Reliable Background Screening

What do background checks show?

A background check reveals key information that supports effective background screening by employers or organizations, typically including verified identity details (such as name, date of birth, aliases), address history, employment and education verification, criminal records (felonies, misdemeanors or pending charges), and – depending on role – credit, social media and/or driving history. Drug testing and OccuHealth may also be needed for certain positions requiring these services. Because each screening is customized, the exact scope varies, but the goal remains the same: to give a comprehe

What does a background check entail?

When companies conduct a professional background screening, the process begins with obtaining federal and state consent and then systematically verifying candidate identity (via social search or equivalent), reviewing criminal court records from county, state, federal and national database levels, confirming past employment and education credentials, and – if the role demands – performing credit checks, driving record reviews social media and/or Social Media and primary source license verifications. The depth of the screening is tailored to the position and compliance requirements, but this st

Why is background screening important for employers?

Background screening is a critical step in protecting your organization—regardless of industry. It helps reduce the risk of hiring individuals who may pose a threat of theft, violence, or other unwanted behaviors in the workplace. U.S. businesses lose an estimated $50 billion annually due to employee theft. Over 500 workplace fatalities and 57,000+ non-fatal injuries occur each year from intentional acts of harm. Employers that utilize background screening report 39% lower turnover rates on average. Beyond reducing risk and improving workforce stability, background checks also offer a layer of

What is continuous criminal monitoring, and why is it important to background screening?

With recent technological advancements in conducting background checks, more companies are adopting continuous criminal monitoring—an ongoing screening solution that alerts employers if one of your hires is involved in reportable criminal activity after starting with your organization. This proactive approach provides added peace of mind by helping firms detect potential risks in real time, rather than waiting for the next periodic background check. It strengthens workplace safety, supports compliance efforts, and most importantly, helps protect your brand and reputation on an ongoing basis.

What industries require background check screening?

Many industries are governed by regulations that mandate background screening, particularly those where safety, compliance, and public trust are essential. Industries such as Healthcare, Education, Finance, Transportation/DOT, and Energy typically have more rigorous screening standards due to the sensitive nature of their work environments and the populations they serve. At Reliable Background Screening, we have extensive experience supporting clients across these highly regulated sectors. Our experienced team understands the specific compliance requirements and helps ensure organizations are

Do all companies do background checks?

Companies that recognize the need to mitigate risk; protect their brand, employees, and customers; and that also understand the need to shield themselves against Negligent Hiring and Retention liability will perform background checks. However, not all background checks are equal, and many companies rely on a criminal database check, which is not sufficient, and which alone cannot be used for any adverse action.

Does a background check include education?

If having a certain level of education is needed for whatever position is being filled, then verifying education should be included in a background check. It is critical for companies to never accept proof of a degree from the applicant/candidate, due to the widespread availability of falsified documents on the web and through desktop publishing. Education and professional credentials should always be verified independently if they represent a needed requirement for the position.

How long does background check screening take?

On average, most background checks are completed within two (2) business days. However, in some cases, certain searches may take longer due to factors beyond our control. Delays can occur when courthouses rely on manual processes and require a court runner to verify records, or when a candidate has a common name that requires additional research to ensure accuracy. External factors such as severe weather, court closures, or limited staffing due to furloughs can also impact turnaround times. In addition, background screening that includes primary source verification such as confirming education