Vulnerable Sector Check Requirements

On September 1, 2021, the College implemented a requirement for a Vulnerable Sector Check as part of their application for registration.  Current registrants will be required to provide a Vulnerable Sector Check cyclically as requested by the College.  To register as an occupational therapist in Nova Scotia, all applicants must provide evidence as to whether you have been found guilty of any offence arising in any jurisdiction, including, any criminal offence, or any offence relating to the practice of occupational therapy. The College uses the results of the Vulnerable Sector Check to verify the applicant’s and registrant’s good conduct eligibility in fitting with the mandate of public protection. 

A conduct history does not automatically result in a denial of registration. However, there must be nothing in your previous conduct that will impact your ability to practice occupational therapy safely and ethically.  

Important Information: 

Depending on where you live, it may take 1 to 12 weeks, or longer, to obtain the results of a Vulnerable Sector Check. As registration will not be issued until results are received, we suggest applying for the Vulnerable Sector Check well in advance of your required registration date. The College accepts Vulnerable Sector Checks issued within the past three (3) months.  

  • The Vulnerable Sector Check must be completed on all the names you currently use and have used in the past. 

  • You are responsible for ensuring that the full legal name, previous names (if applicable) and date of birth on the Vulnerable Sector Check match the information provided to the College during the application process. If the information does not match, the Vulnerable Sector Check will not be accepted by the College. 

  • You are responsible for obtaining the correct type of Check and paying all related fees (including submitting to and paying for fingerprints, if required). 

  • The Vulnerable Sector Check must have been conducted no more than three months before the date of registration with the College for new registrants. If you do not register within three months of the date the results were issued by the police, you will be required to submit an updated Vulnerable Sector Check. 

  • Current registrants will be required to provide a valid Vulnerable Sector Check every five (5) years.  The Check is considered valid if uploaded to your profile within 3 months of the date on the Check. The College will notify registrants when they are required to provide a new Vulnerable Sector Check. 

  • A complete Check must be uploaded to your online application/profile within the "Vulnerable Sector Check" area on the left-hand side.  Applicants/Registrants must be prepared to provide the original document to the College, if requested. 

  •  If you have lived outside of Canada in the past two years, an International Criminal Record Check, translated by a certified translator (if applicable) is also required. You must declare to the College where outside of Canada you have lived in the previous two years.   The College will initiate an International Criminal Record Check on your behalf.  The costs of the International Criminal Record Check vary by country and will be invoiced to you, the applicant. Please contact the College at admin@cotns.ca for more information. 

How to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check 

  • If you have resided outside of Canada, at any time in the past two years, we will also require an International Criminal Record Check, please contact the College to determine the equivalent documentation at  admin@cotns.ca.  If you have lived in Canada and outside of Canada within the last two years, we will require both an International Criminal Record Check and a Canadian Vulnerable Sector Check.