credit check on every applicant; it has to make sense for the role and responsibilities.
Pro Tip:
Even if you’re not applying for a financial role, it’s smart to stay on top of your credit health. Running a personal credit check on yourself can help you spot inaccuracies, detect potential fraud early, and understand what an employer might see if a check is required for a future opportunity.
In Canada, you can request a free copy of your credit report from the two major credit bureaus: Equifax and TransUnion. Both agencies allow you to check your credit report online or by mail at no cost, helping you stay informed and in control of your financial profile.
Keeping tabs on your credit isn’t just good for job hunting, it’s good for your financial future, too.
Social Media Screening
Some background checks might involve searching your public online presence to look for specific content or discrepancies that might impact your ability to perform a certain role. Where allowed (it’s allowed in Alberta), social media screening involves examining publicly available information on platforms such as Instagram, Twitter (X), LinkedIn, Facebook, and others. While public information is fair game, employers have to respect candidates’ privacy and avoid seeking or using information that’s not relevant to the job. (This is why our social media screening reports only show flagged content.)
Again, in this blog post, we explore criminal record check Alberta. Here’s more general information on how background checks work based on check type.
What Happens with the Information from a Background Check?
As described above, background check results are used by employers to support hiring decisions, by property managers during rental applications, by institutions granting security clearances, and more. However, how the information is used, and what impact it has, can vary depending on the type of background check conducted and the policies of the organization requesting it.
For example, a criminal record may be considered differently depending on the role’s responsibilities or industry standards. A minor record from years ago might not disqualify a candidate for a customer service job but could be more relevant for a role that requires security clearance or financial trust. Similarly, an employment verification might simply confirm a candidate’s work history, while a credit check might only matter for positions involving financial management.
It’s important to remember that background checks are just one part of the decision making process. Most employers, property managers, and institutions weigh multiple factors, like interviews, references, and qualifications, before making a final call.
Employers must also comply with strict privacy and human rights laws when conducting and using background checks. In Canada, background screening is governed by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) as well as various provincial privacy laws like Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA) and British Columbia’s Privacy Act. These laws require organizations to obtain consent before collecting background information, ensure it’s relevant to the role, and protect the confidentiality and security of any personal data collected.
Ultimately, transparency, consent, and fairness are key. Background checks must be conducted responsibly, with clear communication about how the results will be used, and individuals like you have the right to challenge or correct inaccurate information if necessary.
Fair and Transparent Background Checks
Fair and transparent use of background check information helps maintain trust between employers and candidates. Above all, background checks should be tailored to the specific needs of the job or requirements. Blanket background checks that include irrelevant information can inadvertently lead to discrimination.
For instance, asking for information about your credit history when it’s unrelated to the job or job function may violate anti-discrimination laws. Additionally, conducting a targeted background check is more efficient and cost-effective because unnecessary checks can be time consuming and may result in extra expenses.
How to Get a Criminal Record Check Alberta
You can get a criminal record check Alberta:
- In-person by visiting a local police department;
- Online through your local detachment’s online system;
- Through a company or organization as part of their recruitment process; and/or
- Online through an approved third party service provider.
In-Person at the Local Police Department
Police agencies across Alberta, including both municipal and federal RCMP, have adopted consistent guidelines for police information checks.
Edmonton Police Check
If you live in Edmonton, on-the-spot processing is available for citizens requiring a police information check as a condition of employment (pending there’s no information to disclose on your check). Express processing is also available for those who don’t need their police information check right away. You can drop off, pay, and wait – the results can be picked up or mailed.
Here’s more information on in-person services in several Alberta cities:
Supporting Documentation
In addition to completing an application form, you must bring two forms of government-issued identification (one must have a photo). Acceptable forms of identification include:
- Driver’s Licence
- Alberta ID Card
- Passport
- Nexus Card
- Permanent Residency Card
- Indian/Métis Status Card
If your identification doesn’t include an Alberta address, you may also be required to provide proof of residency, such as a current bank statement or a utility bill in your name.
Fees
The cost to process the application varies by city. For example, in Edmonton it costs $76.00, in Red Deer it costs $65.00, and in Calgary it costs $61.25. Therefore, it’s best to consult your local police detachment. In cities throughout Alberta, the fees are discounted if you require a check as part of a volunteer position.
