10 Best HR Background Check Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 22 tools reviewed.
Get free help from our HR software advisors to find your match.
Looking for some software to help you verify your potential new employee's credentials? HR background check software is the missing link you're looking for. These systems can help you verify identities — including educational history and employment history — and ensure compliance with legal requirements. However, with many different options to choose from, which one is the best fit for your needs?
In this article, I'll help you make your choice easier by sharing my insights on the best HR background check software available based on my experience as an HR professional. I'll help you speed up your selection process so you can find the software that fits your needs the best.
What is Background Check Software?
Background check software is a type of software that verifies personal and professional information about individuals. It efficiently scans through criminal, financial, and employment histories. HR background-checking software follows the same principles but relates specifically to verifying employment and educational details for current job applicants.
Key features of background check software include identity verification, criminal record checks, employment history analysis, credit history reviews, and educational background verification. When used in the employment context, the software aids businesses in making informed decisions, ensuring workplace safety, and maintaining compliance with legal standards.
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Rippling
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.8 -
Guru
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6 -
Absorb LMS
This is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.6
Best Background Check Software Reviews
Below, you’ll find my evaluation of the top 10 background check software solutions for HR teams on the market today. Keep reading to find additional bonus picks at the bottom of the list.
Best for compliant background screening for companies of all sizes
AssureHire is a background check automation software designed to streamline the hiring process for businesses. It offers fast, comprehensive, and compliant background screening solutions to ensure safe and reliable hiring decisions.
Why I picked AssureHire: AssureHire serves as a valuable tool for HR teams, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of the hiring process. Its key functionalities include automated background checks, which rapidly verify a candidate's employment history, criminal records, education, and other vital credentials. The software ensures compliance with legal standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties for businesses.
AssureHire also integrates seamlessly with existing HR systems, facilitating a smooth workflow. Additionally, AssureHire offers real-time tracking and updates on background check status, keeping HR teams informed and enabling quicker decision-making. This combination of speed, compliance, and integration makes AssureHire a practical solution for HR departments aiming to optimize their hiring process.
AssureHire Standout Features and Integrations:
Key features include its continuous monitoring feature, which goes beyond the initial background check. This unique service continually screens employees throughout their tenure, providing ongoing updates on any changes in their background status. This proactive approach ensures that employers are always informed of any new developments that could impact their workforce, a feature not commonly found in traditional background check services.
Integrations are available via their REST API, or they can develop an integration module to consume your data upon request.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Compliance focus
- Seamless ATS integration
- Automated continuous monitoring
Cons:
- May not be cost-appropriate for small biz
- Limited international reach
Deel
Best for quickly and compliantly screening international candidates
Deel is a comprehensive global hiring platform that's designed to simplify the process of hiring and managing remote teams across 150 countries and counting. In addition to their integrated compliance and contract management features, Deel also offers a robust background check feature as an option within their hiring and screening workflow.
Why I picked Deel: Deel's background check feature, which runs using Certn technology, is integrated within their platform and very easy-to-use, meaning you don't have to switch to an alternate tool to complete your candidate screening process. Instead, you can simply click the check box to add on a background check, and their AI-powered technology will handle the rest.
On the candidate side, potential new hires can verify their personal details through a mobile or desktop device, and track the status of their background check to keep tabs on the process, providing a better and more transparent candidate experience.
Deel Standout Features and Integrations:
In addition to Deel's background checking feature, other standout features include contract management, global payroll, employer of record services, and visa & immigration support. With these features working in tandem, it's like having your own international HR department right at your fingertips.
Integrations include Ashby, BambooHR, Expensify, Greenhouse, Hibob, Netsuite, Okta, OneLogin, Quickbooks, SCIM, Xero, Workday, and Workable. Plus, Deel's API allows for custom integrations, so you can tailor the tool to fit your specific needs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Deel's platform is ISO 27001 certified
- Data management is GDPR, SOC 2 and SOC 3 compliant
- Quick turnaround time
Cons:
- No free trial available
- Pricing structure for background checks is unclear
Paycom helps you screen candidates quickly and thoroughly, performing enhanced background checks to ensure candidates don't pose a business risk.
