FAQ
Find the answers below to the most commonly asked questions.
Didn’t find the information you’re looking for? Contact Us and one of our Customer Service Associates will be happy to assist you.
General Support FAQs:
What should I do if I’m stuck on a particular area of the website and want to leave?
From any area of the website, you can always click the PeopleCheck logo in the top left hand side of the page. This will bring you back to the home page.
What should I do if I need help?
If you need help with an issue and you cannot find a suitable answer in these FAQs, then you should reach out to us directly. You can use the chat feature by clicking the chat icon in the bottom right hand side of the website or you can email us. If you are a client, please email us at clientrelations@peoplecheckcanada.ca. If you are a candidate, then you can email us at candidatesupport@peoplecheckcanada.ca. For general inquiries, please contact info@peoplecheckcanada.ca.
General Purchaser FAQs:
How do I sign up for an account?
If you are a new PeopleCheck client, you will be asked to sign up for an account during the checkout process. You will need to provide an email address and create a password as part of the process.
Who can I contact about purchasing volume/corporate packages?
We recognize that the needs of our clients can vary, therefore we offer customized corporate packages. To learn more, chat with us using our live chat or send us an email.
I submitted a background check on a candidate. Where can I get an update on the status?
You can view the status of any ongoing checks using the Dashboard page of the "My Account" section here:
Does a candidate have to consent to a background check?
Yes. As part of the process, we will be contacting the candidate directly and we do require the candidate’s consent to complete any of the background check services we offer.
How long does a background check usually take?
Time frames depend on a number of factors including the type of check being conducted, how quickly the candidate completes the required form(s), the accuracy of the information provided to PeopleCheck, etc.
Why is it important to conduct background checks on candidates?
Background checks allow you to verify the information provided by the candidate during your interactions with them. As an impartial, 3rd party vendor PeopleCheck will provide you with unbiased results that allow you to make fully informed decisions.
How do I get a copy of the results of the background check once it is complete?
Once the background check you have requested has been completed, you will receive an email alerting you that a new report has been uploaded. You can then log in to the “My Account” section of the website and select the “Completed Checks” tab to view the report.
What is the cost of the different background check services that PeopleCheck offers?
Who conducts the background checks?
Each background check is conducted by a human resources professional who has received specialized training on how to conduct the various types of background check services we offer. Depending on the type of background check, PeopleCheck will sometimes employ 3rd party vendors in the process.
General Candidate FAQs:
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How do I sign up for an account?
If one of our clients has requested a background check be done on you, you will receive an email to the address they have provided us with. This email will provide you with a randomly generated password that will allow you to login to your account. We highly recommend changing your password after your first login.
I received an email saying I have to do a background check. What do I do now?
You should use the link and login information provided in the email you received to access your account on our website. Once you have logged into your account, you should click the “Get Started” prompt related to the check(s) that you have been requested to complete to start filling out the required form(s).
Can a prospective employer conduct a background check on me without my permission?
No. PeopleCheck does require consent from candidates for all of our services.
How long will it take to complete my background check?
Time frames depend on a number of factors including the type of check being conducted, how quickly you complete the required form(s), the accuracy of the information provided to PeopleCheck, etc.
Will someone contact me if there is a problem with my background check?
If there is an error with one of the form(s) that you have completed, you will receive an email notification, as well as an alert at the top of your screen when you log in to your account on the PeopleCheck website. Both will notify you to view the check page to receive feedback on why your form(s) were rejected.
Is my information secure?
Yes, the information you provide to PeopleCheck is stored securely. To learn more, please view our Privacy Policy.
How do I dispute the results of my background check?
If you believe your report contains inaccurate information about you, please reach out to us via email at candidatesupport@peoplecheckcanada.caor use the chat feature on the website.
Who conducts the background checks?
Each background check is conducted by a human resources professional who has received specialized training on how to conduct the various types of background check services we offer. Depending on the type of background check, PeopleCheck will sometimes employ 3rd party vendors in the process.
Criminal Check Specific FAQs:
Is it legal for employers to order and obtain criminal record search information?
Yes, an employer may order a criminal record check on an existing or prospective employee when a consent form is signed.
What are the acceptable pieces of ID required for background checks?
In order to obtain a Police Criminal Record Check, two (2) pieces of identification are required.
Primary ID – government issued identification with your photo, complete name, date of birth and signature
Secondary ID – any piece of identification with your complete name pre-printed on it.
Primary ID examples:
Primary ID – government issued identification with your photo, complete name, date of birth and signature
Secondary ID – any piece of identification with your complete name pre-printed on it.
