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After a conviction, a Certificate of Good Conduct (CGC) certifies that you have reformed. The CGC mitigates some Collateral Consequences of a conviction. The CGC enables you to reapply for jobs, licenses, public office, housing, and other rights you lost due to a conviction.
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Contents
What is a Certificate of Good Conduct?
A Certificate of Good Conduct is basically a kind of letter or certificate from an overseas authority confirming a part or all of your criminal record history. They are sometimes called different things. Some of the more common names for these certificates are:
- Certificate of Good Standing
- Police Clearance Certificate
- Letter of Good Conduct
- Certificate of No Criminal Record
These certificates are usually equivalent to a Basic DBS or BZR Check but can sometimes can into more detail.
Why Would I Need a Certificate of Good Conduct?
DBS Checks exclusively examine British records. This means that a DBS Check will not show whether or not an individual has committed crimes abroad. Most licensing bodies require a Certificate of Good Conduct if you have not lived in the United Kingdom for at least five years or have lived abroad for more than three months in the preceding five years.
While in the Federal Republic of Germany, all police records are filed at the Federal Central Criminal Register, the so-called “Bundeszentralregister” (BZR).
In some regulated industries, the fit and proper test is used to ensure that only qualified personnel are hired to perform specific duties. A significant portion of this is conducting a criminal record check. A Certificate of Good Conduct provides them with the necessary information regarding any potential criminal activity committed overseas.
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How Do I Get a Certificate of Good Conduct?
The process for getting a Certificate of Good Conduct depends on where you have lived abroad. The process generally involves applying to the relevant country’s embassy online for a certificate and providing them with some personal documentation.
Rules for Asylum Seekers
If you have been granted asylum or refugee status, you may not be required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct. Typically, licensing agencies provide particular instructions for refugees and asylum seekers. If you hold one of these qualifications, you should contact your licensing authority prior to applying for your badge, as you may be required to submit additional paperwork to support your application.
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