Level 3 Vulnerable Sector Screen/Check (VSS/VSC) & Background Attestation (BA)
Overview
As part of your Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) registration requirements, you must complete:
- A Level 3 Vulnerable Sector Screen/Check (VSS/VSC): is a detailed police background check required for individuals working in a hospital setting and involved in the direct care of vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. This includes patients of all ages, abilities, and sexes. The VSS/VSC is required to help ensure the safety and protection of those under your care.
- An annual Background Attestation (BA): A self-declaration confirming your clear criminal and immigration status is required each academic year for learners with a Level 3 VSS/VSC recorded in their POWER account.
Important: A Level 2 Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC) is accepted by the CPSO for licensing purposes but is NOT accepted by PGME for registration.
Who Needs a Level 3 VSS/VSC and Who Needs a BA?
All Postgraduate Medical Education (PGME) learners are required to complete:
- A Level 3 Vulnerable Sector Screen/Check (VSS/VSC)
AND
- An annual Background Attestation (BA) is required after submitting a Level 3 VSS/VSC.
The specific requirement that applies to you will be displayed in your POWER account based on your learner type and legal status in Canada. If it is not correct or you have questions please contact postgrad.med@utoronto.ca.
Exceptions to the above:
New Learner (with an International MD on a Work Permit)
- For your initial appointment only, you are exempt from submitting a Level 3 VSS/VSC report.
- You will complete a Background Attestation (BA) in lieu of the Level 3 VSS/VSC
- IMPORTANT: After your initial appointment, a Level 3 VSS/VSC will be required for any subsequent training appointments.
NOTE: Police record checks are a point-in-time search. This means they are only valid on the day they are issued, as information can change at any time. Police services do not assign an expiry date. Expiry is determined by the institution or employer requesting the check, based on internal policies and risk requirements.
For this reason, the PGME Office, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, has established the following validity and expiry requirements (see below).
Validity (Issuance Window)
- A Level 3 VSS/VSC must be issued within 6 months prior to the start of your upcoming appointment.
- The 5-year expiry period begins once the Level 3 VSS/VSC is reviewed and entered in POWER, provided it was issued within the required 6-month window.
Expiry (Duration and Alignment)
- The University of Toronto recognizes the Level 3 VSS/VSC as valid for 5 years from the date of issuance, with a mandatory annual background attestation.
- The expiry is aligned with the academic year, meaning validity extends to June 30 of the academic year in which the 5-year period ends.
For Example:
If your VSS/VSC is issued in July 2025, it remains valid until June 30, 2031.
How to Apply/Order a Level 3 VSS/VSC
If You Reside in Toronto
- Please e-mail postgrad.med@utoronto.ca for the agency code for Toronto Police Services
- Apply through Toronto Police Services
- Select "PAID STUDENT PLACEMENT" fee category.
If You Reside Outside Toronto (Within Canada)
- Apply through your local police service using the address on your Canadian ID.
Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents Living Abroad (Outside Canada for Several Years)
- Apply once you arrive in Canada through the local police service with your Canadian address.
Tip: Level 3 VSS/VSC processing can take 4+ months. Order as soon as possible!
Special Circumstances:
Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents Living Abroad (Outside Canada for Several Years)
- A valid Canadian address is required to apply for a Level 3 Vulnerable Sector Screen/Checking (VSS/VSC) with a Canadian police service.
- Learners living outside of Canada cannot apply for a Level 3 VSS/VSC before arrival (IP address verification prevents applications submitted from outside Canada).
If you meet the following criteria below, you may request a temporary override of the Level 3 VSS/VSC requirement and complete a Background Attestation in the interim (please email postgrad.med@utoronto.ca):
- You have been living abroad outside of Canada for several years (3 years or more)
- You do not yet have documentation showing a Canadian address, and
- You will not be in Canada before your training start date.
Upon arrival in Canada, you must:
- Apply for a Level 3 VSS/VSC as soon as you obtain a valid Canadian address
- Submit proof of payment or processing to the Registration Document Portal
- Upload the Level 3 VSS/VSC report once received to the Registration Document Portal for review and processing even if your training has already started or ended.
Accepted vs. Not Accepted VSS/VSC Reports
✅ Accepted
- Ontario Police Department
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)
- Canadian Police Departments
❌ Not Accepted
- Level 1 Criminal Record Check (CRC)
- Level 2 Criminal Record & Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)
- Third-party checks (e.g., Triton, mybackcheck.com)
- International Police Checks
- CBSA Traveler Criminality/Entry-Exit Checks
How to Submit Your Level 3 VSS/VSC report
- Upload your level 3 VSS/VSC report to the Registration Document Portal.
- If you do not receive your report within 10 business days of your appointment start date:
- Upload proof of payment or processing to Registration Document Portal
- The PGME office will temporarily override the level 3 VSS/VSC requirement and add a background attestation to your POWER account as a temporary measure.
- Once you receive your Level 3 VSS/VSC report, upload it to the Registration Document Portal even if your training has already started or ended.
How to Complete a Background Attestation (BA) in POWER
- Log in to POWER.
- Select “VSS & Background Attestation” from the menu.
- Click “Add Attestation”.
- Read the statement carefully.
- Select either “Clear” or “Not Clear”.
- Click Submit
What If my Level 3 VSS/VSC report or Background Attestation self-declaration is "Not Clear"?
- Immediately email: adpgme@utoronto.ca and copy postgrad.med@utoronto.ca with a written explanation.
- If a criminal record is found, the case will be reviewed by an Expert Panel.
- PGME may revoke an appointment or cancel registration based on the panel’s decision.
Reminder: You must report any changes to your criminal status within 7 business days.