What kind of background check is right for me?
Answer a few quick questions and get a free checklist of exactly what to run, and why, in plain English. You'll learn how background checks work along the way.
Made by Bchex, a PBSA-accredited screening company trusted by 2,000+ organizations.
Putting your results together
Background check types, explained
A background check is a set of separate searches. Here is what each one does, in plain English.
Who they are
- Address, name, and date of birth verification
- Pulls up past addresses and names tied to the person's records. That list tells the rest of the check where to look.
- Alias name search
- Searches under other names the person has used, like a maiden or previous married name, so a record filed under an old name still turns up.
Criminal history
- Multi-jurisdictional criminal database
- A fast nationwide sweep of records compiled from courts, corrections, and registries. It covers a lot of ground, but it can miss local records.
- National sex offender search
- Checks sex offender registries in every state.
- Global, U.S., and state watchlists
- Checks government lists such as sanctions and most-wanted lists.
- County criminal search
- A direct search of the courthouse in each county the person has lived in, usually over the last 7 years. Most criminal cases are filed at the county level.
- Federal criminal record search
- Searches federal courts, where cases like fraud and embezzlement end up when federal law is involved. County searches do not cover them.
Verifications
- Employment verification
- Confirms past employers, job titles, and dates directly with the companies.
- Education verification
- Confirms the degree, school, and graduation date directly with the school.
- Reference checks
- Structured conversations with former managers about how the person actually worked.
Job-specific checks
- Driving record (MVR)
- License status, tickets, DUIs, and in many states accidents, from the state DMV. A criminal search does not show these.
- Credit report
- Financial history such as debts and bankruptcies. Several states limit when employers can use it.
- Drug testing
- A test at a collection site, with DOT and non-DOT options for safety-sensitive work.
- Social media screening
- Reviews public posts for threats, harassment, and violence, with protected details filtered out.
- I-9 and E-Verify
- Every U.S. employer completes a Form I-9 for each new hire. E-Verify, an online check of that form, is required in some states and for federal contractors.
After someone starts
- Ongoing criminal monitoring
- Many court and arrest records keep getting checked after the person starts, with an alert when a new one matches.
- Rescreening
- A fresh background check on a schedule, often once a year.
Background check questions, answered
What is included in a basic background check?
Most basic checks confirm identity and past addresses, then search a nationwide criminal database, the national sex offender registry, and government watchlists. Many employers also add a county criminal search, because most criminal cases are filed at the county level.
What is the difference between a national database search and a county search?
A national database search sweeps records compiled from many sources, so it is fast but can be incomplete. A county search goes directly to the courthouse in each county the person has lived in, which is the most direct source for local criminal records.
How far back does a background check go?
Most employment background checks search the last 7 years. Under the FCRA, convictions can generally be reported no matter how old they are, while arrests that did not lead to a conviction usually cannot be reported after 7 years. Some states set tighter limits.
Does the person have to agree to a background check?
Yes. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, an employer needs the person's written permission before running a background check. For a personal check on someone you are hiring at home, the person also gives consent and verifies their identity.
Do volunteers need background checks?
Many organizations that serve kids or vulnerable adults check volunteers the same way they check employees, and some states require checks for certain volunteer roles. Volunteers are often around the same people your staff are.
How long does a background check take?
85% of Bchex background checks are completed within 24 hours, and the average is about 12 hours. Searches that need a court clerk to pull records by hand, and employment or education verifications, can take longer.
How much does a background check cost?
It depends on the searches you include and where the person has lived, since many courts charge their own fees. A Bchex specialist can price a package for your organization, and personal checks can be ordered online.
What is the difference between a background check and ongoing monitoring?
A background check is a snapshot of what is on record the day it runs. Ongoing monitoring keeps checking many court and arrest records after someone starts and alerts you when a new one matches, so you do not have to wait for the next check.