Does a Background Check Show Education?
A frequently asked question by prospective clients searching for a new background screening provider is, “Does a background check show education?” This question is especially relevant for organizations that require a service which is comprehensive, fast, affordable, and compliant with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable state and local laws.
The Role of Background Checks for Employers
Background checks serve as a critical tool in the hiring process, providing significant benefits to employers:
- Improved Hiring Decisions: Employers can make better-informed hiring decisions by verifying the credentials and qualifications claimed by candidates.
- Fraud Prevention: Background checks help to identify and prevent resume fraud, ensuring that candidates have honestly represented their educational achievements and work history.
- Compliance and Risk Management: By verifying the education and qualifications of potential hires, employers can ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, minimizing the risk of hiring unqualified individuals.
How Background Checks Work
Background checks are systematic processes designed to verify various aspects of a candidate’s background:
- Social Security Trace: This step helps to confirm an individual’s identity and provides a basis for further checks by revealing the candidate’s address history.
- Public and Private Records Examination: Includes checks on criminal records, civil records, credit history, driving records, and more.
- Depth of Check: Most background checks typically review records going back seven to ten years, but this can vary based on the position and industry requirements.
- Results Overview: Common outputs of a background check include criminal records, employment history, education verification, and driving records.
Verifying Education Through Background Checks
Education verification is a standard part of most background checks and involves confirming the educational credentials provided by a candidate:
- Process of Verification: Education verification involves contacting educational institutions directly to confirm attendance dates, degrees or certifications earned, and, in some cases, specific qualifications or grades achieved.
- Importance of Education Verification: This process ensures that the qualifications listed on a candidate’s resume are accurate and genuine, which is particularly important for positions requiring specific educational standards or technical skills.
- Compliance with Laws: Like all aspects of background checks, education verification must comply with FCRA guidelines and state laws, which govern how and what information can be accessed and used during the hiring process.
Conclusion
To answer the question: Yes, a background check can show education, and it plays a crucial role in verifying the academic credentials of potential hires. For businesses seeking a reliable and compliant background screening service, EDIFY Background Screening offers comprehensive and efficient solutions tailored to meet your specific needs. Our services ensure that your screening processes are thorough, legally compliant, and aligned with your organizational requirements. We encourage prospective clients to partner with EDIFY, a qualified consumer reporting agency, to benefit from our experience and technology in completing background investigations efficiently and affordably. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in enhancing your hiring process.
