Frequently Asked Questions

We know the hiring/screening process can be confusing, especially if this is your first time completing a background check for potential hires. We have created a list of frequently asked questions to help guide you in this process.

To report a problem with our site, to change information on a previously submitted form, or if you’ve reviewed our list and find that you still have questions – contact Proven Screening at info@provenscreening.com

Happy screening!

The Hiring Process

Q: When should I order a background check?

A: You should order your background check as part of the pre-employment process for all of your preferred applicants. Once your chosen candidate has accepted an offer of employment you can then begin the process of running their background check. Be sure to notify your candidate that the offer is contingent upon satisfactory results of a background check.

Q: How long does a background screening take?

A: Typically you will receive results in 2-3 business days. However, time can vary depending on the specific package ordered–a more complex screening make take some additional time.

Q: Do I need to alert potential hires that I am running a background check?

A: Yes, simply mentioning that a background check will be performed can be a powerful screening tool for weeding out candidates that may have something to hide. You should notify all candidates either via your job posting or during initial conversations that a clean background check is a non-negotiable factor of employment.

Q: Should I run a background check on my babysitter, what about my housekeeper?

A: Absolutely! It is critical to run a background check on anyone who will be entering your home that may have access to your valuables or who will be providing care for any member of your family.

Q: What if my applicant does not have a social security number,can I still run a background check?

A: Yes! Proven Screening can also run a check of national criminal searches utilizing name and date of birth.

Q: How long are the result of a background check considered relevant?

A: Background checks are a snapshot in time, certain details may drop off of a background check after a number of years. Additionally, criminal background and driving records may change throughout the time your employee is with your organization.

Periodically running new background screens is a sound business practice for any employer and in some cases it is required by law. Proven Screening recommends regular checks of your employees information to maintain high-integrity in your personnel.

Q: What information are required before conducting a full criminal background check?

A: Proven Screening requires an applicant’s full legal name, date of birth, and address history in order to perform a criminal record check.

Q: Can an applicant dispute the results of their background check?

A: If an applicant believes that there are any inaccuracies in their report they may file a free dispute form with Proven Screening. The process may take up to 30 days depending on the complexity of the information being disputed.

Q: What are the reasons a background check might be delayed?

A: Certain variables may delay your background check. The complexity of the information required, the verification of criminal records or the availability of references all contribute to the speed at which background checks are processed.

Q: How will I receive my results?

A: Results will be sent to the email you provided to Proven Screening upon setting up your account.

Q: What if a candidate refuses to consent to a background check?

A: If a candidate refuses to consent to a background check this should be considered a huge red flag. Proven Screening recommends that an applicant should never be considered for employment if they are not willing to consent to a background check.

Q: My current employee has been working with me for a while, can I still run background check?

A: Yes, you may run a background check with signed consent from your employee. Proven Screening recommends that background checks are run on all current and future employees.

Q: My candidate is not from the United States, will your criminal & motor vehicle search cover international searches?

A: No, international systems do not have the same standards for reporting and documentation as the United States which makes for high inconsistency rates in data. Proven Screening is committed to only the highest-quality information therefore our searches are exclusively U.S based.

Q: If I run a national database search, do I need to run a federal, criminal search as well?

A: Yes, employment is a permissible purpose to run a federal search under FCRA regulations.

Q: What is a disclosure and Authorization notice?

A: A disclosure is a standalone document stating that you are going to be performing a background check on an applicant. Proven Screening must receive a signed Authorization Notice before conducting any background screening.

Q: Why do some counties take longer than others to return results?

A: County databases are independently maintained and operated. Each county varies in the way public records may be requested. Many counties are now offering online access which is the fastest but in some cases your background check may be delayed due to slower county systems.

Q: What types of additional screening can I do on my own?

A: Background checks are just one part of a comprehensive applicant screening process. In addition Proven Screening recommends that you thoroughly check all personal and professional references, conduct in-person interviews, and run a social media search on all potential applicants.

There are many resources available on the web for best-practices in the hiring process. Check out this article in Forbes for some ideas.

Payment & Pricing

Q: What forms of payment do you accept?

A: Proven Screening accepts all major credit/debits cards and PayPal.

Q: What are the different prices to run a background check?

A: Visit our Getting Started page for a list of our offerings.

Q: Are there additional fees?

A: All fees are included in the price of your package.

Q: Can I order a la carte screenings?

A: Yes! Proven Screening provides an a la carte menu of options to ensure that you only have to pay for the results you’re looking for.

Q: I own a daycare, nanny agency, or small business, do I qualify for special pricing for background checks for my candidates?

A: Proven Screening offers a volume discount for regular monthly business. Please contact info@provenscreening.com for more information.

Q: What are the payment terms?

A: All payments are final and non-refundable.

Q: What happens after I pay for a background check?

A: Your candidate will be send a link to access our secure portal where they will complete the Background Consent Form. The candidate will be required to enter their personal information such as drivers license number, SSN, date of birth, and prior addresses.

Information Security

Q: Are transactions secure?

A: Proven Screening takes the protection of sensitive information very seriously. Credit card numbers are never stored in our system and we utilize cutting-edge encryption technology to provide safe and secure transactions.

Q: What do you do with the information you collect?

A: Proven Screening never shares information with third parties. The information you provide is used for the sole purpose of conducting background checks only. We are certified by TRUSTe, the internet’s strongest data security provider.

Q: What is Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)?

A: The Fair Credit Reporting is U.S Federal government legislation that promotes the accuracy, fairness, and privacy of consumer information.

According to the Fair Credit Reporting Act applicants are entitled to know if employment is denied due to negative information in their report. Applicants may request any information included in their report.

For more information on FCRA regulations please visit the Fair Trade Commission website

Q: Should my applicant get a copy of their background report?

A: Yes, you may provide a copy of the background report to their applicant if they request it.

However, FCRA regulation requires that an applicant receive a copy of their report if any adverse action is required such as denial of employment. Several state such a CA, MN, and Ok have laws requiring that a copy of the report is provided if the applicant fills out the check box on their form.

Q: Why is a Social Security Trace so important?

A: Utilizing a Social Security Trace provides a deeper level of analysis of applicant history. By running a Social Security Trace it allows Proven Screening to find who is using the social security number listed, where they are located, and the various names and spellings attached to that social security number.

You may also choose to use the Alias report which will utilize alternate names and spellings an applicant may go by. Proven Screening will then search county and national criminal databases for these names.

It is important to provide an applicant’s middle initial if available when running a Social Security Trace. When searching common names such as Mary Jones, a middle initial will help us to differentiate the names which may show up in a criminal database.

Customer Service

Q: Can I submit a request 24/7?

A: Yes! Proven Screening had made our application process completely digital so a request can be submitted any time at your convenience.

Q: What are your hours of operations?

A: Our hours of operations are Monday-Friday 8am to 6pm EST