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Frequently Asked Questions
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- What is a Certificate of Employability?
- Are there protections against Employment Discrimination based on Criminal Conviction?
- Who is eliglible for a Certificate of Employability?
- What effect does a Certificate of Employability have on my status?
- How do I submit an application for a Certificate of Employability?
- Where can I get more information about Certificates of Employability?
1. What is a Certificate of Employability?
A Certificate of Employability is a form of relief from barriers or forfeitures to employment or the issuance of professional licenses as a result of a criminal conviction (reasons why an employer or a licensing agency may deny a person’s application because of a criminal conviction) that may be granted to an eligible person by the Judicial Branch, Court Support Services Division (JB-CSSD) or the State of Connecticut, Board of Pardons and Paroles (BOPP). When JB-CSSD or the BOPP issues a Certificate of Employability, it tells potential and current employers and/or licensing agencies that JB-CSSD or the BOPP believes that the person’s prior conviction(s) should not prevent them from getting a job or a professional license. Also, depending on the circumstances, JB-CSSD and the BOPP may issue Certificates of Employability that apply only to specific barriers, forfeitures, or convictions or that apply to all barriers, forfeitures, and convictions.
2. Are there protections against employment discrimination based on criminal conviction?
Yes, unless you have a restriction imposed on you by law that prevents you from being hired for certain types of employment or licenses. Otherwise, the law requires employers to consider several factors when they review your employment application, including whether you have a Certificate of Employability. Generally, employers and licensing agencies are not allowed to deny your application because of a criminal record unless
- There is a direct relationship between one or more of your previous criminal offenses
and the specific job or license for which you are applying; or
- Hiring you or issuing you the license would create an unreasonable risk to property
or to the safety or welfare of specific individuals or the general public.
In addition, employers are not allowed to ask about or consider any
arrests that did not lead to a criminal conviction.
3. Who is eligible to apply for a Certificate of Employability?
You are eligible to apply for a Certificate of Employability from JB-CSSD if you are a resident of Connecticut who has been convicted of a crime or crimes in any jurisdiction and you have been under the supervision of JB-CSSD for six months. This includes anyone sentenced to probation or is under any other JB-CSSD supervision.
If you are not under JB-CSSD supervision, you may apply for a Certificate of Employability through the BOPP, for assistance please go to the BOPP’s website.
4. How does a Certificate of Employability help me?
A Certificate of Employability may remove some or all the legal restrictions to employment or professional licenses that are imposed on you because of your criminal record. Although please know that a Certificate of Employability does not erase or hide your criminal record or allow you to retain or become eligible to hold public office or work in law enforcement.
In addition, please know that a Certificate of Employability is temporary while you are under JB-CSSD supervision and becomes permanent when you are discharged from JB-CSSD supervision. While it is temporary, the certificate may be revoked (canceled) if you violate the terms of your probation or supervision. Also, JB-CSSD will automatically revoke your Certificate of Employability if you are convicted of a crime after you get a certificate
5. How do I apply for a Certificate of Employability?
If you are under JB-CSSD supervision, you can get an application online, see below, or you can ask your Probation Officer for an application. If you would like your Probation Officer can refer you to an Alternative in the Community program to help you fill out your application. Once you have filled out your application, you can submit it to JB-CSSD by mailing it to: The Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division, Attn: Certificate Review Unit, 455 Winding Brook, Glastonbury CT 06033. Certified mail is best. No applications will be accepted in person.
If you want to apply for a Certificate of Employability from the BOPP, please go to the BOPP’s website.
6. Where can I get more information about Certificates of Employability?
The law about Certificates of Employability is found in General Statutes §§ 54-108f and 54-130e and you may also ask your Probation Officer for more information.
Download a Certificate of Employability Application - PDF
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