How Long Do Background Checks Take To Complete?

A frequently asked question regarding background checks is "How long do your background checks take to process". This answer is unique for every client and every applicant. Once a request has been submitted, a researcher is assigned to that applicant. We begin processing an applicant as soon as possible. An average estimated turn-around time ranges between one to four business days. The best-case scenario ranges from a returned report within an hour to the worst-case scenario ranging upwards of a month.

Quickest Searches

We offer a variety of services with optimal return times. Some of these can be processed within an hour, and others are typically the same or the next day, but can experience delays. Once we are provided the consent form, our completed reports are available within:

Moderate Searches

We offer services that can have a same or next-day return but often require additional business days for processing:

• Employment Verifications — Typically same or next business day. Can be delayed if an employer is no longer in business, a third-party verification company is used, or the employer is slow to respond.
• Education Verifications — Typically same or next business day. Can be delayed if the school is no longer in operation, a third-party verification company is used, or the school is slow to respond.
• County Criminal Searches — Typically same or next business day. Can be delayed depending on the county court. Some courts require a researcher to be physically present to pull records, which can increase turnaround times significantly.
• Statewide Criminal Searches (non-CT) — Varies widely by state. Some states have centralized repositories that return quickly; others are court-by-court and may take several business days.
• International Searches — Timelines vary greatly depending on the country. Some countries have efficient databases while others require extended processing periods.
• Professional License Verifications — Typically same or next business day, but can be delayed if the licensing board is slow to respond or the license is from an out-of-state board.
• Professional References — Dependent on how quickly the provided references respond. We make multiple contact attempts, but response time is outside our control.

Top Causes For Delays

We strive to process reports as quickly as possible on our end for our clients and applicants alike. We understand the importance of streamlining the onboarding process. Unfortunately, the following circumstances impact our ability to provide reports at optimal timing:

• Applicant Errors — Incorrect or incomplete information provided on the consent form (such as wrong date of birth, misspelled name, or incorrect license number) can cause delays while we attempt to clarify the correct information.
• Frozen Credit — If an applicant has placed a credit freeze on their file, the credit report cannot be pulled until the freeze is lifted by the applicant.
• Court Closures and Backlogs — Courts may be closed for holidays, weather events, or administrative reasons. Some courts experience significant backlogs that affect how quickly records can be retrieved.
• Hits and Follow-Up Research — When a search returns a potential match (hit), we must verify the record with the originating jurisdiction to confirm accuracy before including it in the report. This follow-up process can add business days to the turnaround.
• Third-Party Verification Services — Some employers and educational institutions use third-party verification companies (such as The Work Number) to manage their employment and education records. These services can add days to the process and may charge additional fees.
• Date and Time of Submission — Requests received late in the business day, on a Friday, or on the eve of a holiday may not begin processing until the next business day.

We will always complete your reports as promptly as possible, however, there are times when we are at the liberty of others and this may cause a delay.