Can Background Checks See If You Graduated?

Can Background Checks See If You Graduated?

A common query we receive at EDIFY Background Screening is, “Can background checks see if you graduated?” This question is vital for organizations requiring a screening service that is not only thorough, swift, and cost-effective but also in full compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and both local and state laws. This article aims to illuminate how education verifications form a crucial element of the background checking process.

Importance of Background Checks for Employers

Background checks serve pivotal roles in the hiring process, offering substantial benefits:

  1. Risk Mitigation: They drastically lower the risk of negligent hiring by accurately verifying candidate information.
  2. Safety and Compliance: They contribute to a safer working environment and ensure adherence to specific industry regulations.
  3. Enhanced Hiring Quality: By verifying the credentials of candidates, including educational backgrounds, employers can make informed hiring decisions.

How Background Checks Operate

The process of conducting a background check encompasses various critical components:

  • Social Security Trace: Verifies the candidate’s identity and uncovers any alias or address history.
  • Criminal Records Search: Checks for any criminal history across local, state, and federal levels.
  • Employment and Education Verification: Confirms the validity of the candidate’s provided employment history and educational qualifications.
  • Public and Private Records: Involves reviewing both public records and private databases for a comprehensive profile.

Background checks typically cover information up to seven years old, varying by role and jurisdiction. Results commonly include criminal records, verification of employment and education, and, depending on the role, may also include driving records and credit history.

Education Verifications in Background Checks

Education verification is a fundamental component of the background check, aiming to validate the educational achievements claimed by a candidate. This process involves:

  • Contacting Educational Institutions: Direct communication with schools, colleges, or universities to verify dates of attendance and graduation.
  • Confirmation of Degrees or Certifications Earned: Verifying the specific degrees or certifications the candidate claims to have obtained.
  • Verification of Attendance Dates: Confirming the periods during which the candidate attended the institution.
  • Checking for Diploma Mills: Identifying whether the degree was obtained from an accredited institution versus a “diploma mill.”

This thorough approach ensures that employers have accurate and verified information regarding a candidate’s educational background, allowing them to make more informed hiring decisions.

Conclusion

Responding to “Can background checks see if you graduated?” – The answer is definitively yes. Education verifications are a standard and vital part of the background check process, equipping employers with verified information on a candidate’s educational qualifications. EDIFY Background Screening stands ready as your trusted partner, offering the depth of experience, cutting-edge technology, and a commitment to legal compliance necessary for conducting detailed and precise background investigations. Opting for EDIFY ensures access to fast, affordable, and compliant screening solutions, empowering you to hire with confidence and integrity.

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