When applying for a new job, most employers will conduct a background check on applicants as part of the hiring process. This helps them verify information provided on resumes and job applications and ensures potential new hires have a clean record. With employment background checks being so common, job seekers often wonder – how long do they take to complete?
What is included in an employment background check?
A standard employment background check consists of several components employers can choose from, including:
- Identity verification – Confirming an applicant’s full name, date of birth, and Social Security number.
- Employment history verification – Confirming past employers, positions held, dates of employment, salary, and reason for leaving.
- Education verification – Confirming academic credentials and degrees earned.
- Criminal history – Checking for any criminal convictions.
- Sex offender registry check – Checking sex offender registries for an applicant’s name.
- Driving records – Reviewing DMV records for any moving violations or accidents.
- Credit history – Reviewing an applicant’s credit report.
- Professional license verification – Confirming any required licenses are active and valid.
- Drug testing – Requiring applicants to take and pass a drug screening.
While most employers won’t order every single check on this list, the most common inclusions are identity verification, employment history, education, criminal history, and drug testing. Some positions may also require specialized checks like driving records or professional license verification depending on the specific job responsibilities.
How long does it take to run background checks?
The amount of time an employment background check takes can vary widely depending on these factors:
- Type of checks ordered – The more boxes an employer checks, the longer the full background check will take. Standard checks like employment history may take a few days, while drug tests or extensive location searches for education and criminal records add time.
- Company completing the check – Background check companies have different turnaround times. Large national firms are generally faster than smaller regional ones.
- Applicant’s history and location(s) – Simple histories with employers based in one geographic area are quicker. Lots of past addresses or criminal offenses in multiple jurisdictions adds delays.
- Employer urgency – Employers can request expedited services for an extra fee to get faster results when needed.
While background check duration varies case-by-case, here are some general timelines:
Identity Verification
Most identity verifications are instantaneous. The background check company can match the applicant’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number against public records and credit reports to confirm identity.
Employment History Verification
Confirming past employment typically takes 2-3 days on average. Background check companies confirm past employers and titles held through employment verification letters or phone calls with HR departments.
Education Verification
Education degrees and attendance dates can usually be verified within 1-3 days by checking university registrar records and calling schools.
Criminal History
Criminal background checks generally take 3-5 business days on average. This allows sufficient time to check courthouse records in jurisdictions where an applicant has lived.
Sex Offender Registry
Sex offender registry checks are usually instant since most public sex offender databases can be searched online.
DMV Driving Records
Getting a copy of an applicant’s DMV driving history averages around 2-3 days. The background check company has to retrieve license records from the applicant’s state DMV office.
Credit History
Credit reports are obtained instantly when background check companies access credit bureau databases. However, applicants must consent to a credit check.
Professional License Verification
Checking a professional license like a contractor, nurse, or lawyer license typically takes 1-2 days by contacting the issuing board or agency.
Drug Testing
Employer-supervised drug tests with instant results still take 1-2 days to schedule and complete. Lab-based testing adds 1-3 days for shipping samples and result processing.
Average Turnaround Time
While some checks are instant, most components need 1-3 days. For a standard background check with criminal history, employers can expect an average turnaround time of 5-7 business days. Here is a breakdown:
| Check Type | Average Duration |
|---|---|
| Identity Verification | Instant |
| Employment Verification | 2-3 days |
| Education Verification | 1-3 days |
| Criminal History | 3-5 days |
| Sex Offender Registry | Instant |
| DMV Driving Records | 2-3 days |
| Credit History | Instant |
| License Verification | 1-2 days |
| Drug Testing | 1-3 days |
Expedited Background Check
Companies can expedite employment background checks for an additional rush fee, usually $50-$100. Expedited checks can be completed in as little as 24-48 hours by prioritizing the request and ordering certain checks simultaneously.
Factors That Increase Background Check Time
While most background checks take less than a week, there are some situations that can add time:
- Common names – Background checks take longer when applicants have very common names that are hard to specifically match to records.
- Multiple past addresses – Having lived in many different cities or states makes criminal searches more complex.
- Criminal offenses – Applicants with multiple convictions or jurisdictions require more court searches.
- International history – Foreign education or employment needs to be researched by firms with international operations.
- Incomplete applicant information – MissingPast employers, schools attended, or addresses on a background check form.
Employers need to let background check companies know up front if a candidate has any of these issues to allow for potential delays.
Speeding Up the Background Check Process
Employers and applicants can help reduce background check times by:
- Using an established national background check company with extensive databases and researcher resources.
- Disclosing to the background check firm any hard-to-find names, past criminal offenses, foreign schools/employers, etc.
- Completely and accurately filling out all background check information forms.
- Promptly providing any additional information or documentation requested during the check.
- Following up on any unverified items that may be stuck awaiting responses.
Conclusion
Most standard multi-component employment background checks through a reputable company take 5-7 business days on average. Instant checks like identity verification, sex offender registries, and some drug screening can happen right away. But items like employment history, education, and criminal record searches take at least 2-3 days each. Expedited services are available for an extra fee when there is urgency to make a hiring decision faster. Candidates can also help speed up potential delays by disclosing anything that might slow their background check in advance.