How to verify a Certificate of Good Conduct
Last updated 27 October 2026
A Certificate of Good Conduct is easy to fake and easy to recycle after it is out of date — so a copy in hand is not proof on its own. Whether you are an employer checking a candidate or a job seeker who wants to stand out, here is how to actually verify one.
Why a copy is not proof
- Certificates can be edited, forged or reused long after they are stale.
- A certificate only reflects a criminal record at the issue date — not today.
- It says nothing about whether the person is who the document claims.
What real verification looks like
Verifying a Certificate of Good Conduct means confirming the document is genuine and current, confirming it belongs to the person in front of you, and — ideally — combining it with other signals so one document is not carrying the whole decision.
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How to verify one, step by step
- 1
Check the document for tampering
Look at the details, formatting and QR code or reference against a genuine certificate. Our guide on spotting a fake walks through the tell-tale signs.
- 2
Confirm it is recent
Check the issue date and make sure it is inside the recency window you need — an old certificate tells you little about today.
- 3
Confirm the identity behind it
Verify the holder’s identity against IPRS so you know the certificate belongs to the real person, not just whoever is holding the paper.
- 4
Get it with consent
Ask the person to share their good-conduct status and identity through a consent-led check, so you have a lawful, auditable record rather than a loose PDF.
For job seekers: prove it before you are asked
If you are looking for work, getting verified first lets you walk in already proven. With Verifisha you can check your own identity and good-conduct status and share a consent-led profile employers can trust — which sets you apart from candidates handing over a plain copy.
For employers: combine the signals
Treat the certificate as one signal. Pair it with verified identity (IPRS), references and, where relevant, CRB or academic checks. Verifisha brings these together with consent so you are not relying on a single document.
Verifisha does not issue Certificates of Good Conduct — the DCI does. This guide explains how to verify a certificate and the identity behind it.
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Frequently asked questions
How can an employer verify a Certificate of Good Conduct?
Check the document for tampering, confirm it is recent, and verify the holder’s identity (IPRS) so it belongs to the real person. The safest approach is a consent-led check that records identity, good-conduct status and references together.
Can I verify a good conduct certificate online?
You can confirm a holder’s identity and gather their good-conduct status and references online through a consent-led check. The certificate itself is issued by the DCI, so always pair the document with verified identity rather than trusting the paper alone.
How do I prove my own good conduct to an employer?
Verify yourself first and share a consent-led profile with your identity and good-conduct status, so an employer can trust it instantly instead of waiting on a copy they cannot confirm.
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