Reliability status request process

Find out how to request a new reliability status or to update (renew) or upgrade an existing status. Explore who can request one and what information is required during the screening process.

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About reliability status

Reliability status is a personnel security status that is required before an employee can gain access to Protected A or Protected B information, assets or work sites. It is valid for 10 years from the date of issue, unless revoked or terminated.

Security screening for reliability status requires a 5-year background check. As part of this check, the company security officer (CSO) or alternate company security officer (ACSO) is responsible for conducting background checks of their own.

Conducting background checks

Before submitting a personnel security screening request to Public Services and Procurement Canada’s Contract Security Program (CSP), CSOs and ACSOs are required to conduct preliminary verifications and verify their employee’s identity.

For more information on how to complete this step in the security screening process, visit conducting background checks for personnel security screening.

The standard on security screening requires that applicants submit specific types of documentary evidence of identity. The purpose is to provide greater assurance of an individual’s unique identity.

The CSO or ACSO must obtain 2 pieces of identification (1 of which must contain a photo) from the employee.

One must be from each of the following:

Visit about identity verification requirements for more information, including the process to verify an employee’s identity, the list of all accepted foundational and supporting evidence of identity, and guidance on how to handle special circumstances.

Requesting a reliability status

Only a CSO or ACSO may request a reliability status for an individual on behalf of an organization registered in the CSP.

Visit who is eligible for a personnel security screening and accepted justification to process personnel security screening requests for more information on an individual’s eligibility for personnel security screening.

To request a new reliability status or to update (renew) or upgrade an existing one, the CSO or ACSO and the employee need to complete and submit a Personnel screening, consent and authorization form (TBS/SCT 330-23E). To upgrade an existing reliability status to a security clearance, the applicant must also complete the Security clearance form (TBS/SCT 330-60E).

For more information on security clearances, visit security clearance request process.

Processing times for a reliability status depend on the complexity of the request and the verifications that must be completed. Requests can be categorized as either simple or complex.

For more information, visit cost and processing times for personnel security screenings.

The CSO or ACSO can only submit their personnel security screening request to the CSP once they have completed and documented a thorough verification of the applicant’s security form and background.

Learn about the ways to complete and submit personnel security screening forms.

Note

Avoid delays by requesting an update at least 6 months before the 10-year expiry date.

Information needed

During a request, the following will be requested:

The following may also be requested:

  • out-of-country verifications:
    • these are conducted when an applicant has lived outside of Canada continuously for 6 months or longer
  • immigration documents if the applicant entered Canada within the last 5 years
  • other supporting documents, as necessary
  • a security screening interview with the applicant to assess eligibility for reliability status

More information

For more information about reliability status, consult:

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