Why I picked Paycom: This tool delivers a fast turnaround so you can make quality hiring decisions without delay. The process is streamlined for candidates, HR professionals, recruiters and hiring managers. On passing checks, candidates can be hired with a single click.
Paycom Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include compliance with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The software is also designed for maximum data security. Background information is secure and accessible only to authorized users. Scans can also be configured to include county-specific criminal searches, sex offender registry checks, education verification, employment verification, drug testing, and health services.
Integrations include linking its background check platform and Paycom HCM system for a unified experience. Paycom also offers integrations with select ATS systems such as iCIMS, Jobvite, and Newton for easy requisition creation. Paycom can also be configured to connect background checks with other HR, payroll, and recruiting systems too.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Single platform for HR, payroll, and screening
- Customizable background check packages
- Automated adverse action workflows
Cons:
- Can be complex to configure
- Limited identity verification checks
Hireology is a well-known hiring platform, designed to help companies optimize their recruitment processes. Thanks to its comprehensive features and user-friendly interface, this tool aids businesses in making smarter hiring decisions.
Why I picked Hireology: This tool earned a place on my list because of its proven applicant tracking system. I was also impressed by the pre-employment assessment tools and background screening system. Hireology provides a comprehensive view of candidates' qualifications and suitability for the role. I also liked Hireology's analytics and reporting capabilities, which allow for data-driven insights. This enables continuous improvement for your hiring process.
Hireology Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include easy communication and collaboration among hiring team members, streamlining the entire candidate evaluation and selection process. The platform also offers customizable job templates and workflows, allowing organizations to tailor their hiring processes to match their unique needs and requirements.
Integrations include connections with a variety of popular HR software solutions, such as BambooHR, Microsoft Dynamics 365, Namely, NetSuite, SAP Concur, and SAP SuccessFactors. Their integration support allows organizations to centralize their hiring processes and seamlessly connect with their preferred HR tools and systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Collaborative hiring features for streamlined communication and evaluation
- Advanced analytics and reporting capabilities for data-driven insights
- Integrated background screening and pre-employment assessment tools
Cons:
- Learning curve for users unfamiliar with hiring software tools
- Limited customization options for unique business needs
Veremark is a background screen service that offers pre-hire checks, helping you verify candidates and secure the best talent. This software platform is designed to pinpoint people with the right experience, qualifications, and background.
Why I picked Veremark: I honed in on Veremark because of the speed and accuracy it delivers when conducting background checks in volume. All processes are designed to be fully GDPR and PDPA-compliant, to give your complete peace of mind.
Thanks to its proprietary matching algorithms and data sources, this service completes most screens in less than a day. Another bonus is that the platform is highly configurable, so you can customize screening packages to meet particular requirements.
Veremark Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features that I noted include conditional workflows for automatically initiating the next steps, based on screening results. In addition, the self-service option allows candidates to submit documents, consent agreements, and questions through an online portal. You can also create customized questionnaires for applicants to complete and track screening status in real-time. Veremark also offers compliance tools such as adverse action notification, EEOC compliance reports, and audit trail history.
Integrations include connections with many leading applicant tracking systems, such as Greenhouse, Workday, SmartRecruiters, and iCIMS. Veremark also integrates readily with top HCM platforms including Oracle, and Paycor.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Customizable candidate workflows
- Proprietary data sources to enhance accuracy
- Easily configurable screening packages
Cons:
- High costs for low volumes
- Limited ‘adverse action’ automation features
Xref provides specialized software to automate and customize the reference checking process. The software offers tailored question banks, surveys, and reports. These provide rich insights compared to traditional pre-employment verification.
