Background Screening Guides
FCRA compliance, criminal checks, employment verification, and state laws explained.
Background Checks for Healthcare Workers: What's Required
Healthcare employers face strict mandatory screening requirements. Here's what background checks must cover for nurses, aides, and other healthcare staff.
Background Checks for Transportation Companies
Transportation employers face unique screening requirements under DOT regulations. Here's what's required for CDL drivers and other transportation workers.
Ban the Box Laws: What Employers Need to Know
Ban the box laws restrict when employers can ask about criminal history during the hiring process. Here's what these laws require and which states have them.
Can Employers See Arrest Records on a Background Check?
Arrest records can appear on background checks, but using them to make hiring decisions is legally complicated. Here's what employers need to know.
EEOC Guidelines on Using Criminal History in Hiring
The EEOC has issued detailed guidance on how employers should use criminal history information to avoid discrimination claims. Here's what it requires.
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go?
The 7-year rule, state-specific limits, and what employers can legally look back on when screening candidates for employment.
How Long Do Employment Background Checks Take?
Most background checks complete in 24–72 hours, but some components can take longer. Here's what affects turnaround time and what employers can do to speed things up.
Pennsylvania Background Check Laws: What Employers Must Know
Pennsylvania has its own criminal history and background screening laws that go beyond federal requirements. Here's what PA employers need to understand.
What Does FCRA Compliance Require for Employers?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act sets specific rules for how employers use background check reports. Here's what you're legally required to do before, during, and after screening a candidate.
What Is a Social Security Number Trace in a Background Check?
The SSN trace is often the first step in a background check. Here's what it does, what it finds, and why it matters for building a complete criminal search.
What Is an Adverse Action Notice and When Is It Required?
If you decide not to hire someone based on their background check, federal law requires a specific two-step notice process. Here's exactly what you must do.
What Is an Individualized Assessment in Background Screening?
When criminal history appears on a background check, an individualized assessment is often required before you can legally take adverse action. Here's how to do it.
What Is Employment Verification and Why Does It Matter?
Employment verification confirms a candidate's work history. Here's what it covers, how it works, and why it's one of the most important parts of a background check.
What Shows Up on an Employment Background Check?
A complete breakdown of what employers can see in a pre-employment background check — criminal records, employment history, education, credit, and more.