How Long Does a Background Check Take?

Are you eagerly waiting for the results of your background check? While the exact time frame for completing a background check can vary, depending on several factors, including the type of check requested, the scope of the investigation, the accuracy of the information provided, and the speed of response from third parties.

Some general guidelines can give you an idea of what to expect. In this article, we'll explore the factors that affect the time frame of a background check and provide estimates for how long different types of background checks typically take to complete.

How Long Does a Background Check Take?

A background check typically takes 1-3 business days. However, background checks can take much longer, up to 14 business days or more, depending on a variety of factors. You must understand what drives the turnaround time (TAT) for a background check so you can manage expectations, plan accordingly, and accurately schedule onboarding.

Best background check services like BeenVerified or TruthFinder only take a few minutes to provide comprehensive results.

Factors Affecting the Turn Around Time of a Background Check

All the following factors can affect the time frame of a background check:

Type of Check Requested

The type of background check requested can impact the time frame. For example, a basic criminal record check may be completed more quickly than a more comprehensive check that verifies employment history, education, and references.

Scope of the Investigation

The scope of the investigation, or what shows up on a background check, can also impact the time frame. A background check that requires verification of a large amount of information, such as for a high-level security clearance or a job in a sensitive field, may take longer to complete than a more limited check.

Accuracy of the Information Provided

The accuracy of the information provided by the individual being checked can impact the time frame. If there are discrepancies or incomplete information, the investigator may need to spend more time verifying the information, which can delay the process.

Speed of Response From Third Parties

The speed of response from third parties, such as educational institutions, and references, can impact the time frame. If these parties are slow to respond or difficult to contact, it can delay the completion of the background check.

Turn Around Time for Different Types of Background Checks

Criminal History Check

The time frame for a criminal history check can vary depending on the jurisdiction and level of detail required. In some cases, a basic criminal history check can be completed within a few days, while more comprehensive checks that include fingerprinting and additional searches may take several weeks.

Employment Verification

The time frame for employment verification can vary depending on the complexity of the individual's work history and the responsiveness of their former employee. In some cases, employment verification can be completed within a few days, while more complex verifications may take several weeks.

Education Verification

The time frame for education verification can vary depending on the responsiveness of the educational institution being contacted. In some cases, verification can be completed within a few days, while more complex verifications that require contacting multiple institutions may take several weeks to complete.

Credit Check

The time frame for a credit check can vary depending on the responsiveness of the credit reporting agency being contacted. In some cases, a credit check can be completed within a few days, while more complex checks that require resolving disputes or inaccuracies on the credit report may take several weeks to complete.

Reference Check

The time frame for a reference check can vary depending on the responsiveness of the references being contacted. In some cases, a reference check can be completed within a few days, while more complex checks that require contacting multiple references may take several weeks to complete.

Top Background Check Services

Best background check services include BeenVerified, TruthFinder, and many more.

BeenVerified

Looking to uncover information about someone's past and history? BeenVerified offers a quick and straightforward way to conduct a background check, by simply entering the person's first and last names, along with the state they reside in, BeenVerified gets to work building a comprehensive report that typically only takes a few minutes to complete.

The report can provide a wealth of information, including criminal records, public records, and employment history. While the accuracy and depth of the report may vary based on available information and the complexity of the search, BeenVerified offers a convenient and efficient way to kick-start your research on individuals.

It's essential to remember that the information obtained through online background check services like BeenVerified should always be verified with official sources before making any significant decisions based on the data.

Overall, using BeenVerified to conduct a background check can be an exciting and intriguing way to uncover valuable insights about someone's past!

TruthFinder

TruthFinder is a background check service that can provide reports on individuals within a matter of minutes, depending on the complexity of the search and the amount of information available. In many cases, TruthFinder reports can be generated in under 5 minutes.

However, the depth and accuracy of the report may depend on the type of search conducted and the sources of information available.

It's also important to note that certain factors can cause delays in the background check process, such as incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the candidate, difficulties contacting sources, or a large volume of background checks being processed at once.

Overall, the length of time it takes to complete a TruthFinder background check can vary depending on several factors, but most reports are generated within a few minutes to an hour.

Have Patience With Your Background Check

Waiting for the results of a background check can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing process. Here are some tips to help you have patience with your background check:

Plan ahead: If you know that you will need to undergo a background check for a job or other opportunity, try to plan as much as possible. Start the process as early as you can, and communicate with the necessary parties to ensure that all the required information is provided on time.

Keep the lines of communication open: If you have questions or concerns about the background check process, don't hesitate to reach out to the appropriate parties for clarification. Clear communication can help to alleviate any anxieties or uncertainties you may have.

Distract yourself: While waiting for the results of your background check, try to distract yourself with other activities or hobbies. Focus on things that bring you joy and help you stay calm and centered.

Trust the process: Remember that a background check is an important step in ensuring the safety and security of others, and it's important to take the time to do it right. Trust the process, and have faith that the results will come in due time.

By following these tips, you can help to stay patient and calm while waiting for the results of your background check.

How Long Does a Background Check Take? - Wrap Up

In conclusion, a background check is an essential process that can provide valuable information about an individual's history, character, and potential risks. While the duration of a background check can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of the investigation, the resources available, and the nature of the information sought, it is typically completed within a few days to a few weeks.

However, it is important to remember that the accuracy and reliability of the results are more critical than the speed of the process. Ultimately, taking the time to conduct a thorough background check can help individuals and organizations make more informed decisions and ensure a safer and more secure environment for everyone.

Disclaimer: The background check services mentioned above are not FCRA-compliant. Hence, you may not use our service or the information it provides to make decisions about consumer credit, employment, insurance, tenant screening, or any other purpose that would require FCRA compliance.