Primary ID examples:
- Driver’s Licence (including Driver’s Licences issued by any province, territory or a foreign jurisdiction)
- Passport
- Canadian Citizenship Card
- Permanent Resident Card – only with signature on the front
- Certificate of Indian Status – both sides as the signature is on the back
- Student identity card from any educational institute – must have all four requirements above
- Military Identification Card
- Ontario Photo Card
What if I don’t have acceptable identification required for the Criminal Background Check?
If you do not have sufficient photo identification and are unable to obtain them, then you will have to submit fingerprints to the RCMP through your local police service.
Do you offer Vulnerable Sector Search checks?
No. Vulnerable Sector Searches must be conducted by your local police services.
What information is provided through a criminal check?
The information provided through a criminal check depends on the level of check you choose:
Standard Criminal Record Check
This check includes criminal convictions (summary and indictable) from CPIC and/or local databases. This type of check provides basic information on a candidate's existing criminal record.
Enhanced Criminal Record Check
This check includes a collection of offence information, including convictions, outstanding warrants, charges and judicial orders available from a local police agency’s records management system and other systems/records where authorized. This type of check provides a more comprehensive overview of a candidate's criminal background.
Standard Criminal Record Check
This check includes criminal convictions (summary and indictable) from CPIC and/or local databases. This type of check provides basic information on a candidate's existing criminal record.
Enhanced Criminal Record Check
This check includes a collection of offence information, including convictions, outstanding warrants, charges and judicial orders available from a local police agency’s records management system and other systems/records where authorized. This type of check provides a more comprehensive overview of a candidate's criminal background.
Does the Criminal Record Check expire?
Criminal Record Checks are valid as of the date they were conducted and therefore are provided with the date of completion. To determine if an organization will deem a criminal record check still valid, the organization should be consulted directly. If the organization determines a more recent check is required, you can purchase a new check through PeopleCheck.
What is the cost of a criminal record check?
The pricing for Standard Criminal Record Checks and Enhanced Criminal Record Checks can be found on the Criminal Record Checks page.
Can I conduct a criminal record check on myself?
Yes, we do offer users the ability to complete a criminal record check on themselves.
To do this, you would purchase the check through the PeopleCheck website and sign up for a Purchaser account if you don’t already have one. Then once you log in to your account, you would go to the “Get Started Now” page of your dashboard. From there, select the “Start Now” button next to the level of criminal record check that you have purchased. On the next screen, scroll to the bottom to where it says: “Looking to complete this check on yourself? Click here.” and click the hyperlinked text. Follow the instructions from there.
To do this, you would purchase the check through the PeopleCheck website and sign up for a Purchaser account if you don’t already have one. Then once you log in to your account, you would go to the “Get Started Now” page of your dashboard. From there, select the “Start Now” button next to the level of criminal record check that you have purchased. On the next screen, scroll to the bottom to where it says: “Looking to complete this check on yourself? Click here.” and click the hyperlinked text. Follow the instructions from there.
Education Verification Specific FAQs:
What if I don’t remember my student number?
Student numbers help to ensure that the correct records are verified. If you are unable to provide your student number, then we are able to use your date of birth to verify your education record with the institution in question.
What information is provided through an education verification?
Through an education verification we are able to provide you with confirmation of the education information you and the candidate have provided to us such as name of institution, credential earned, date of graduation etc.
What is the cost of an education verification?
The pricing for Education Verification Services can be found on the Education Verification Services page.
Can I verify more than one educational institution per candidate?
You can enter up to 3 educational institutions to verify per form, with each institution costing one Education Verification Services credit. If you need to verify more than 3, you can complete a second form.
My name has changed since I graduated/attended the institution being verified - what do I do?
When completing the consent form, there is a section to indicate your name at time of Graduation/Enrolment. This is a required field to ensure the name that is being verified would match what the institution would have.
Can I conduct an education verification on myself?
Yes, we do offer users the ability to complete an education verification on themselves.
To do this, you would purchase the check through the PeopleCheck website and sign up for a Purchaser account if you don’t already have one. Then once you log in to your account, you would go to the “Get Started Now” page of your dashboard. From there, select the “Start Now” button next to the Education Verification section. On the next screen, scroll to the bottom to where it says: “Looking to complete this check on yourself? Click here.” and click the hyperlinked text. Follow the instructions from there.
To do this, you would purchase the check through the PeopleCheck website and sign up for a Purchaser account if you don’t already have one. Then once you log in to your account, you would go to the “Get Started Now” page of your dashboard. From there, select the “Start Now” button next to the Education Verification section. On the next screen, scroll to the bottom to where it says: “Looking to complete this check on yourself? Click here.” and click the hyperlinked text. Follow the instructions from there.
