Most background checks can be completed in 5 to 8 business days.
Less expensive background checks rely on database checks of criminal records and these are often “completed” within 24 to 48 hours, however, these criminal databases are frequently missing over 70% of criminal convictions and should not be considered reliable. Many false positives and false negatives also occur when criminal record databases are used. Some CRA’s say they will check the data at the court house of record if they find a “hit”, meaning that a criminal record is found in the database, but unfortunately most databases have “gaps” and “holes in the data” and should not be used to conduct a meaningful background check.
There are a number of reasons that some background checks take longer than others. This may include such factors as:
- The person has a very common name and their correct identity to locate criminal records takes longer.
- The person may have additional alias names.
- The employee has lived in multiple counties (different criminal record jurisdictions need to be checked.
- In some cases, the courthouse clerk needs to check archived records which may take longer.
- During Covid-19 many courts have been closed, and some have re-opened with very limited hours to check records in person.
- The employee may have degree verification that needs additional time to check, in some cases the college or university has to check archived records which may take longer.
- Some employers may take extra time to respond to an employment verification request.
- The employee may have provided incorrect personal identifiers; sometimes this is due to a mistake of some type, but in some cases, the error may be deliberate to hide an issue of concern.