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.
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:
These screenings must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which outlines legal requirements for employer background checks.
Organizations across industries rely on background checks because they provide visibility into an applicant’s history. Here’s why they matter:
Although results appear simple on the surface, the background check process is detailed and multilayered. Here’s how it works:
Before screening begins, an applicant must sign an electronic disclosure and authorization, as required by the FCRA.
This foundational step uncovers address history and known aliases, ensuring the search covers all relevant jurisdictions.
This broad scan identifies potential criminal records and flags counties needing deeper research.
County courts often hold the most accurate and up-to-date criminal information.
Researchers check:
All 50 states are searched for registered sex offenders.
Employers may add:
Once complete, results are compiled into a report and returned through the screening dashboard. Bchex ensures everything meets FCRA and state compliance standards.
Background checks directly support safer, smarter hiring processes:
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.
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.