Update to application requirements coming soon
As of October 1, 2025, the registration requirements for all new College applicants will include submitting a vulnerable sector check. Including a vulnerable sector check as a registration requirement is an additional tool to safeguard the public from potential harm.
Please note: As this is a new registration requirement, current registrants will not be required to submit a vulnerable sector check. This will apply to all new applications beginning October 1, 2025.
Check out the FAQs below for more information about this new registration requirement.
Questions?
Contact the College’s Registration and Renewals Department:
- registration@ocswssw.org
- 416-972-9882 or 1-877-828-9380 (toll free)
When does this new registration requirement come into effect?
This new registration requirement will come into effect on October 1, 2025.
Why is the College adding a vulnerable sector check to its registration requirements?
A: The College is adding a vulnerable sector check to its registration requirements as an additional tool to safeguard the public from potential harm. Adding this registration requirement also aligns the College with other regulatory bodies, including other Canadian social work regulators, most of which have vulnerable sector checks as part of their registration process.
I’m a registrant, do I need to submit a vulnerable sector check?
No, current registrants will not have to submit a vulnerable sector check. As this is a new registration requirement, if a registrant resigns and wants to reapply at a later date, they will have to submit a vulnerable sector check as part of their new application.
I’m a previous College registrant and I am reapplying to the College after having resigned/retired/my status revoked. I didn’t need to submit a vulnerable sector check last time I applied, do I need to submit one when I am reapplying?
Yes. The College is regularly updating its registration requirements to ensure we are aligned with industry standards and following best practices of public protection. The College informs everyone who resigns/retires/has their status revoked that if they want to reapply at a later date, they must meet all registration requirements in place at the time that they reapply. As registration requirements will now include submitting a vulnerable sector check, applicants must complete one in order to submit their College application, even if they were previously a College registrant.
How will I apply for a vulnerable sector check?
Applicants apply for a vulnerable sector check through their local police service. Each police service has a slightly different application process; you can find details by checking their website or giving them a call.
Who pays for the vulnerable sector check?
It is the responsibility of the applicant to pay for the vulnerable sector check. Each local police organization sets the price for obtaining a vulnerable sector check, and most in Ontario fall between $35 and $75.
I had a vulnerable sector check done for my practicum placement – can I use the same one to apply to the College, or do I need a new one?
The College will consider vulnerable sector checks valid for six months. Applicants can use an already completed vulnerable sector check in their College application, as long as their full College application is submitted within six months of the vulnerable sector check being completed.
Even if the College application is still going through the approval process after the six months have passed, a vulnerable sector check will still be considered valid, as long as the College application was submitted before the six-month period deadline.
How long does a vulnerable sector check take to complete?
Applicants apply for a vulnerable sector check through their local police service. According to several Ontario police services, on average, it takes ten business days for a vulnerable sector check to be processed. However, each local police service has a slightly different process and timeframe, and applicants should reach out to their appropriate policing organization for more information. For example, during times of high volume, it can take several months for a vulnerable sector check to be processed at certain policing organizations.
I live in another province/territory. Do I need to submit a vulnerable sector check through an Ontario police organization?
No. Applicants must apply for the vulnerable sector check through their local police organization. If they live outside of Ontario, they do not apply for a vulnerable sector check through an Ontario police organization.
I live outside of Canada. Do I need to submit a vulnerable sector check from an Ontario police organization?
A: No. Applicants who live outside of Canada, must submit a Certified Criminal Record Check – Vulnerable Sector from the Canadian Criminal Real Time Identification Services from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
If there is a finding on the vulnerable sector check, will I be disqualified from registering with the College?
No, an applicant will not be automatically disqualified from being approved to register with the College if the vulnerable sector check brings up a finding. Each instance will be considered on a case-by-case basis, using an equity lens.
We are committed to implementing this registration requirement in such a way that it does not perpetuate the historical and ongoing harm caused to Black, Indigenous and racialized individuals as a result of racist and discriminatory policing and legal processes.
If there is a finding on the vulnerable sector check, the College will review the information provided by the applicant and determine whether additional background information is required.