CPIC vs. CRJMC: What’s the Difference?
If an employer, licensing body, or organization has asked you for a criminal record check, you may have seen both “CPIC” and “CRJMC” mentioned — sometimes even used as if they mean the same thing. They don’t. Here’s a clear breakdown of what each one actually covers, so you can confirm you’re applying for the right one.
CPIC Check: The Basics
A CPIC check is a name-based search of the Canadian Police Information Centre database. It shows:
- Criminal convictions
- Summary convictions (generally disclosed for 5 years)
- Youth Criminal Justice Act findings, where applicable
This is the standard check used for general employment screening, volunteer positions, and many immigration purposes where only conviction history needs to be confirmed.
Price: $40 + tax
CRJMC Check: The Enhanced Version
A CRJMC (Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check) includes everything a CPIC check shows, plus:
- Outstanding charges and warrants
- Peace bonds and probation orders
- Judicial orders and prohibition orders
- Absolute and conditional discharges (within their disclosure window)
- A local police database search
CRJMC is the specific term Ontario uses for the check required in security guard and private investigator licensing. Other provinces require an equivalent enhanced check under different names — British Columbia’s Police Information Check and Alberta or Manitoba’s Criminal Record Check for licensing purposes generally cover similar ground.
Price: $50 + tax
Side-by-Side Comparison
| CPIC Check | CRJMC Check | |
|---|---|---|
| Convictions | ✓ | ✓ |
| Outstanding charges | ✗ | ✓ |
| Warrants | ✗ | ✓ |
| Peace bonds / probation | ✗ | ✓ |
| Judicial orders | ✗ | ✓ |
| Typical use | General employment, immigration | Security guard/investigator licensing, positions of trust |
| Price | $40 + tax | $50 + tax |
Which One Do I Need?
The requesting organization decides this, not you — so the safest approach is to ask them directly whether they need a “CPIC” or a “CRJMC” (or its provincial equivalent). Common patterns:
- General employment or volunteering: usually a basic CPIC check.
- Security guard or private investigator licensing: almost always the enhanced CRJMC-level check.
- Immigration or citizenship applications: check the specific instructions in your application letter, as requirements vary by application type.
Applying for the wrong level of check can mean delays and having to reapply, so confirming first saves time.
Do Either Require Fingerprints?
Generally, no. Both CPIC and CRJMC checks are name-based, using your name, date of birth, and ID to search the database — this is sometimes called a “criminal record check without fingerprints.” Fingerprints are only required if your details partially match another individual’s record, so your identity can be confirmed.
Get Started
Surrey Fingerprint Company is an RCMP-accredited agency processing both CPIC and CRJMC checks for clients across Canada, by mail, online, or in person in Surrey, BC. See full details on our CPIC and CRJMC page.
📞 (604) 825-8882 | ✉️ info@surreyfingerprint.com