How we credential healthcare professionals

We verify current registration and standing with the regulator in the province or territory where the work happens, using the regulator's public register where one exists. Examples include BCCNM in British Columbia (RNs, LPNs, RPNs, NPs and midwives) and CNO in Ontario (RNs, RPNs and NPs). We note the name, registration class and any conditions. In Alberta, LPNs and health care aides are regulated by the College of LPNs and HCAs of Alberta (CLHA).

Government photo ID and evidence of work eligibility, such as citizenship, permanent residence or a valid work permit. The candidate provides these, and we review them.

Evidence of required credentials such as CPR or BLS, and specialty certificates where the role requires them (for example ACLS, PALS, NRP or TNCC). For care aide roles, a health care assistant, PSW or CCA certificate where relevant. The candidate provides the documents and we review them.

Two recent references, usually from managers or supervisors, checked by a recruiter with the candidate's permission.

Most Canadian facilities that serve vulnerable people require one, and how it works differs by province. In British Columbia, the Criminal Records Review Act requires people who work with vulnerable adults or children to authorize a criminal record check through the provincial Criminal Records Review Program, and checks are repeated every five years. In Ontario, the Police Record Checks Reform Act, 2015 defines three types of check, and a vulnerable sector check is the type for work with vulnerable people. Facilities set how recent a check must be.

Facilities ask for records such as measles, mumps and rubella, varicella, diphtheria and tetanus (with pertussis where required), hepatitis B and seasonal influenza. Tuberculosis screening commonly follows the Canadian Tuberculosis Standards, which recommend a baseline two-step skin test for health care workers. Requirements are set by the facility and the provincial health authority.

Where the facility requires it. Fit testing is guided by the Canadian respirator standard, CSA Z94.4, and by provincial workplace safety rules, which differ across Canada. Who provides the test depends on the facility.

Facilities set their own orientation, systems access and any extra checks. We pass on what you tell us.

We verify registration and collect the documents a facility requires. Final hiring decisions and orientation remain with the facility. Credentialing reduces risk, but it does not guarantee any individual's performance, so facilities still carry their own onboarding and supervision responsibilities for the care they deliver.

Often yes, if it is recent enough for the facility and is the right type, such as a vulnerable sector check where required. Facilities set how recent a check must be, and the rules differ by province. Ask us before ordering a new one, so you do not pay for something you may not need.

Tell us early. Many facilities allow time to complete missing items, but this varies by facility and by health authority. The sooner we know what is missing, the sooner we can tell you what a particular facility will accept and how much time you might have to finish.

It depends on how quickly documents are gathered and how fast regulators and references respond. We do not promise a timeline. Having your documents ready, such as ID, certificates, references and immunization records, is the best way to move things along without delay.

Registration with a Canadian regulator comes first. We can only place professionals who hold, or are eligible for, the registration needed for the role. If you are partway through the registration process, tell us where you are and we will explain what is possible for now.