The hiring process often involves a crucial step after interviews: the background check. This process is essential for employers to verify a candidate’s qualifications and suitability for a role. If you’re wondering, How Long Does A Background Check Take? the answer isn’t always straightforward. The duration can vary based on several factors, including the type of background check, the scope of the search, the location of records, and whether you handle it internally or partner with a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA).
Understanding Background Check Turnaround Times
Generally, when employers work with a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) for background screenings, the industry standard turnaround time is approximately 3 to 5 business days. However, certain database screenings, such as National Criminal Records Checks and Sex Offender Registry Checks, can be remarkably quick, often delivering results within minutes. It’s important to note that the overall timeframe can be influenced by the number of screenings required, the geographical locations of both the employer and the candidate, and any specialized searches like fingerprint checks.
To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of average turnaround times for common types of background checks:
| Type of Screening | Average Turnaround Time |
|---|---|
| Employment Background Check | >1 hour to 1-5 business days |
| Criminal Background Check | 1-3 business days |
| Employment Verification | 1-3 minutes to 2-7 business days |
| Reference Checks | 2-5 business days |
| Driving Record (MVR) Check | >1 hour to 1-3 business days |
| Drug Testing | 10 minutes to 3-10 days |
Leading the industry in speed, Checkr leverages a proprietary real-time data network and strong partnerships with court runners to achieve some of the fastest background check turnaround times. Furthermore, Checkr’s ETA tool provides transparency by estimating the turnaround time for each background check report at the county level. This feature offers both employers and candidates a more precise understanding of how long a background check might take.
Factors Influencing Background Check Duration
Several elements can affect how long a background check process takes. Understanding these factors can help manage expectations and streamline the hiring timeline:
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Scope of the Background Check: The comprehensiveness of the background check directly impacts the turnaround time. A more detailed background check involving multiple screenings will naturally take longer than a basic one.
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Type of Background Check: Different types of checks have varying processes. For instance, a criminal background check might involve searching multiple databases, while employment verification requires contacting previous employers. Each type has its own inherent timeline.
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Location and Record Accessibility: The availability and accessibility of records play a significant role. Counties with non-digitized records necessitate manual record retrieval by court runners, which can extend the process. Conversely, areas with readily accessible digital records can expedite checks.
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Accuracy of Candidate Information: Inaccurate or incomplete information provided by the candidate can lead to delays. Verifying and correcting this information adds extra steps and time to the process.
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Manual Verification Processes: Some verifications, like contacting previous employers or references, often involve manual processes. The responsiveness of these contacts can influence the overall timeline.
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International Background Checks: Background checks that extend internationally inherently take longer due to complexities in accessing and verifying information across different countries and legal systems. These can typically take 2-3 weeks to complete.
How Long Does an Employment Background Check Take?
An employment background check, designed to provide a holistic view of a candidate, can range from taking just minutes to several business days. This variation depends heavily on the depth and breadth of the search. A typical employment background check may encompass various screenings, such as:
- Criminal record searches
- Verification of employment history
- Verification of educational qualifications
- Driving records checks
- Drug testing
The more extensive the background check, the more time it will naturally take to compile a complete report. For example, international background checks can take significantly longer, often requiring 2 to 3 weeks to finalize due to the complexities mentioned earlier.
It’s also worth noting that choosing to conduct employment background checks internally, without the aid of a CRA, can be a considerably time-consuming endeavor for HR departments. Tasks such as requesting and reviewing public records, contacting past employers, and coordinating drug tests can accumulate and stretch the process into weeks.
Delving into Criminal Background Check Timelines
The typical turnaround for a criminal background check is between 1 to 3 business days. However, depending on the specific type of check and the provider used, results can sometimes be delivered even faster. For instance, Checkr reports that a significant majority, 89%, of their criminal checks are completed within just one hour.
A comprehensive criminal background check may involve a combination of the following searches:
- Federal criminal records check
- National criminal records check
- State criminal records check
- County criminal records check
- Sex offender registry search
- Global and domestic watchlist searches
- International criminal record searches
The specific type of criminal background check needed and the geographic scope will ultimately determine how long the criminal background check takes. For example, if a national background check indicates a potential criminal record, a more detailed county records search might be necessary for verification. This additional step can add anywhere from a few days to several weeks to the overall completion time.
Criminal record checks are vital for employers to confirm a candidate’s eligibility and suitability for a role, while also playing a crucial role in mitigating workplace risks and ensuring safety. These screenings generally involve examining court records to uncover a candidate’s criminal history, including both felony and misdemeanor convictions.
Employment Verification: Speed and Process
How long employment verification takes largely depends on whether an employer manages this process directly or utilizes a background check provider like Checkr. Directly contacting previous employers can be a protracted process, potentially taking days or even weeks to receive responses. The number of past employers to contact also influences the overall duration.
Opting for a professional background check provider can significantly streamline employment verification. Standard reports are typically returned within 2 to 5 business days. Checkr further accelerates this process with its quick verification option, allowing candidates to securely sign in to their payroll provider. Reports generated through this method are often completed in as little as 1 to 3 minutes.
In situations where a candidate prefers their current employer not to be contacted, they may be asked to provide supporting documentation such as W-2s, 1099 forms, or pay stubs. Providing and verifying these documents can add up to an additional week to the overall turnaround time.
Employment verification screenings are essential for confirming a candidate’s claimed prior work experience. This process helps employers ensure that candidates possess the necessary skills and experience for the position and validates the accuracy of the information presented on their resumes. Typically, verification involves database searches, document verification, or direct contact with previous employers to confirm employment dates and job titles. In some cases, where legally permissible, salary history may also be included.
Reference Checks: Time Expectations
Similar to employment verification, the timeframe for reference checks can vary. If leveraging a background check provider, reference checks are often completed within 2 to 5 business days. However, managing reference checks independently can extend the process to a few weeks.
The duration of a reference check is influenced by the availability of the individuals providing references and the method of contact. Phone reference checks, while potentially yielding immediate insights, can take up to 30 minutes per call. Email-based reference checks, while more convenient to schedule, can lead to delays as you await responses, potentially stretching the process over several days.
Reference checks serve to provide deeper insights into a candidate’s job performance, skills, and character. This process typically involves requesting a list of references from the candidate, obtaining their consent to contact these individuals, and then scheduling conversations to ask predetermined questions.
Optimizing Background Check Speed with Technology
In today’s fast-paced hiring environment, speed and efficiency in background checks are paramount. Technological advancements are playing a crucial role in optimizing these processes and reducing turnaround times. Platforms like Checkr utilize real-time data networks and advanced technology, such as the ETA tool, to provide faster and more accurate background checks.
By leveraging technology, employers can significantly reduce how long a background check takes, enabling quicker hiring decisions without compromising on thoroughness or accuracy. Faster turnaround times mean filling critical roles sooner, improving time-to-hire metrics and maintaining business momentum. Checkr’s platform and similar services offer businesses of all sizes the ability to scale their hiring processes with comprehensive and efficient background checks.
Background checks remain a critical component of informed hiring practices. While turnaround times can vary depending on the type and complexity of the check, understanding the influencing factors and leveraging technology can help employers navigate the process effectively and efficiently.
Disclaimer
The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We advise you to consult your own counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.
Danielle Hubein Headshot for Compliance Expertise
About the author
As Compliance Manager, Danielle analyzes the ever-changing laws and regulations affecting background screening to ensure that Checkr and its customers stay compliant. She also writes content to educate employers about background checks, screening best practices, and fair hiring laws.