Why I picked Xref: This platform makes it easy to do all necessary checks in one place. Unlike traditional background screening, Xref innovates on the reference check process itself to add important context. Candidates provide email contacts who then respond to customized question banks. The contacts can then rate the candidate on competencies, strengths, and weaknesses. The platform focuses squarely on making this critical reference step as insightful as possible.
Xref Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include proprietary analysis which compares multi-reference feedback and benchmarks candidate results against norms. However, the key advantage of using Xref is getting more context through detailed reference check reports, rather than just binary employment confirmation.
Integrations include links to leading applicant tracking systems like Greenhouse, Workday, SmartRecruiters, and JobAdder, enabling integrated reference check workflows. Xref also integrates with some HCM platforms including SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and Oracle Taleo.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Insightful reports
- Custom surveys and analysis
- Specialized for automated reference checks
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Pricing structure not transparent
Zinc provides an enhanced candidate experience throughout the background check process via its easy-to-use web and mobile apps. Candidates receive prompt notifications, can securely upload documents, and track progress on the go.
Why I picked Zinc: Zinc focuses on UX design and convenience features tailored specifically for job candidates undergoing screening. From initial onboarding to mobile monitoring and uploading documents, Zinc makes the recruiting process hassle-free for candidates. For companies focused on talent attraction, this level of care helps maintain a positive employer brand.
Zinc Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include an intuitive candidate experience throughout the background check process, via its web and mobile apps. Proprietary tools allow candidates to securely upload documents and receive real-time status notifications on any device. Overall, Zinc aims to simplify and improve transparency in the background check experience to benefit your talent brand.
Integrations are available with leading applicant tracking systems like Greenhouse, Workday, Lever, and SmartRecruiters, enabling efficient background check workflows. Zinc also integrates with HCM platforms such as SAP SuccessFactors, ADP, and Paylocity.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Custom branding and messaging
- Convenient mobile access
- Excellent candidate experience
Cons:
- Light on enterprise features
- Limited package options
Certn is a top background and ID checking provider, offering automated verification and fast turnaround. The company aims to reduce ‘time to hire’ by 80%.
Why I picked Certn: This background checking platform and API integrates easily into your existing business workflows. From the mobile apps to custom solutions, the company aims to offer a candidate-first experience that enhances the hiring experience.
Certn Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include background verifications tailored to meet regional requirements. These include credit checks from local bureaus and criminal record searches covering jurisdiction-specific public records.
Integrations are available with leading Applicant Tracking Systems such as Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, and Larkr. Certn also integrates with HCM platforms such as Ceridian Dayforce, ADP Workforce Now, PeopleSoft, and Oracle Taleo. In addition, you can build custom integrations to connect with your existing HR tech stack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Automation tuned for regional needs
- Multiple ATS/HCM integrations
- Fast turnaround times
Cons:
- Steep pricing for low volumes
- Limited identity check types
Clairiti is an automated background screening solution designed to help talent acquisition teams perform faster, compliant candidate checks.
Why I picked Clairiti: I selected Clairiti because of its focus on comprehensive, transparent, and compliant background screening processes. Configurable workflows and built-in adverse action tools ensure recruiting teams remain compliant. Clairiti also provides good customer support and integration with leading applicant tracking systems to enable efficient, automated background checks.
Clairiti Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include providing transparency into background screening workflows, enabling custom steps and requirements. Proprietary dashboards give recruiters visibility into every candidate's status and where delays occur. Most important of all, built-in compliance tools like adverse action letters are integrated directly into the platform.
Integrations include popular applicant tracking systems like Greenhouse, Workday, SmartRecruiters, and iCIMS. Clairiti also integrates with some HCM platforms including SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, and ADP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Real-time status dashboards
- Built-in compliance tools
- Configurable and transparent workflows
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- Limited identity verification checks
Checkr is an industry-leading background check provider known for its high speed, advanced automation, and integrations with top ATS platforms. Thousands of recruiting teams rely on Checkr for its comprehensive checks and instant results.
