Criminal convictions

Previous question

Do you have any unspent criminal convictions?

What do we mean by “unspent”?

After a period of time, some criminal convictions become ‘spent’.

This means they do not need to be disclosed after a certain amount of time if a person does not reoffend during their rehabilitation period.

The rehabilitation period will depend on:

  • the sentence given, not the offence
  • how old you were when you committed the offence
  • how many convictions you have

If you are applying to a course in Scotland, you should apply Scottish law when considering whether you need to disclose your conviction.

Visit the Government’s website for more information on offences and rehabilitation periods

What do we mean by “criminal conviction”?

This means you’ve pleaded guilty to, or been found guilty of, a criminal offence, either within or outside of the UK.

The following are not criminal convictions*, and do not need to be disclosed on your application. Please select ‘No’ if you only have the following:

  • simple caution
  • final warning
  • reprimand
  • ASBO (Antisocial Behaviour Order)
  • fixed penalty notices – e.g. speed camera fines, littering, petty shoplifting
  • points on your driving licence

*Although these are not convictions, they may be on your criminal record on police computers.