Background check turnaround times can vary due to a variety of factors. Certain searches will generate fast results all the time while others seem to take forever. Some searches will come back in the same amount of time, every time, but all of a sudden there’s a delay...
Waiting on background check results doesn’t have to be frustrating! The key is knowing which searches are quick and where unexpected interruptions could occur so you can plan accordingly. Here’s a summary of some of our most popular searches and what you can expect:
Criminal Record Search
Criminal record searches can be returned within a few hours or can take several days. Fast results are typically when there are no records to report and/or we are able to find records using a portal directly into the courthouse records. The latter allows us to quickly pull files and verify the possible record. These are the best-case scenarios and give us the quickest results.
However, many courts still operate in ways that slow down research. For example, the court clerk may be the only one permitted to access and pull files. Others require our researchers to wait in line to access a terminal on site at the courthouse and may be permitted only one query per session… once we’re done, we turn around and get back in line! These are just a few causes for a “Clerk Delay,” which can last a day or two through several days. Unfortunately, there is no way to circumvent court clerks.
In addition to court clerks, other factors can cause delays, such as accessing archive records for unlimited search scope requests. Also, the rare occasion when a courthouse encounters technology issues or migration to new portals, which can cause backlogs.
Expert Tip: Gather a list of you the common counties in which you search and recruit. We can give you insight into specific turnaround averages so you can better predict your specific timing.
Employment, Verification, Education Verification or Professional Reference
A typical verification usually includes three to five contact attempts, i.e. it can take up to three days just to make first contact. But the good news is, there is a VERY effective way to speed up the process: use your applicant!
Your applicant is looking for a job so they’re probably willing to make a phone call or two to make it easier for you to move forward with the hire. Ask your applicant to specifically confirm how to verify employment with their employer – contact name, direct phone number and direct email whenever possible. Direct contact information helps move forward an education verification as well. As an added bonus, when employer and school know of the impending call they are often quicker to respond!
Expert Tip: Work with the employee to notify references ahead of time!
Professional License
A professional license verification typically takes place at the primary source, so they tend to be pretty quick – usually within a day or even a few hours. This is aided by the unique license number and that results often include their legal name. Unpredictable delays can be caused by tech issues at the source. A predictable and more common delay is typos, which can be avoided by asking for a copy of the license to verify the number
Expert Tip: Accuracy is key in faster professional license verifications so always double check it’s right before hitting submit!
Medical Registry & Sanction Search
Medical registries and sanction lists are taken from the primary source or an aggregation source who compiles a variety of primary source data. Fortunately, results are often turned around quite fast – within a day or a few hours. Additional identifiers that are found on the consent form, such as medical license number, can help our researchers verify and quickly report results.
However, situations will arise when the source cannot provide our researcher with an immediate response. For example, if the applicant has a very common name, and additional verification is needed, or there is a possible record that needs further investigation. Situations such as these involve additional support from the source and are monitored to ensure the fastest progress possible.
So, how long does a Background Check take?
Usually, a background check takes one to three days. The best way to figure out how long your average report will take is to ask us, because ultimately every search is different. We’ll take a look at your services, scope and common search locations among other information. From here, we can give you a reasonable average and let you know why you might see occasional delays. We may even be able to suggest strategies to help speed up your process. Having a solid understanding of average turnarounds specific to you up front can help predict when to expect results so you’re better coordinated in your hiring process!
This communication is intended for Choice Screening's current or prospective clients and partners and may not be forwarded outside of Choice Screening, posted online, or otherwise reprinted in whole or in part.
The information contained in this newsletter is not all encompassing and is meant to be informative only, nor contains legal advice, expressed or implied. Consult with qualified legal counsel in all matters of employment, business, and background screening law