Why I picked Checkr: Checkr sets itself apart through its cutting-edge automation and machine learning algorithms that greatly accelerate turnaround times and improve accuracy. The company innovates heavily in AI-powered workflows that remove repetitive recruiting tasks.
Checkr Standout Features and Integrations:
Standout features include AI-powered automation features like Automated Redaction. This uses machine learning to accelerate workflows by removing the need for human data review. A proprietary national criminal database provides broad coverage of county-level records. Plus, Checkr's API integration works with leading ATS platforms like Greenhouse, Workday, and Lever. This allows instant background check initiation from within your existing systems.
Integrations include connections with leading Applicant Tracking Systems like Greenhouse, Workday, Lever, Jobvite, IBM Kenexa, and SmartRecruiters. Checkr also integrates with HCM platforms including SAP SuccessFactors, Workday, Oracle Taleo, ADP, Cornerstone, and JazzHR. Checkr can also build custom integrations upon request to connect with your existing HR tech stack.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Strong integrations ecosystem
- Cutting-edge automation
- Fast turnaround times
Cons:
- Complex pricing tiers
- Expensive for high volumes
Best HR Background Check Software: Pricing Comparison Chart
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top background checking software selections to help you find the best software for your budget and business needs.
Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Best for compliant background screening for companies of all sizes | Free demo | Pricing upon request | Website | |
2 | Best for quickly and compliantly screening international candidates | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
3 | Best for FCRA-compliant checks | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
4 | Best for background checks including drug screening | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
5 | Best for fully GDPR and PDPA compliant checks | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
6 | Best for conducting all pre-employment checks in one place | Free demo available | From $70/user/month | Website | |
7 | Best for creating a positive candidate experience | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
8 | Best for easy integration into hiring flows | First check free | Pricing upon request | Website | |
9 | Best for an intelligent employment screening platform | Free demo available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
10 | Best for fast, accurate background checks | Not available | From $29.99/check | Website |
Other Background Checking Software for HR Teams
Here are some additional HR background checking systems that didn’t make it into my top 10 list, but are still worth considering:
- Emerge by INTELIFI
For AI-enhanced background checks
- Good Egg
For a PBSA-accredited service
- Checkmate
For high-volume hiring
- Vitay
For custom check packages
- VICTIG
For criminal background check solutions
- EZ Screen Solutions
For applicant tracking system integrations
- Verified First
For cloud-based candidate self-service
- AccuSourceHR
For automated workflows
- HiPeople
For SMBs
- CoreScreening
For mobile-optimized drug screening
- SwiftCheck
For global checks
- Chetu
For healthcare organizations
Related HR Software Reviews
If you still haven't found what you're looking for here, check out these other related tools that we've tested and evaluated:
- HR Software
- Payroll Software
- Employer of Record Services
- Applicant Tracking Systems
- Workforce Management Software
Selection Criteria for Background Check Software
Here’s a short summary of the main selection and evaluation criteria I used to develop my list of the best background check software for this article:
Core Functionalities
Here are the key criteria I used to select the top background check software solutions featured. I sought out tools offering:
- Background checks that validate candidates are who they claim to be.
- Employment history verification to confirm a candidate's previous roles, titles, and dates worked.
- Education history verification to check that candidates have the degrees and certifications listed on their resumes.
- Criminal record checks to screen for any convictions in a candidate's past.
- Integrated adverse action workflows to streamline and automate decisions when red flags appear.
Key Features
I also looked for software offering the essential features I expect to see in background check software, including:
- Configurable check packages: Allowing recruiters to select specific screens like employment, education, identity, and criminal, to meet their business needs.
- Fast turnaround times: Getting results in 24-48 hours to maximize efficiency.
- Automation capabilities: Features such as data autofill from resumes to remove repetitive manual entry.
- Real-time order tracking: Giving recruiters full visibility into each check's status.
