What Is a Certificate of Employability?
Connecticut offers a “Certificate of Employability (COE),” also referred to as a "Provisional Pardon." A COE is for employment and licensure purposes only. The COE provides relief from barriers to employment or occupational licenses for people with convictions.
Who Is Eligible for a Certificate of Employability?
You are eligible for a Certificate of Employability also known as a Provisional Pardon, if:
- You reside in Connecticut; and
- You were incarcerated and are 90 days past discharge, you are not currently under supervision, and have had no new arrest(s); or
- You are currently under supervision by the Parole and Community Services Division of the Department of Correction and you have successfully completed 90 days of supervision.
What Effect Does a Certificate of Employability Have?
A Certificate of Employability, also known as a "Provisional Pardon," does not expunge convictions from your record. The COE does indicate that you are employable and makes it illegal for an employer or prospective employer to deny you employment based on your criminal record alone. The COE also indicates that you are suitable to hold certain types of occupational licenses.
When Can I Apply for a Certificate of Employability?
You are eligible to apply for a COE or Provisional Pardon if you:
- Have successfully been under the supervision of Parole and Community Services Division of the Department of Correction for 90 days; or
- Have successfully completed your sentence, are not currently under supervision, have no new arrest(s), and have been in the community for a minimum of 90 days.
How Do I Apply for a Certificate of Employability?
Here are the three steps to apply for a Certificate of Employability, also known as a "Provisional Pardon:"
- Fill out the "Certificate of Employability Application" form. To access the COE form, visit the Connecticut Judicial Branch website here: Certificate of Employability Application-CSSD.
- Make copies of the application and other supporting documents. Keep a complete set for yourself.
- Submit the completed application form and any supporting documents by certified mail to the Connecticut Court Support Services Division of the Judicial Branch at this address:
Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division
Attn: Certificate Review Unit
455 Winding Brook
Glastonbury, CT 06033
More Information About a Certificate of Employability
For more information about Certificates of Employability or Provisional Pardons, visit the State of Connecticut Judicial Branch website here: Certificates of Employability.