The CCVSB Certification Program exists to:

• Give customers unbiased, current verification information 

• Promote accountability, openness, and moral business conduct 

• Help companies prove their attention to client safety and protection 

• Minimize the amount of fraud, deception, and noncompliant operators that consumers are exposed to 

 

Eligibility for CCVSB Certificate of Verification

Certification may be requested by:

• Businesses that operate in Canada as corporations, partnerships, or sole proprietors 

• Companies that were in good standing when they applied 

• Companies willing to supply complete and precise documentation for validation 

Limited eligibility or higher evaluation requirements may apply to some high risk or regulated firms.

 

Certification Request Process

Step 1: Submission of Application

A formal certification request and all appropriate supporting papers must be provided by email to info@ccvsb.ca by organizations seeking CCVSB certification. 

The CCVSB online portal is now primarily utilized for submissions of verification services.  Requests for certification are granted and managed by sending them immediately to CCVSB.

Step 2: Verification & Assessment

CCVSB conducts a confidential assessment based on given information, public records, and applicable verification checks.

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Step 3: Determination

Upon completion of the assessment, CCVSB will issue one of the following determinations:

• Active and Certified

• Certified with Conditions

• Not Certified

 

Step 4: Issuance of CCVSB Certificate of Verification

Successful applicants receive a CCVSB Certificate of Verification, including:

• Unique certificate number

• Issue date

• Expiration date

• Verification status

• Public verification link

 

Certification Validity & Renewal

• 12 months is the average certification validity term. 

• On the selected expiration date, certification automatically expires. 

• Reevaluation and updated documentation are necessary for renewal. 

• Based on risk indications, CCVSB retains the option to reduce certification durations. 

Certifications that have expired might not be shown or shown as active.

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Certification Requirements

Applicants must provide, where applicable:​

Business Identity

• Operating name and legal business name 

• Documents for business registration or incorporation 

• Address of registered business 

• Confirmation of ownership or authorized signing power

 

Tax & Regulatory Standing

• Valid GST/HST/RST/QST number (if applicable)

• Confirmation of active business status

• WorkSafe clearance letter (where applicable)

 

Insurance & Compliance

• Evidence of commercial general liability coverage

• Evidence of professional or specific industry insurance, if any

• Verification of adherence to relevant federal or provincial regulations

 

Operational Transparency

• Contact information that clients can obtain

• Procedures that are well defined for handling complaints, disputes, and refunds

• No ongoing pattern of unresolved consumer fraud was discovered during the examination.

Inaccurate, misleading, or incomplete information may be rejected or withdrawn.

Certification Terms & Conditions

Nature of Certification

CCVSB certification:

• Is the result of a private verification

• Reflects data that was accessible at the time of evaluation

• Does not ensure future results, behavior, or performance.

• Does not take the role of consumer due diligence

A warranty, insurance policy, or assurance of service quality are not included in certification.

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Use of Certification & Marks

Certified businesses may:

• During the current certification term, display the CCVSB certificate and trust seal.

• Make exact and unaltered reference to their certification status

Certified businesses may not:

• Imply regulatory power or government approval

• Change the certificate's appearance, wording, or expiration dates

• After a certification has expired or been revoked, use it

Immediate revocation may occur from misuse.

Revocation, Suspension & Status Changes

Grounds for Revocation or Suspension

CCVSB reserves the right to suspend or revoke certification at any time if:

• False information or material misrepresentation is found

• The standards for certification are no longer fulfilled.

• Failures in insurance, registration, or compliance

• There is proof of fraud, fraudulent practices, or consumer harm.

• The company abuses its branding or CCVSB certification.

• Business integrity is significantly impacted by legal or regulatory action.

 

Revocation Process

Where appropriate:

1. Concerns may be reported to the company by CCVSB.

2. The company could only have a short window of time to react.

3. Whether certification is still valid will be decided by CCVSB.

Revocation without prior warning may take place in situations where there is a significant risk to consumers.

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Effect of Revocation

Upon revocation or suspension:

• Certification is instantly nullified.

• It is necessary to delete any CCVSB references, seals, and certificates.

• The status of public verification will show Revoked or Suspended.

• Revoked certifications are not refundable.

 

Public Verification & Transparency

Each certification is linked to a public CCVSB verification record indicating:

• Status of certification

• Dates of issue and expiration

• Notifications of suspension or revocation (where applicable)

The purpose of this method is to safeguard customers and stop certified credentials from being abused.

Legal Disclaimer

The CCVSB is a nongovernmental, independent organization.
Certification is not equal to government endorsement, licensing, regulatory approval, or enforcement power.
For commercial activity, consumer transactions, or third party reliance on certification status, CCVSB disclaims any liability.