Each component within a background check package plays an integral part of a consumer report and is ultimately given a final status once research has concluded. While many are self-explanatory, taking a closer look can help you quickly interpret results and make informed hiring decisions. This month, we’re providing further transparency by defining these statuses so you may read and understand your screening results with greater clarity and efficiency.

Reviewing Results

When reviewing background check results, hiring managers typically focus on identifying any serious or relevant criminal records and confirming that candidates meet the qualifications for the position being sought. In practice, this often means scanning for green lights or potential red flags.

Backgrounds Online provides a “Results Overview” at the top of each report, which shows the final status of each component. Understanding them allows you to assess the report quickly and confidently.

A Clear status means the search was completed and no reportable records were found. Think of this as a straightforward indicator that there is nothing of concern. When you see this status, you can typically move on without further review.

Complete status is reserved for searches comprised of database repository research, such as a Social Security Number Trace or Nationwide Criminal Database Search and indicates that research has been completed. These component types yield neither a positive nor negative result but serve as supporting pieces of the screening package. They tell us where to perform criminal research and help indicate that the information we have is valid.

Used exclusively for verifications, this status confirms the information provided by your applicant (e.g., employment history or education) matches what our team has determined is accurate by contacting employers or schools. A Verified status reinforces confidence in the accuracy of the candidate’s claims.

If a component is marked as Review, it does not necessarily indicate a problem. Rather, this status simply means there is something that needs to be reviewed. This may involve a criminal record, discrepancy in a verification, or something subjective, such as a professional or personal reference interview. You are encouraged to take a closer look at these components to determine their significance based on internal policies and role requirements.

The Unable to Complete status indicates that we are unable to perform the search per our standard internal operating procedures. Examples may include a courthouse that is shut down, has no online database and no expected re-open date or when additional documentation is required from the candidate that they’re unable to provide us. Essentially, despite our team’s best efforts the component cannot be finalized.

Our Commitment to You

At Backgrounds Online, we are continuously enhancing our tools and services to make your screening process more efficient. Watch for an upcoming newsletter which covers some exciting new status options that are coming soon!