What Is the Difference Between CRC, CRJMC And VSC?

Background checks can be of various types. CRC (Criminal Record Check), VSC (Vulnerable Sector Check), and CRJMC (Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check) are the three most popular types.
Globeia
7 mins
August 14, 2024

Background checks can be of various types. CRC (Criminal Record Check), VSC (Vulnerable Sector Check), and CRJMC (Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check) are the three most popular types. 


Businesses and individuals requiring background checks in Ontario, Canada should understand the difference between these checks clearly. Each check has a different process which often baffles people. Seeking help from reputed companies like Globeia can make this easier. 

Here is how each type of check is done and how they differ from each other.
 

Criminal Records Check (CRC)

The most elementary variety of background checks is Criminal Records Check. It scours through the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) database to look for criminal conviction records.

  • Purpose: People might need it for tasks like volunteering, securing general employment etc., for which submission of a basic criminal record for employment is vital.
  • Procedure: Police services or accredited agencies carry out name-based criminal record checks like the VPD criminal record check or EPS criminal record check online.
  • Processing Time: The entire process may take a few days or even a week.
     

Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

For a more advanced criminal record search, Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check is the best alternative. This process takes into account criminal conviction records along with outstanding entries like warrants, charges, peace bonds, judicial orders, probation orders etc.

  • Purpose: If a job position requires a thorough checking of the applicant for greater trustworthiness, CRJMC is the best alternative. It is also used for immigration check requirements and for jobs not relevant to vulnerable sectors.  
  • Process: CRJMC, just like a CRC can be conducted online via third-party companies or police services. The process of criminal record check application is simple and you can do it online.
  • Turnaround Time: It might take a few days or at most a week.
     

Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)

A VSC refers to a specialized check for those who aspire to work with vulnerable populations, like the elderly, children, or disabled people.

  • Purpose: This check is mandatory for those who wish to work in positions that demand significant trust and responsibility. Besides checking everything scrutinized under a CRJMC, this one also looks for even forgiven sex offenses. 
  • Process: Accredited agencies can conduct a CRC or a CRJMC. However, only the local police of the applicant’s residential area can carry out a VSC. 
  • Turnaround Time: This might take a few weeks or more.Conducting Checks in Ontario
     

Both police services and accredited agencies like Globeia can carry out CRC and CRJMC online. Efficient and accurate, this process makes background checking convenient for individuals as well as organizations. For a VSC, an applicant has to visit the local police station. This strict process ensures a detailed and in-depth examination of a person’s reliability who wants to work with vulnerable populations. 
 

Here’s a table to help you to determine which check is suitable for you. 

Position/ Occupation

VSC

CRC 

CRJMC 

Accountant

 

 

Adoption (must be fingerprinted)

 

 

Attendant in children’s petting zoo

  
Bank Teller

 

Counselor/Psychologist/Social Worker

 

 

Doctor/Dentist/Nurse/Daycare worker

 

 

Driving Instructor

  
Factory Worker/Food Vendor 

Foster Parents/ Resident in Foster Home/ Host Family

  
Immigration / Permanent Resident 

Labourer/Trades/Landlord/Superintendent 

Lawyer/Notary Public  

Massage Therapist/Chiropractor/ Minor Sporting Coach

  
Name Change  

Office Manager/ Administration Staff 

Police Officer

  
Professional Licensing/Realtor  

Retirement Home worker/ Residential aid/ Caregiver

  
Retail Sales/ Retail store clerk  

School bus driver/ School Crossing Guard

  
School Teacher/Teaching Assistant/Tutor/Scout Leader

  
Security Guard 

Servers in restaurant  

Students (for school placements)

 

Support Worker

  
Taxi Drivers

  
Tenants for rental property 

Truck Driver/Warehouse worker  

Volunteers

 

Working Visa 

Youth Worker