Background Check Turnaround Times

Explore the reasons why background check turnaround times are different. Learn what factors affect screening report completion times.

Most background checks are finalized within a few business days, but turnaround times can change based on factors outside of the report provider’s control. Understanding the primary forces at play helps organizations determine when a delay is normal versus when it needs attention. This feature dives into those causes and offers guidance on when to raise concerns.

Key Takeaways

• Turnaround times are most influenced by scope and the search types needed.

• Many solutions can often be finished within hours of placing an order.

• Not all delays are cause for concern, so it’s important to investigate before escalating.

How long does a background check take to complete?

The time required to complete a background check largely depends on the amount and scope of searches ordered. Some searches are quick, using static databases. Others that involve combing through court systems or government agencies, or that require verifications by third parties, may take longer.

Extraneous factors notwithstanding, many components can be completed within a few hours. This means that reports are often finalized within a couple of business days.

What factors affect background check turnaround times?

As a highly regulated industry, there are a handful of factors that affect background check turnaround times. In addition to the scope of searches involved, several others play key parts in screening time frames. Here’s an explanation of how each makes a difference:

• Court access: Each level of court has different record systems and access procedures.

• Record availability: Missing or incomplete information may require additional research.

• Identity matching: Potential records must be confirmed to be associated with the correct individual before they can be reported.

• Verification response times: Professional verifications may rely on third parties.

Why do some background checks take longer than others?

Some background checks take longer than others because they rely on different record sources and research methods. Occasionally, they may also be delayed by predictable or unforeseen causes. To read our list of common reasons for delays and how to navigate them, check out Background Check Delays in Hiring >

When should organizations be concerned about delayed reports?

Organizations should be concerned about delayed reports when they remain incomplete without a clear explanation, exceed the expected timeframe, or risk disrupting time-sensitive hiring decisions. Because not all delays are necessarily a cause for concern, organizations may want to investigate the report before reaching out for an explanation.

How do background check turnaround times differ by search type?

Background check turnaround times can differ greatly by search type. Some personally identifying information (PII) is available from near-instant sources, while others are static repositories or must be obtained by third-party researchers. The table below shows the typical speeds associated with different sources and the searches that use them.