All applicants for registration must submit a recent Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) issued by their local Canadian police service.
- The VSC report must be dated no more than six (6) months before the date of the application for registration with the CRTO.
- The VSC must be completed on all names the applicant is currently using or has ever used (e.g., maiden names).
- The names and the date of birth on the VSC report must match those listed on the application for registration with the CRTO.
- VSCs must be issued specifically for the purpose of registration with the CRTO.
- Applicants are responsible for the costs related to obtaining the VSC.
Submitting a VSC to the CRTO
Applicants who receive an electronic copy of the VSC must submit it through the online applicant portal.
Applicants who receive a paper copy of the VSC must mail the original copy to:
Registration Services
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario
180 Dundas Street West, Suite 2103
Toronto, ON M5G 1Z8
Canada
We recommend that applicants keep a copy of the VSC report for their records.
For applicants living in Toronto:
The Toronto Police Service offers online, in-person and mail-in options for VSC applications.
Individuals applying online or in person will need to provide a unique agency code that the CRTO has been assigned by the Toronto Police. To obtain the code, please contact the CRTO at registrationservices@crto.on.ca.
For more information about obtaining a VSC from the Toronto Police Service, please visit the Toronto Police Services website.
For applicants living in Ottawa or Gatineau:
The CRTO is aware that the Ottawa Police Service and the Gatineau Police Service do not provide Level 3 (Vulnerable Sector Check) reports for registration purposes.
Applicants in these areas should apply for a Level 2: Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check. After submitting their application and the Level 2 Check, they will be required to sign an Acknowledgement and Undertaking with the CRTO.
Exemptions
- Recent Graduates of approved Ontario RT Programs may submit a copy of the VSC completed for their clinical placement, provided that:
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- They have completed the VSC no more than 12 months before the date of their application for registration with the CRTO;
- The results of the VSC are completely clear; and
- They sign an Acknowledgement and Undertaking with the CRTO.
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- Applicants Residing Outside of Canada
Applicants who currently do not or have not lived in Canada and who are unable to obtain a VSC are required to provide alternative criminal records checks acceptable to the Registrar, such as an international police certificate. To confirm what type of criminal record check can be obtained from other countries, please consult the Government of Canada website .
For more information, please see the Vulnerable Sector Checks Policy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC)?
What information will be obtained through a Vulnerable Sector Check?
Why is the CRTO implementing a VSC requirement?
Who is required to undergo a Vulnerable Sector Check?
I am already a registered Member of the CRTO, do I need to submit a VSC to renew my registration?
How do I get a Vulnerable Sector Check?
The CRTO is aware that both the Gatineau Police Service and the Ottawa Police Service do not provide Level 3 (Vulnerable Sector Check) reports for registration purposes.
If you plan to request a police record check from either of these services, please apply for a Level 2 (Criminal Records and Judicial Matters Check).
After submitting your application and a Level 2 Check, please contact Registration staff by email at registrationservices@crto.on.ca to complete an acknowledgement and undertaking with the CRTO.
How long does it take to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check?
Is there a fee associated with obtaining a Vulnerable Sector Check?
Is there an appeals process if my registration is denied due to the results of a vulnerable check?
How do I submit my results of the Vulnerable Sector Check to the CRTO?
Applicants who receive a paper copy of their VSC are asked to mail the original document to the CRTO at the following address:
Registration Services
College of Respiratory Therapists of Ontario
180 Dundas Street West, Suite 2103
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1Z8
Canada
Applicants should keep a copy of their VSC for their records.
I am currently registered with CRTO. If I want to apply to another class of registration, do I have to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check to CRTO?
I am an applicant living outside of Canada. Do I have to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check?
I recently obtained a Vulnerable Sector Check. How long is it valid?
I have already completed a Vulnerable Sector Checks for another purpose (work, school, volunteer role, etc.). Would the College accept that report?
- You have completed a VSC in the last 12 months for the purpose of your clinical placement and the results were completely clear.
- You have signed an Undertaking with the CRTO
- You agree to provide a copy of the VSC completed for the clinical placement to the CRTO.
For more information about the exemption that applies to recent Ontario graduates, please see the Vulnerable Sector Checks Policy.
What happens if I have a criminal record?
Are there any exemptions to the Vulnerable Sector Check requirement?
- Applicants Residing Outside Canada
Applicants who currently do not live in Canada or are unable to obtain a VSC are obligated to provide alternative criminal records check acceptable to the Registrar, such as an international police certificate.
- Recent Graduates of Approved Ontario RT Program
Recent graduates of approved Ontario Respiratory Therapy (RT) programs may be exempted from the VSC requirement if they sign an Undertaking with the CRTO, confirming:
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- Completion of a VSC within the preceding 12 months specifically for their clinical placement, with clear results.
- No history of criminal charges or convictions.
- Willingness to promptly obtain and submit a new VSC to the CRTO upon request by the Registrar.
Graduates must also provide a copy of the VSC conducted for their clinical placement along with the signed Acknowledgement and Undertaking to the CRTO.
If you have questions about receiving an exemption, please contact Registration staff at registrationservices@crto.on.ca.