Certificate of Employability in Connecticut

If you are having difficulty finding employment due to previous criminal convictions, but you do not want to apply for a full pardon, you might consider applying for a certificate of employability in Connecticut. This is a good option if you meet the requirements for this certificate and need help finding work in the State of Connecticut. Even though for some jobs you will not have to divulge a criminal history on a job application, this is not always the case. A certificate of employability can therefore help. You can learn more about the certificate of employability application on this page.

Certificate of Employability Eligibility

You are eligible for the certificate of employability if you:

• Are currently a resident of the State of Connecticut.
• Got convicted of a crime.
• Are no longer incarcerated for a crime.
• Have completed your sentence and probation, and have been in the community for at least 90 days.
• Have completed at least 90 days under the supervision of the Department of Correction’s Parole and Community Services Division if you are currently under supervision.

Certificate of Employability Application

If interested in applying for a certificate of employability, you can access the application form online. You must fill out this form for consideration for this certificate. The form can get filled out online, but if you cannot do this, you can print the form, write in your answers, and mail in the form. The application consists of:

• The application form with page five notarized by a public notary.
• A copy of your state I.D. or driver’s license.
• Documents that you want to attach to the application for review, such as your resume, diplomas, certificates, etc.
• The supervising officer questionnaire.

These documents should be submitted in this order and sent to:
Board of Pardons and Paroles
ATTN: Pardons Unit
55 West Main Street, Suite 520
Waterbury, CT 06702

The Board of Pardons and Paroles expects you to answer each question on your application openly and honestly. The Board will conduct a background check on every applicant, so if you try to lie on the application, they will find out and this will reflect poorly on your application. In fact, lying on the application is grounds for denial by the Board of Pardons and Paroles. It is therefore in your best interest to answer all questions to the best of your ability.

Section One: Applicant Information

The first section in the application asks for your personal information. This includes your:

• Name.
• Date of birth.
• Place of birth.
• Social security number.
• Gender.
• Address.
• Phone number.
• Email address.

This is basic contact information that you should have.

Section Two: Family Information

You should list everyone that you live with and your relationship to these people. Also indicate on the application your current marital status and how long you have lived at your current residency.

Section Three: Aliases and Other Names

If you have ever gone by another name, list it here. This might include nicknames, your maiden name, a name from a former marriage, etc.

Section Four: Previous Application History

Indicate if you have ever applied for a pardon or certificate of employability in the past. If you have, list when you submitted any previous applications.

Section Five: Citizenship Information

Here, you should state if you are or are not a citizen of the United States. If you are citizen of another country, also list this here.

Section Six: Education

List the highest grade that you have completed. Also list any special training or education that you have gotten or are currently getting.

Section Seven: Employment

Here, you should list if you are currently employed. If you are, give basic information about your job. For example, you need to list when you started working and where you work. Then, give information about your employment history.

Section Eight: Military History

Have you served time in the military? List this information here, as well as information about any discharge from the military.

Section Nine: Criminal History

In this section list:

• Date of arrest.
• Court and location.
• Charges you’ve faced.
• Sentences in your cases.

Section Ten: Victim Information

List the personal information of any victims in your cases. If there are no victims in your cases, you can just write “no victims” in this section.

Section Eleven: Purpose of Application

You need to state your reasons for applying for a certificate of employability. Common reasons are for employment or to get a license in something. In this section, you should also talk about why you think you deserve a certificate of employability. Talk about how you have changed since the time of your conviction.

Section Twelve: Optional Continuation

If there is information that you want to share that does not fit in another section, you can list it here. Or, if you ran out of room on the application in a section, you can continue what you want to say here.

Section Thirteen: Attestation and Background Investigation Authorization

Here, you need to authorize the Board of Pardons to do a background check on you and verify any information that you list in the application.

Ask a Connecticut Lawyer about a Certificate of Employability

It is important to remember that a certificate of employability in Connecticut will not erase your criminal history. Rather, it will make it possible for you to get a job despite your criminal history. On another page on this website, I explain how to fill out the certificate of employability application. In the meantime, if you have any questions, you should contact my office. I am happy to discuss your certificate of employability application during a free consultation.