How Long Do Pre Employment Background Checks Take to Come Back?
Article | March 10, 2019
Many employers screen new hires carefully, often conducting a criminal record check – either in-house, or through a third party agency – as part of the hiring process. Turnaround time for the background check's results can range from one or two days to one or two months, depending on a number of factors. Some of these factors are in the potential employer's control, others are not.
Average Time to Complete
Most background checks can be completed between three days to one week. FBI checks usually take around 30 days. Although some instant background checks are available, these rely on databases that can be incomplete or wrong. Instant criminal records databases, in particular, often contain many mistakes. Most reputable agencies will tell employers that they are better off waiting a bit longer and having a more thorough and accurate report.
Common Reasons for Delay
The two most common reasons for delay are both under the employer's control. One is inaccurate or incomplete check request forms, and the other is failure to have the necessary authorization and release forms signed by the job applicant. Release forms are required by federal law, and all job applicants must also be notified in a separate letter that the background check is going to take place. Agencies cannot begin the checking process until they are given duplicates of these signed forms.
Delays in Record Checks
Most reputable agencies contact prior schools and employers using contact information they have gathered themselves, rather than rely on the applicants information. This ensures they are contacting a legitimate source, but can also slow down the process. Another common reason for delay is that some schools and former employers may not have fully stored records, and are not under any time limit in providing the information. State and government departments usually have set turnaround times.
For example, the Integrity Center reports that it takes 48 hours to get a Texas driving license report or a state wide criminal report.
Reviewing and Double Checking Records
Background checks can also be slowed down by poor clarity over names. Agencies often need to search through large databases for every variant of a name, for example Steve, Steven, Stephen. If the applicant has a common name, the agency will have to review and cross check the records to ensure they have the right person.
Speeding Up Checks
The best way to speed up the process of background checking is to provide the agency with all of the required information and documentation, and to make sure the information is complete. For example, that addresses are given for all former employers and references. Employers can also speed up the process by using a company that makes the information available online.
How Long Do Pre Employment Background Checks Take to Come Back?
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