- Mobile candidate access: Enabling applicants to securely monitor and participate in checks on the go.
- Compliance tools and audit trails: Ensuring that sensitive processes follow regulations and are well documented.
Usability
I carefully evaluated both recruiter and candidate usability when selecting the top background check software. I looked for providers who invest in intuitive, modern interfaces designed for ease of use. This makes it simple for recruiting teams to configure checks, view results, and manage workflows. In addition, I like to see drag-and-drop tools to build screening packages and one-click integrations to empower checks directly from your ATS.
Software Integrations
Native integrations between your background check provider and existing recruiting systems are critical for unified, end-to-end hiring workflows. Top solutions offer tight API-level integrations with leading applicant tracking systems (ATS) like Greenhouse, WorkDay, SmartRecruiters, Jobvite, and more.
For enterprises using those platforms, you want seamless data sharing and workflows between your HCM software and background check systems. Having pre-built connectors avoids costly custom integrations.
Accuracy Statistics
When researching providers, I look closely at any accuracy statistics and metrics published. Top background check companies should get results right thanks to advanced verification processes and data sources.
Many claim that over 99% of their employment and education verifications are accurate, based on quality control testing. Criminal searches should utilize multiple leading databases like the National Criminal File, federal records, and state repositories to surface complete conviction histories across jurisdictions.
The best vendors cast a wide net across sources like:
- University and college directories
- Professional licensing boards
- Previous employer HR records
- National criminal databases from leading providers
- Sex offender registries
- Social media platforms
- Global sanction lists
- Credit bureaus
- State and county court record databases
- SSN screening services
Pricing
Pricing is typically volume-based, with rates per candidate decreasing as monthly volume increases. I looked for flat-fee pricing without any hidden per-check fees, making sure that core integrations were included. I also looked to see if volume discounts were offered along with budget-friendly packages for small to midsize businesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to the questions people most frequently ask me, regarding choosing the best background check software:
What does a background check show?
Comprehensive background checks verify candidate info like identity, employment history, education, criminal records, driving records, credit history, and references. Many providers allow employers to select specific checks to run. By ensuring that your new hires are exactly who they claim to be, this builds greater integrity into your corporate culture.
Why are background checks important?
Thorough background checks reduce hiring risks by validating candidates, ensuring they don’t have issues like a criminal history or false credentials that raise red flags. This protects your company, employees, and customers by helping you build greater workplace trust.
How long does a background check take?
With advanced automation, top background check companies can verify candidates within 24-48 hours on average. More extensive checks require 5-7 days. Some providers have options to expedite screens for an added fee.
How does background check software help companies succeed?
Creating trust and empathy is a critically important factor in building and growing a successful business. Background check software helps you build a better world of work by creating trust in your employees, through proper verification and vetting.
Other Hiring Software Reviews
When it comes to hiring software, you’re spoiled for choice in today’s world. To help you narrow down the best picks, here are in-depth reviews of the top software tools you may find of interest:
- Best Recruiting Software
- Applicant Tracking Systems for Small Businesses
- Recruiting Agency Software for Recruitment Firms
- Recruiting Automation Software for Hiring
- Enterprise Recruitment Software for High Volume Hiring
- AI Recruiting Software for High-Volume Sourcing
- Video Interviewing Software for Virtual Interviews
- Staffing Software for Recruiting & Staffing
- Candidate Sourcing Software
- Pre-Employment Testing Software for Evaluating Potential Staff
- Onboarding Software for Training New Hires
- Recruitment Marketing Software for Hiring
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Make Smarter Hiring Decisions
According to the FBI’s quality control evaluations, background check services are accurate approximately 99.3% to 99.8% of the time. So they can add real value when assessing candidates. If you can automate the process with quality software, the burden on recruiting and human resources teams will be substantially reduced.
With the help of the right background check software, you can build a high-quality team that will set your organization on track for rapid growth and ongoing success.