Everything you need to know about background checks, from types to legal compliance.
Background checks are comprehensive investigations into a person's history, typically conducted by employers, landlords, or other organizations to verify information and assess risk. These checks can include criminal records, employment history, education verification, credit reports, and more.
Background checks are essential for making informed hiring decisions, ensuring workplace safety, and maintaining compliance with various regulations. They help organizations verify candidate qualifications, identify potential risks, and protect their employees and customers.
Types of background checks
- Criminal background checks
- Employment verification
- Education verification
- Credit reports
- Driving records
- Drug screening
- Reference checks
- Social media screening
Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checker.
How long do background checks take?
The time required for a background check varies depending on the type and scope of the investigation. Basic criminal background checks can be completed within 24-48 hours, while more comprehensive checks may take 3-5 business days. International background checks can take 1-2 weeks or longer.
Background check laws and compliance
Background checks are regulated by various federal and state laws, including the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which sets standards for consumer reporting agencies and employers conducting background checks.
FCRA compliance
The FCRA requires employers to obtain written consent before conducting background checks, provide candidates with copies of reports, and follow specific procedures when taking adverse action based on background check results.
State and local laws
Many states and localities have additional laws regulating background checks, including "ban the box" laws that restrict when employers can ask about criminal history.
Adverse action process
When background check results lead to adverse employment decisions, employers must follow specific notification procedures under the FCRA.
How do background checks work?
- Employer obtains candidate consent
- Background check provider searches databases
- Results are compiled into a report
- Employer reviews results and makes decision
- If adverse action is taken, proper notifications are sent
72% of employers say background checks are critical to their hiring process.
72%
65% of employers have experienced a bad hire as a result of not performing background checks.
65%
34% say they will invest more in background checks in 2024 to meet hiring goals.
34%
Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checker.
