How Long Does a Background Check Take?
Published: October 24, 2022
When meeting someone new, whether a business partner, an employee, or anybody you want to know more about, it’s wise to have their background checked for your safety.
It can also be helpful to know what to expect if you’re awaiting the results of a pre-employment background check.
Here you can learn about the average time for a background check and other helpful information.
How Long Does a Background Check Take?
(Source: Indeed)
A background check should typically take between two and five business days. However, each person’s history is unique, and factors can cause this background check time frame to be extended.
Luckily, you can avoid process delays. One way is for the employer and candidate to work together to complete the necessary authorization and release forms. Another way is for candidates to ensure that all information submitted is accurate.
However, if you don’t want to do this yourself, you can always hire a background check company to do the job for you.
More Stats and Facts About Background Check
Did you know that 60% of small business owners require job applicants to pass a background check?
Keep reading to learn more interesting stats and facts about background check time.
How long does a criminal background check take?
(Source: GoodHire)
It takes between one to three business days. But depending on the database used for searching, it can be returned much quicker.
Also, an instant background check can always be made if needed. It includes basic information that can be found online via specialized databases which a verified background check provider, like Intelius and TruthFinder, can access.
These basic searches include a Social Security number trace, a sex offender registry search, and a national criminal database search.
A background check service can make a same–day background check, and the turnaround time is instant.
How long does a background check take for a government job?
(Source: ZipJob)
The job background check timelines for government and federal jobs take two to five business days.
Some higher-level government positions, such as the FBI, could take up to a month. For government agencies, pre-employment background checks are more detailed.
How long does a fingerprint background check take?
(Source: FieldPrint)
The results of fingerprint-based checks are usually available within three to five business days.
Please keep in mind that results are subject to change due to FBI processing times.
How long does a background check take for an apartment?
(Source: Apartments)
A background check for an apartment could take as little as two to three days. An apartment background check includes rental, employment, credit, and criminal history.
How long does a background check take in California?
(Source: GoodHire)
California is one of the top ten wealthiest states, so it has strong state background check laws.
California employers may conduct various background checks depending on the industry, job position, and local, federal, and state regulations.
GoodHire background check results show that a background check in California can take anywhere from a few minutes to a month.
Wrapping Up
It’s wise to conduct a background check on new people in your life since they may not be who they appear to be.
Hopefully, we’ve given you a better understanding of background check time.
