Expungement/Sealing of Records and Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE)

Ohio created a certificate program to be administered by the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction that will give employers relief from civil liability for hiring an offender who was trained for a particular job.

The goal is to enhance the ability of formerly incarcerated people to get jobs once they are in the community, so as to further aid in their rehabilitation and reintegration. 

Certificates of Achievement and Employability are issued by the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. 

Inmates who satisfy all of the following are eligible to apply to the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for a certificate:

• Completed one or more in-prison vocational programs approved by administrative rule by the Dept. of Rehabilitation and Correction.
• Demonstrated exemplary performance as determined by completion of one or more cognitive or behavioral improvement programs while incarcerated, while under supervision, or during both periods of time.
• Complete community service hours.
• Shows other evidence of achievement and rehabilitation while under the jurisdiction of the Dept. of Rehabilitation and Correction.

Who can apply for this certificate?

• Soon-to-be-released inmate, or
• Person on post-release control

Ohio Revised Code

2953.25

2961.21

2961.22

2961.23

2961.24