Background checks are now a standard part of hiring and volunteer onboarding – and for good reason. They help reduce risk, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure your organization is making informed decisions. Here’s everything you need to know about what a background check includes and how the process works.
What Is a Background Check?
A background check is a screening process used to verify someone’s identity and history before they are hired, contracted, or approved to volunteer. Organizations use them to confirm that information provided by an applicant is accurate and to identify potential safety risks.
A typical background check may include:
- SSN trace & identity verification
- National criminal database search
- County-level criminal record searches
- Sex offender registry checks
- Employment history verification
- Education verification
- Motor vehicle report (MVR) when relevant
- Statewide criminal searches and federal criminal searches
These screenings must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which outlines legal requirements for employer background checks.
Why Background Checks Matter
Organizations across industries rely on background checks because they provide visibility into an applicant’s history. Here’s why they matter:
- Safety Protection: Schools, youth programs, healthcare facilities, and employers canidentifycriminal histories that may put people at risk.
- U.S. Dept. of Justice crime statistics
- Reduced Liability: Hiring or approving someone with a violent or fraudulent background can expose an organization to significant legal damage.
- EEOC guidance on negligent hiring
- Compliance Requirements: Many industries - including education, childcare, transportation, and government - require screening by law.
- State-by-state screening mandates
- Fraud Prevention: SHRMreports that 53% of resumes contain inaccuracies or omissions.
- Better Hiring Decisions: A structured, consistent screening process ensures fairness and accuracy, reducing turnover and improving workforce quality.
How Background Checks Work
Although results appear simple on the surface, the background check process is detailed and multilayered. Here’s how it works:
- Applicant Consent
Before screening begins, an applicant must sign an electronic disclosure and authorization, as required by the FCRA.
- SSN Trace & Identity Verification
This foundational step uncovers address history and known aliases, ensuring the search covers all relevant jurisdictions.
- National Criminal Database Search
This broad scan identifies potential criminal records and flags counties needing deeper research.
- National criminal database overview: https://www.ncsc.org
https://www.ncsc.org
- County-Level Criminal Searches
County courts often hold the most accurate and up-to-date criminal information.
Researchers check:
- Felony records
- Misdemeanor records
- Pending cases
- Sex Offender Registry Check
All 50 states are searched for registered sex offenders.
- National registry information: https://www.nsopw.gov
https://www.nsopw.gov
- Verification Checks (Optional)
Employers may add:
- Employment verification
- Education verification
- Professional license verification
- Result Compilation & Compliance Review
Once complete, results are compiled into a report and returned through the screening dashboard. Bchex ensures everything meets FCRA and state compliance standards.
Benefits of Background Checks
Background checks directly support safer, smarter hiring processes:
- Lower risk of workplace violence
- Safer environments for students, families, and vulnerable groups
- Better-informed hiring decisions
- Reduced fraud and misrepresentation
- Compliance with state and federal screening laws
- Faster onboarding with modern digital workflows
- Stronger reputation and community trust
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Conclusion
A background check is one of the most important tools for creating a safe, trustworthy workforce. With the right screening partner, organizations benefit from accuracy, compliance, and faster hiring decisions.
Want to streamline your screening process?
Bchex delivers fast, accurate, FCRA-compliant background checks designed for schools, employers, and volunteer programs.
Find out why thousands rely on Bchex - click here to learn more.
FAQs About Background Checks
Q: What information shows up on a background check?
Identity history, criminal records, sex offender records, and sometimes employment or education verification.
Q: How far back does a background check go?
Typically 7 years, but this varies by state and screening type.
Q: How long does a background check take?
Most are completed within 24-72 hours, depending on county court turnaround times.
Q: Are background checks required for volunteers?
Yes – especially in schools, nonprofits, youth programs, and faith-based organizations.
Q: What makes a background check accurate?
County-level research, identity-based alias matching, and an FCRA-compliant provider like Bchex.
