How Long Does it Take to Run an Employment Background Check?
The turnaround for an employment background check depends primarily on the type of job. For example, a basic background check might include reviewing criminal court records whereas a managerial position, a job in which an employee must drive a vehicle, or a position of financial responsibility require verifying and checking education records, driver's history and credit history. Depending on state regulations, vendors' schedules and the complexity of the background check, turnaround can take a few days to several weeks.
Other People Are Reading
-
Criminal History Turnaround
-
The most reliable and accurate criminal records are in courthouses in counties or federal districts where the applicant lived, worked or attended school. If a person has been located in the same county for many years, a criminal records check can be completed within a few business days. If a candidate has moved often, checking multiple court records can take several weeks. Sometimes courts move old case files to off-site storage facilities, and their retrieval typically takes several additional days.
Education Verification Turnaround
-
Especially if a job applicant is interviewing for a managerial or supervisory position, an employer might include in the background report a verification of the candidate's degrees, diplomas, certifications and licenses. Unless the applicant has fabricated information, which could take longer to unravel, a confirmation of the quality of the educational institution, the degree, certification and license, and dates of attendance should take no more than a few business days.
-
Driver's History Turnaround
-
Compiling a driver's history depends on how many states the job applicant has lived in during the reporting period. If a person has remained in one location for years, a driver's history can usually be obtained within 24 hours, barring holidays and weekends when departments of motor vehicles are closed. Some DMV offices provide immediate online record access for those qualified, such as background check personnel and private investigators.
Credit History Turnaround
-
The availability of a credit history depends on several factors. If the background-check company places the request online, the results are instantaneous. If it's done by mail, the request can take several weeks. The veracity and completeness of the applicant's information also affects availability. Also, if a nationwide consumer reporting company is experiencing a backlog of requests, response time is slower.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit reanding a report ii image by Mykola Velychko from Fotolia.com