Results
The results, available in up to 10 business days, are released directly to you and you can decide whether or not you want to share the results with the hiring organization. Similar to fees, the times vary so it’s best to check with your local division.
Online Through Your Local Detachment’s Online System
If you don’t want to wait to be seen in person, many cities in Alberta have online application portals where you can request your criminal record check Alberta.
In Calgary, for example, residents are strongly encouraged to complete an online application.
Through a Company or Organization as Part of their Recruitment Process
If you need a criminal record check Alberta as part of a recruitment process someone at the company or organization may request that you use a local online portal as described above or they may coordinate with a different third-party vendor.
If a prospective employer retains a background screening company, like Certn, to complete all their background screening, then they’ll coordinate with you to request your consent and provide personal information such as your full name, date of birth, Social Identification Number (SIN), and address. The prospective employer may also request details about your employment history, educational background, and professional references.
If you have concerns or questions about the background check process, you should feel free to discuss them with the employer.
Through an Approved Third Party Service Provider
As we covered, employers use checks, especially criminal record checks, as part of their hiring process to make informed decisions about candidates and landlords use them to assess the suitability of potential tenants.
Can you get a criminal record check online Alberta? Yes!
Benefits of MyCRC
By using our RCMP-approved online check instead of an in-person visit to a police station or via an online portal, you never have to leave the house and can have all the necessary information in as little as 15 minutes.
Cost
You can run a background check on yourself online through MyCRC at any time, but it’ll be at your expense and a prospective employer may have policies around how recent the records need to be. The cost for a MyCRC criminal record check is $64.99.
If you’re applying for a new job or open to new opportunities, it might help to understand what others may see about you when they conduct their own screening. Deciding to run a background check on yourself can also be a proactive way to verify the accuracy of your personal and professional information and address any discrepancies or inaccuracies before they affect your employment or housing opportunities.
How Long Does a Criminal Record Check Last Alberta
According to the Government of Alberta’s website, Alberta criminal record checks expire 90 days from the date of issue. Here’s more about the province’s criminal record/police information check requirements.
Can You Look up Someone’s Criminal Record Canada
Checking criminal records is often required by employers, volunteer organizations, and government agencies as part of the hiring process.
Canadian criminal records documenting offences that fall under federal and provincial jurisdiction are maintained by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) in a Canada-wide database called the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC). Records can be requested in person or online, but checks on a person can only be ordered by individuals or organizations with a legitimate reason to request such information. Requesting your own records for your personal reference counts as a legitimate reason, so does a prospective employer requesting a criminal record check as a condition of hiring you for a new role, but you can’t request your date’s records, for example.
However, published civil, criminal, and penal judicial records and other courthouse details can be accessed for free by anyone searching public repositories such as Québec’s provincial SOQUIJ database where available.
This blog post covers the SOQUIJ database and criminal record check Québec.
Criminal Record Check Online Alberta
Whether you’re leading HR operations at a global company or simply looking to access your own results, Certn makes background screening faster, easier, and more accurate. Our online criminal record check Alberta are trusted for their speed, security, and industry-leading turnaround times.
Here’s why thousands of businesses and individuals choose Certn:
✅ #1-Rated Usability
From our modern, mobile-friendly interface to our trusted, secure back-end systems, Certn background checks are designed with both clients and candidates in mind. No complicated logins. No confusing steps. Just a simple, straightforward experience that lets you get results, and fast.
✅ Better Candidate and Client Experience
Gone are the days of needing to visit a police station or waiting in long queues. Certn’s online platform lets candidates verify their identity and complete their background checks remotely, through secure email invites. It’s easy, convenient, and entirely mobile-friendly, helping you deliver a smooth experience that reflects well on your brand.
✅ Flexible Deployment—Your Way
Certn integrates seamlessly with leading hiring platforms, ATS systems, compliance tools, and property management software. Whether you need an out-of-the-box solution or a fully customized integration, we make background screening fit into your workflow, not the other way around. Explore more flexible options through our Partner Marketplace.
✅ Personal Background Checks with MyCRC
Need to check your own record? No problem. With MyCRC, a division of Certn, you can request a personal criminal record check online and receive official results, often in as little as 15 minutes. Fast, secure, and built for peace of mind.
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