Criminal record certificate
Standard and children's criminal record certificates
A thorough criminal record certificate reveals any criminal history that may be relevant to the role, and helps employers make informed decisions. This is especially important in sectors working with vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, or in security-sensitive roles.
Why it matters
Safe environments for children and young people
To hold a position of responsibility for children and young people in sport, you must have no convictions for serious sexual, violent or drug-related offences on your criminal record certificate. This is to prevent and stop violence and abuse in sporting environments and create safe conditions for minors. That's why everyone with responsibility for minors must present an up-to-date criminal record certificate - and Right Person ensures the process is correct from start to archive.
- Right type of certificate for the role
We assess whether the role requires a standard criminal record certificate or a children's criminal record certificate, and ensure the purpose letter and legal basis are documented.
- Children's criminal record certificate for sport and volunteering
For coaches, team leaders, instructors and anyone in a position of trust with children and young people. Applies to people from age 16, both paid and voluntary.
- Lawful collection and storage
The certificate is collected in accordance with the Police Register Act, stored securely away from unauthorised access, and deleted when the role ends.
Slik virker det
Assessment of requirements: The candidate is invited to present a criminal record certificate. Right Person generates the purpose letter automatically.
Purpose letter and consent: The candidate uses the purpose letter and applies for a criminal record certificate from the police.
The police process: The police send the certificate to the candidate via Digipost. The candidate downloads it and uploads it into Right Person.
Review and archiving: We check and validate the certificate, write a report, and archive everything securely and access-controlled in one system.
What's included
What we check
- Standard criminal record certificate
- Children's criminal record certificate for work with children and young people
- Purpose letter from employer or organisation
- Certificate must be issued within the last 3 months
- Lawful collection with correct legal basis
- Secure storage and deletion
Why it works
What you get
Right type - right legal basis
The wrong type of criminal record certificate, or obtaining one without proper legal basis, can lead to legal liability. We ensure the process is correct from the start, with the purpose letter and consent in place.
Particularly critical for children and young people
Anyone in a position of trust with minors - such as coaches, team leaders, instructors - must present an up-to-date children's criminal record certificate. The main rule is: if in doubt, you need a criminal record certificate.
Proper storage and deletion
Criminal record certificates must not be stored longer than necessary. We ensure proper handling in line with the Police Records Act.
Frequently asked questions
How long is a criminal record certificate valid?
A criminal record certificate has no formal expiry date, but in practice it's considered valid for three months from the date of issue. For new hires, most employers and sports clubs require a certificate dated within the last three months. If the person is already in the role, it's the organisation's own procedures that determine how often the certificate is renewed.
Who can require a criminal record certificate?
Only where the law provides authority. The Police Register Act chapter 7 lists which positions and purposes give the right to require a certificate - typically work with children, health and safety. Without legal authority, you can neither require a criminal record certificate nor ask for a self-declaration instead.
What is the difference between a standard criminal record certificate and a certificate for work with children?
A standard criminal record certificate shows a broader range of entries and is used where the law requires a full background check. A certificate for work with children and vulnerable adults is limited to offences directly relevant to working with children and people with developmental disabilities — sexual offences, violence, and drugs. In sports, it is the certificate for work with children that is required.
How does the candidate apply for a criminal record certificate?
The candidate applies directly to the police, either digitally via politiet.no or on paper. The application must include a purpose letter from the organisation confirming the role the certificate relates to and the legal basis. The certificate itself is free. Processing time is determined by the police, not by us.
Can the employer obtain the criminal record certificate on behalf of the candidate?
No. The certificate is issued to the individual, and it is the candidate who must apply and then present it. Right Person handles the practicalities — generates the purpose letter, reminds the candidate, receives and verifies the certificate, and stores it with access control — but the application is always the candidate's.
What does it cost?
The criminal record certificate itself is free from the police. Our handling costs 12 credits, which is 120 kroner per candidate.
What is the difference between politiattest, vandelsattest and straffeattest?
There are three names for essentially the same document, issued by the police. 'Politiattest' is the official term and the one used in law. 'Vandelsattest' is the older word and is still used in everyday speech. 'Straffeattest' is used mostly in Denmark, but also appears here. What actually varies is not the name, but how much the certificate shows: an ordinary criminal record certificate, a comprehensive certificate and a certificate for work with children cover different offences and different time periods.
What is a belastningsregisterutdrag?
An extract from the police sanctions register – the register from which a criminal record certificate is obtained. In practice, it is the certificate you request, not the register extract: private individuals and employers do not have direct access to the register, but the candidate can order a certificate that shows what is relevant for the purpose.
What is it called when it comes to children's sports?
It is the certificate for work with children, regardless of whether sport organisations call it 'criminal record certificate for sport', 'criminal record certificate for children's sport' or simply 'the certificate'. The requirement applies to everyone with a position of trust or responsibility for minors, from the age of 16, paid or voluntary.
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