Reference Check Specific FAQs:
Can we submit specific questions to be asked as part of the reference check?
At this time, you are unable to submit specific reference check questions. We do offer several questions that you can choose from which allows you to customize the reference check to suit your specific needs.
How do I request which level of reference I want completed on a candidate (i.e. supervisor, co-worker, personal, etc.)?
Based on your own preferences or policies, you should inform the prospective candidate as to what level of reference you require so they know which level of referee to provide us with.
What information is provided through a reference check?
Since the needs and concerns of users can vary, we offer customizable reference checks where you can select which questions you would like us to ask. Due to this customization, the information provided through a reference check can vary. We always verify the following information:
- Referee's information including their title, relationship to the candidate, and the organization they worked at with the candidate
- Candidate's information such as their title and dates of employment
What questions can I select for the reference check?
We offer customizable reference checks that allow you to select which questions you would like us to ask. These questions address a variety of topic areas including:
- Various skills/abilities such as organizational skills, flexibility, and initiative
- Ability to meet goals/objectives
- Performance in various situations
- Personality based questions
- Achievements
- Interpersonal skills/relationships
What is the cost of a reference check?
Can I request more than one reference per candidate?
You can request up to 3 references per form, with each individual reference costing one Reference Check Services credit.
Are the reference checks conducted orally or online?
All of your reference checks are conducted orally by a qualified member of our team.
My name has changed since I worked with the referee being contacted - what do I do?
As part of the reference check process, we ask you what your name at time of employment was so we can ensure we are using the correct name when speaking with your referee to avoid confusion.
Can I conduct a reference check on myself?
At the moment we do not offer the ability to conduct reference checks on yourself due to the confidentiality associated with references.
I’d like to have a reference check done with a referee who is located outside of Canada. Is that something you can do?
We are able to accommodate completing references with referees located outside of Canada. For more information, please chat with us using our live chat or send us an email.
Credit Check Specific FAQs:
Does a credit check through PeopleCheck affect my credit score?
The credit checks that PeopleCheck provides are recorded as a “soft touch” and therefore are not used in calculating credit scores.
What information is provided through a credit check?
You will receive a formal report issued by PeopleCheck which will include information like the candidate’s personal information, employment history, accounts, alerts, bankruptcies and consolidated debt, collections and debt recovery, and judgments.
What is the cost of a credit check?
Can I conduct a credit check on myself?
Yes, we do offer users the ability to complete a credit check on themselves.
To do this, you would purchase the check through the PeopleCheck website and sign up for a Purchaser account if you don’t already have one. Then once you log in to your account, you would go to the “Get Started Now” page of your dashboard. From there, select the “Start Now” button next to the Credit Check section. On the next screen, scroll to the bottom to where it says: “Looking to complete this check on yourself? Click here.” and click the hyperlinked text. Follow the instructions from there.
To do this, you would purchase the check through the PeopleCheck website and sign up for a Purchaser account if you don’t already have one. Then once you log in to your account, you would go to the “Get Started Now” page of your dashboard. From there, select the “Start Now” button next to the Credit Check section. On the next screen, scroll to the bottom to where it says: “Looking to complete this check on yourself? Click here.” and click the hyperlinked text. Follow the instructions from there.
Employment Verification Specific FAQs:
Why should I do an employment verification if I am doing references?
References are beneficial because they allow you to get insight on a candidate from those who have interacted with them directly. Employment verification allows you to confirm fact-based information such as dates of employment and title. Sometimes referees can’t recall those details when completing a reference so doing both types of background checks gives you a complete picture.
What information is provided through an employment verification?
You will receive a formal report issued by PeopleCheck with information such as the candidate’s start date, end date, and title as well as confirming that they were indeed an employee of that company/employer.
What is the cost of an employment verification?
The pricing for Employment Verification Services can be found on the Employment Verification Services page.
Can I verify more than one past employment per candidate?
You can enter up to 3 employers to verify per form, with each verification costing one Employment Verification Services credit. If you need to verify more than 3, you can complete a second form.
My name has changed since I worked with the employment that is being verified - what do I do?
As part of the employment verification process, we ask you what your name at time of employment was so we can ensure we are using the correct name when speaking with your past employer to avoid confusion.
Can I conduct an employment verification on myself?
Currently we do not allow individuals to request employment verifications on themselves.
I’d like to have an employment verification done with an employer located outside of Canada. Is that something you can do?
We are able to accommodate completing employment verification with employers located outside of Canada. For more information, please chat with us using our live chat or send us an email.