CPIC Check Canada — What It Is and How to Get One (2026)
A CPIC check searches Canada's national criminal records database. Learn what it reveals, who needs one, and how to get your CPIC check online in 15 minutes.
What is a CPIC check?
A CPIC check is a search of the Canadian Police Information Centre database — the RCMP's national database of criminal records, outstanding warrants, and judicial orders. It is the same thing as a criminal record check, police check, or police information check. You can get a CPIC check online through SafeHire in 15 minutes for $64.99.
- CPIC = Canadian Police Information Centre (RCMP national database)
- Same as a criminal record check or police check
- Online: 15 minutes via SafeHire ($64.99)
- Searches criminal convictions, warrants, and judicial orders
What Is a CPIC Check?
A CPIC check is a search of the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database — the national criminal records database maintained and operated by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CPIC is the backbone of criminal record checking in Canada. Every police service in the country — municipal, provincial, and federal — accesses this same database.
When someone says they need a "CPIC check," they are asking for a search of this national database for:
- Criminal convictions: (both summary and indictable offences)
- Outstanding charges: currently before the courts
- Active warrants: for arrest
- Judicial orders: (probation orders, conditional sentence orders, peace bonds)
CPIC Check vs. Criminal Record Check vs. Police Check — What Is the Difference?
The short answer: there is no difference. These are all names for the same thing.
| Term | Where It Is Used | What It Searches |
|---|---|---|
| CPIC check | National / technical term | RCMP CPIC database |
| Criminal record check | Ontario, national | RCMP CPIC database |
| Police check | National, common usage | RCMP CPIC database |
| Police information check | Alberta | RCMP CPIC database |
| Police record check | Ontario (official term) | RCMP CPIC database |
| Police clearance certificate | Immigration, international | RCMP CPIC database |
The terminology varies by province and organization, but the core search is identical: a name-based query of the RCMP CPIC national database. SafeHire's online check performs this exact CPIC database search.
What Does a CPIC Check Show?
Included in a Standard CPIC Check
- Criminal convictions: — Summary conviction offences and indictable offences under the Criminal Code of Canada
- Outstanding charges: — Criminal charges currently before the courts that have not been resolved
- Active warrants: — Warrants for arrest issued by any Canadian court
- Judicial orders: — Probation orders, conditional sentence orders, and prohibition orders
- Peace bonds: — Section 810 peace bonds (in some jurisdictions)
Not Included in a Standard CPIC Check
- Pardoned / record-suspended convictions: — Records that have received a record suspension from the Parole Board of Canada
- Withdrawn or dismissed charges: — Charges that were withdrawn by the Crown or dismissed by the court
- Absolute discharges: — Removed from CPIC after 1 year
- Conditional discharges: — Removed from CPIC after 3 years
- Youth records: — Protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act
- Provincial offences: — Traffic tickets, bylaw infractions, regulatory offences
- Civil matters: — Lawsuits, debts, credit history
Who Needs a CPIC Check?
CPIC checks are required across virtually every sector in Canada:
Employment
Most Canadian employers require a CPIC check as part of the hiring process. This applies to industries including healthcare, education, financial services, retail, construction, oil and gas, technology, transportation, and hospitality.
Volunteering
Sports coaches, youth mentors, church leaders, non-profit volunteers, and board members are commonly required to provide a CPIC check. Volunteer positions involving vulnerable populations may require the enhanced Vulnerable Sector Check.
Professional Licensing
Regulated professions require CPIC checks for licensing, including:
- Security guards (PSISA in Ontario, Security Services Act in Alberta and BC)
- Real estate agents (RECO, BCREA)
- Insurance brokers
- Healthcare professionals (nursing, pharmacy, medicine)
- Teachers and early childhood educators
- Legal professionals (Law Society of Ontario, etc.)
Rental Applications
Landlords across Canada commonly request CPIC checks as part of tenant screening.
Immigration
IRCC may require a Canadian police certificate as part of immigration applications. Note: For IRCC purposes, a fingerprint-based RCMP-certified check is typically required rather than a name-based CPIC check.
How to Get a CPIC Check Online
The fastest way to get a CPIC check in Canada is online through an accredited provider like SafeHire:
Step 1: Apply Online
Visit SafeHire.ca and complete the secure application form. You will need your full legal name, date of birth, and current address. The form takes 3–5 minutes.
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
Complete the digital identity verification process. This confirms your identity without requiring an in-person visit to a police station.
Step 3: Pay Securely
Pay $64.99 (standard) or $74.99 (rush processing) by credit or debit card. Payment is SSL-encrypted and PCI compliant.
Step 4: Receive Results
Get your CPIC check results delivered by email in as little as 15 minutes. Download the PDF and share it with your employer, landlord, or licensing body.
CPIC Check Cost Comparison
| Method | Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Online (SafeHire) | $64.99 | 15 minutes |
| Local police station | $25–$85 | 1–8 weeks |
| RCMP certified (fingerprint) | $25 + fingerprinting | 4–12 weeks |
CPIC Check by City
The CPIC database is national — the same database is searched regardless of which city you are in. However, processing times for in-person checks vary significantly by city:
- CPIC check Calgary: : Calgary Police Service processes in-person checks at the Westwinds Campus. Wait times vary. Online through SafeHire: 15 minutes.
- CPIC check Toronto: : Toronto Police Service charges $65 with a 2–3 week processing time. Online through SafeHire: 15 minutes.
- CPIC check Vancouver: : VPD processes checks during business hours. Online through SafeHire: 15 minutes, 24/7.
- CPIC check Edmonton: : Edmonton Police Service offers in-person processing. Online through SafeHire: 15 minutes.
- CPIC check Ottawa: : Ottawa Police Service takes 5–10 business days. Online through SafeHire: 15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a CPIC check the same as a criminal record check?
Yes. A CPIC check, criminal record check, police check, and police information check all refer to the same search of the RCMP's CPIC national database. The terminology varies by province and organization, but the search is identical.
How long does a CPIC check take?
Online through SafeHire: as little as 15 minutes. At a local police station: 1–8 weeks depending on the city. RCMP-certified fingerprint checks: 4–12 weeks.
How much does a CPIC check cost?
SafeHire's online CPIC check costs $64.99. Police station fees range from $25–$85. RCMP certified checks cost $25 plus fingerprinting fees.
What is the CPIC database?
CPIC (Canadian Police Information Centre) is the RCMP's national criminal records database. It contains records of criminal convictions, outstanding warrants, judicial orders, and other law enforcement information for all of Canada. Every police service in Canada accesses CPIC.
Can I do a CPIC check on someone else?
No. A CPIC check can only be initiated by the named individual or by an authorized party with the individual's written consent. You cannot run a background check on someone without their knowledge and consent.
Do employers accept online CPIC checks?
Yes. The majority of Canadian employers accept online CPIC checks from accredited providers like SafeHire. The check searches the same national database as an in-person police station check.
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