How Long Does a Background Check Take?
How Long Does a Background Check Take for a Job
There are many different types of background check and the turnaround time for each varies based on the type of information requested, data source limitations, and legal requirements.
This article provides insight into average turnaround times for three common background checks and includes what these checks are used for, how the data is accessed, and possible reasons why turnaround times might be delayed.
What Are Turnaround Times for Employment Background Checks?
Depending on how in depth the client wants or the type of information an employer needs, a background check can be ready in less than a minute, or it can take up to five to ten business days. It can take longer if it requires manual searches or cooperation from other organizations, such as professional license certifications, universities, and previous employers. Also if applicant has a common name such as Smith, Williams or Jones for example.
Employment background checks are common when you’re applying for a job. Employers also often run ongoing background checks on current employees or annual criminal background checks to ensure a safe workplace.
An employment background check can include, but is not limited to, your work history, education, credit history, driving record, criminal record, medical history, use of social media, and drug screening.
What Are Turnaround Times for Criminal Background Checks?
A criminal background check between one to three business days, but can be returned much faster depending on the database that is being search, such as the National Criminal Database. Some states are quicker than others.
WHAT IS AN INSTANT BACKGROUND CHECK?
A powerful, virtually instant multi-jurisdictional nationwide search. This database is compiled from counties, Department of Corrections (DOC), Administration of the Court (AOC),and state sex offender registries from across the country. Also included in each search are national and international terrorism sources such as Office of Foreign
Assets Control (OFAC). This search includes the National Sex & Violent Offender Database, P.R.I.O.R.S. and the Foreign Nationals Database (Global Report).
What Are Turnaround Times for Federal Background Checks?
Returns Federal Criminal Filings/Records. The typical turnaround time for a federal background check is one day. Available in over 90 jurisdictions throughout the U.S. Each state is broken into 1-4 jurisdictions. For example North Carolina has three jurisdictions Eastern, Middle and Western jurisdiction and North Dakota has one. Reports convictions/ cases of crimes led or tried in Federal District Courts. Examples of records returned are: kidnapping, bank robbery, mail fraud, identity theft, and counterfeiting.