When do you need a criminal record extract?
You must present a criminal record extract before a placement if your placement essentially involves working with minors. A criminal record extract must be presented also, when the placement among minors is carried out as part of employment. A criminal record extract is not required for placements working with people with disabilities or the elderly.
Order the extract well in advance: take the delivery time and the given time windows for checking extracts into account. You cannot go to the placement unless you have presented the extract. The extract can only be shown at the allocated times.
Where is the extract ordered from?
The criminal record extract is ordered from the Legal Register Centre’s e-service. The extract is free of charge for study purposes. We recommend ordering the electronic version.
To whom is the criminal record extract shown?
The criminal record extract is a confidential document and may therefore only be handled by certain persons. At Laurea, coordinators of Study Services are authorised to check the extracts.
The date of the extract check and its period of validity are recorded in Peppi (not visible to the student).
When is the criminal record extract shown?
The criminal record extract is shown in accordance with sections 33–34 of the Universities of Applied Sciences Act before placements involving children and young people (under 18). The showing is scheduled approximately 1 month before the placement in question. At Laurea it is sufficient to show the criminal record extract once during your studies.
Study Services arranges Teams meetings for checking the criminal record extracts on every Wednesday starting at 9 am.
Spring 2026
– no checking on 27 May due to the entrance examination
– the last checking on 10 June
Autumn 2026
– the first checking on 5 August
– no checking on 28 October due to the entrance examinations
– the last checking on 16 December
How is the criminal record extract checked?
Criminal record extracts are shown personally to the checkers in Teams. Note: the extract cannot be sent electronically or left in a drop-off box as a paper copy.
- Check the scheduled times for showing the criminal record extract
- Have your identification (valid passport, identity card or driving licence) and the criminal record extract ready. Turn off background filters.
- If you show the extract electronically, practise screen sharing before the appointment so that sharing works. This helps ensure a smooth and quick check.
More detailed instructions and the Teams meeting link on student intranet (login required).
Background
The criminal background checks for students in social services and health care are based on the Universities of Applied Sciences Act, which defines the conditions for admission as a student, the withdrawal and reinstatement of study rights, as well as drug testing and disciplinary measures (the so‑called SORA legislation).
According to the law, you must present a valid criminal record extract at the request of the university of applied sciences (section 34). This is intended to increase higher education institutions’ and education providers’ ability to intervene in situations related to students’ suitability and safety issues.
The aim is in particular to improve patient and client safety, the safety of minors, the safety of the study and work community, and the legal protection of individual students.
For more information,
contact Study Services
Student Services general phone number: 09 8868 7000 (Mon–Fri 10:00–12:00)
Email: studyservices@laurea.fi
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