Whether sitting in the employer’s chair or applying for jobs, you’re probably curious about how long employee background checks take. If you want to fill a position, you might be on a tight schedule and pressured for a quick turnaround. If you’re a job applicant, you probably just want to know when you can expect to hear the final word from a prospective employer. Either way, the answer is the same: it depends on the type of background check.
The average pre-employment background check is a combination of multiple types of checks. In that sense, the term “employment background check” is a misnomer because it suggests that an employer can find all they need to know by searching a single database.
In truth, employment pre-screening can incorporate everything from criminal records checks to resumé details and civil court documents. That makes answering the question, “How long does a background check take?” much more complex.
A criminal background search is the most common type of pre-employment background review, so when people ask how long background checks take, they often refer to criminal checks.
The answer depends on:
At backgroundchecks.com, searches of our proprietary multi-jurisdictional database, US OneSEARCH, can return results instantly. For information outside our database, we can typically return reports in 1-3 business days. This timeframe applies to county, state, and federal-level criminal searches. State-level criminal checks see the most variation—some states process background checks in one business day, while others take several weeks.
Adding extra steps to the criminal vetting process also makes it more time-consuming. For instance, some employers prefer doing alias- and address history searches before ordering criminal reports. These details help them decide which states or counties to target with their checks. At backgroundchecks.com, we offer instant searches for identities and addresses called US AliasSEARCH and US OneTRACE.
The biggest wildcard for criminal check turnaround time is international status. If the employer needs to conduct international criminal history checks, you can expect two or three weeks to be added to the timeframe.
For employment background checks that incorporate searches beyond criminal records, there can be even more variation in the time it takes to complete the checks. Below, we list other customary checks in the employment screening process and their turnaround times.
Our estimate for a motor vehicle report at backgroundchecks.com is 1-3 business days. However, the timeframe depends on the state, given that all DMVs process driving records slightly differently. Sometimes, the process may take a few weeks.
In most cases, the credit checks results are instant. However, companies must apply as end users of “Consumer Credit Reports for Employment Purposes, Tenant Screening or Franchise Screening” before they can legally do a credit check. The application and approval process can add up to 14 days to the wait time.
The wait time for accessing public records from courts depends on whether it’s at the county or federal level. At backgroundchecks.com, we can process civil court checks in 5-7 days. Federal courts are faster, with a typical turnaround time of 1-2 days.
Before beginning work with the federal government – even in a contracting position – applicants must pass a federal employment background check. The background check process ensures that each candidate is “reliable, trustworthy, of sound moral character, and committed to the United States.” How long does a federal background check take? The timeframe depends on the level of consent required for the position.
You may need a security clearance if the job requires you to access sensitive or confidential information. Getting security clearance increases the background check turnaround time significantly because it involves conducting interviews with the candidate’s acquaintances.
Federal security clearances include Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret classifications. Background checks in the first two categories typically take one to three months. Top Secret background checks are more thorough and frequently take twice as long.
Top Secret background checks can take four to eight months but have been known to take up to a year in certain circumstances, for example, if you have:
The federal government has historically struggled with significant background check backlogs, creating additional wait times.
Employment verifications verify the details a job seeker presents on their employment application or resumé. They may include the following:
Employment verification checks usually have a 2-3 day turnaround time. However, they can take longer if contacting previous employers and other references proves difficult.
The information should be recorded in U.S. bankruptcy court if a person has filed for bankruptcy. A search of these court files typically takes 1-2 days.
As mentioned, backgroundchecks.com offers identity/alias checks and address history checks to help employers ensure they vet candidates on accurate information. These checks require the candidate to provide their Social Security Number, which should be linked with their known aliases (including maiden names) and addresses. Through our searches, we can typically collect this data for employers instantly.
At backgroundchecks.com, we are as transparent as possible about our wait times. You will see a timeframe estimate for all our products. If you have any questions about turnaround times, please contact us directly.
As noted, estimates on the time it takes to conduct a background check are just that: estimates. While the team at backgroundchecks.com aims to be forthcoming about turnaround times, variables beyond our control can influence how many days a check takes. Here are just a few of the factors that can cause delays.
Turnaround times aren’t everything when it comes to pre-employment background checks. If given the choice between a quick and a thorough screening, the latter option is always preferable.
For this reason, employers need to choose a reputable company for pre-employment vetting. The ideal partner will help you make informed hiring decisions with a timely, thorough, and transparent service.
Here are a few reasons to choose backgroundchecks.com:
Several of our searches, including our US OneSEARCH multi-jurisdictional database search, are processed instantly and deliver results employers can use today. Having the option of instant checks is vital for employers on a strict timetable.
We also have on-the-ground court runners to conduct in-person criminal searches at the courthouse. Some county courts don’t have a searchable online database and require someone to be there, face-to-face, to access criminal record information. Since county courts are where most criminal cases are filed, employers must have the option of live courtroom searches as part of their pre-employment screening.
We offer an expansive selection of screening services, many of which go beyond criminal history. Employers can work with us to expand their checks to include resume verifications, civil court searches, driving record searches, and more.