Why do I need a criminal record check?

The Criminal Records Review Act states that people who work with or may potentially have unsupervised access to children or vulnerable adults must undergo a criminal record check by the Criminal Records Review Program (CRRP)*. This includes all practicing registrants of COBC.

Every applicant must complete a criminal record check as part of their registration application. Then, once registered, they must complete a re-check every 5 years. COBC will send you a reminder when your current criminal record check is due to expire.


If you are an applicant completing a criminal record check for the first time, please follow the steps listed in the Supplemental Package for Registration. If you are a registrant whose existing criminal record check is expiring or expired, please follow the steps below.


How do I complete a criminal record re-check?
    1. Go to https://justice.gov.bc.ca/criminalrecordcheck
    2. Enter COBC's access code: DG5TSET57V 
    3. Review the Organization Information and click "Continue"
    4. Review and accept the Terms of Use and click "Continue"
    5. If you have a BC Services Card or BC Driver's Licence, click "Login with a BC Services Card" and follow the instructions provided. (If you have not yet set up your BC Services Card or BC Drvier's Licence for online use, the system will explain the setup process.)
    6. If you do not have a BC Services Card or BC Driver's Licence, contact COBC at reception@cobc.ca to discuss next steps.
For assistance, please refer to the step-by-step "Applicant Guide" provided by the Criminal Records Review Program, or call the Program office directly at 1-855-587-0185 ext. 2.


I've submitted my criminal record re-check application. What now?

The CRRP will send your updated clearance letter directly to COBC. Our team will notify you when we have updated your file. Please note that the criminal record check process can take several weeks to complete. 

In certain cases, the CRRP will flag an application for additional review before issuing the clearance letter. You may receive a letter in the mail stating that you must complete a Vulnerable Sector check, which involves fingerprinting. If this happens to you, simply follow the instructions provided in the letter. You can find more information on that process here.


What if I don't complete my criminal record check or criminal record re-check?

Only registrants with a valid, current criminal record check clearance letter on file are permitted to provide opticianry services to children and vulnerable adults. Failure to complete a criminal record check despite reminders from COBC may result in limits or restrictions being placed on your licence.


* NOTE: The Criminal Records Review Program is a division of the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. COBC can only accept criminal record checks completed through this organization. A police check or RCMP check will NOT be accepted by COBC.
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