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It's a common question for people who have never run background reports. Use this guide to learn about the process of screening potential or existing employees.

Getting Started

Before you initiate a background check, create an account with a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA) that offers employment screening services. There are numerous federal and state laws that cover employment screening. Working with a CRA helps protect your business, applicants and brand.

After you sign up for a screening account, there is a brief verification period. This involves validating the business, confirming the Tax ID and other relevant items. It can usually be accomplished within a few business hours. When this is complete, you'll be ready to start requesting reports.

What Do I Need From My Applicant?

The first thing you need is written approval. You cannot legally screen someone without their authorization. Backgrounds Online provides the required forms at no charge. Screening cannot begin until the applicant or employee completes and signs these documents.

To submit a background check request, you'll need to provide some basic information about the subject. This includes:

• First and Last Name
• Social Security Number
• Date of Birth
• Phone Number
• Full Address

Including more details, such as a middle name, can accelerate the process. This is especially important for people with common names. Providing a middle name or suffix helps identify the person you want to screen.

You will also need to specify the state where the person would be employed. Many states have specific laws that govern employment screening, so this information is crucial.

Can My Applicant Submit Their Own Information?

Yes, our Applicant Self-Submittal tool empowers you to have an applicant enter their own information. This saves you time and helps ensure accuracy. You'll provide the candidate's full name and email address. We'll send them an email with simple but detailed instructions.

The email will include a link that takes your applicant to a secure page where they can provide the details we need. They will enter their Social Security Number and basic contact information. This only takes a few minutes and then the screening can begin.

How Do I Know The Data Is Secure?

To run a background check, you must provide some sensitive data such as a Social Security Number. This data is fully protected at all times. Backgrounds Online has a strong commitment to security.

Our hardware management and software design is done exclusively in-house, and our web services are behind a secure firewall with 128-bit encryption over SSL. Backgrounds Online voluntarily submitted to an extensive 6-month audit by a third-party CPA and earned a SOC 2 report. This shows that we are a trusted data provider and we meet the security standards established by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).

When you run background checks with us, you can be assured that the data you provide and receive is fully protected, confidential and inaccessible to unauthorized entities.

How Long Does A Background Check Take?

After you submit your request, it typically takes three to five business days to complete. There may be factors that cause a report to take longer, such as a delay at a county court, a reference that is not available or a record that must be verified by a third party. If your report will take longer than expected, we will inform you so you can plan accordingly.

The people at Backgrounds Online who prepare background checks are all FCRA certified and dedicated to providing accurate data, full compliance and expert customer service. If you have additional questions, please contact us for assistance.