LEGAL & COMPLIANCE
If you're using BambooHR or evaluating it for your organization, understanding how background checks work within the platform, and the complex legal requirements governing employment screening, is essential for lawful and effective hiring operations. This guide addresses common questions HR professionals have about BambooHR's background screening capabilities, turnaround times, integration options, and the critical compliance obligations under federal and state law.
Does BambooHR Do Background Checks?
No, BambooHR does not conduct background checks directly. Instead, BambooHR integrates with third-party consumer reporting agencies (CRAs) through its marketplace, allowing you to initiate the background check process without leaving your workflow. This approach gives you flexibility to choose the background check provider that best fits your organization's needs while maintaining a centralized candidate experience.
The integration model means you'll select a background check partner from BambooHR's marketplace and connect it to your account. Once connected, you can initiate the background check authorization process directly from candidate profiles within BambooHR. Results then flow back into the platform, creating a streamlined workflow that keeps all hiring data in one place.
EXPERT INSIGHT: From my vantage point as an HR professional, conducting a background screening is not just a matter of triggering a vendor within a system, but rather a thoughtful approach that requires a level of compliance understanding, as well as a dedication to accuracy, fairness, and a candidate experience that is both respectful and transparent. The technology is meant to make it easier, but it is still our obligation to make sure that we align it with the law. When we think strategically about conducting a background screening as an HR function, we not only protect our organization, but also do it in a manner that is respectful to the candidate. - Charm Paz, CHRP
How Long Does a BambooHR Background Check Take?
The timeline for background checks run through BambooHR depends entirely on which third-party provider you use and what type of screening you request. Most standard employment background checks take between 1 to 5 business days to complete. Basic criminal record checks typically return results within 24 to 48 hours, while more comprehensive packages that include employment verification or education confirmation may take longer.
Important: These are general estimates only. Actual timelines vary significantly based on methodology, jurisdiction, and record accessibility.
Factors That Affect Turnaround Time
Court Record Systems
Courts that still use paper-based record systems may add 3 to 7 business days to criminal history checks. Direct county court searches (generally more accurate than database searches) typically take longer than multi-jurisdictional database searches.
Employment and Education Verification
Previous employers who are slow to respond to verification requests can delay employment history confirmation. Educational institutions may take 3-10 business days to verify degrees and attendance. Third-party verification services can sometimes expedite this process.
International Background Checks
International background checks often require 2 to 4 weeks or longer due to varying record access procedures, language translation, data protection laws (GDPR in EU), and governmental processes across countries.
Name Ambiguity and Identity Verification
Common names or names with multiple variations may require additional verification steps to ensure records match the correct individual, adding time to the process.
Your background check provider should give you estimated timelines for different check types. Additionally, many providers offer rush services for critical hires, though these typically come with higher fees and may sacrifice thoroughness for speed.
Compliance Note: While fast turnaround times are desirable for business efficiency, accuracy must take priority over speed. Under FCRA 15 U.S.C. § 1681e(b), consumer reporting agencies must "follow reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy" of information in consumer reports. Rushed searches that sacrifice accuracy can lead to adverse action based on inaccurate information, exposing both the CRA and the employer to liability.
What Kind of Background Check Does BambooHR Do?
BambooHR itself doesn't perform specific types of background checks, but the consumer reporting agencies that integrate with BambooHR offer a wide range of screening options. Through these integrations, you can access virtually any type of background check, subject to legal restrictions discussed below.
Common Screening Types Available Through BambooHR Integrations
- Criminal record checks (county, state, federal, and multi-jurisdictional database searches)
- Employment history verification
- Education verification
- Professional license verification
- Credit reports (subject to significant state restrictions—see State Law Compliance section below)
- Motor vehicle records (permissible only for positions requiring driving)
- Drug screening coordination (subject to ADA medical examination restrictions and state marijuana laws—see below)
- Social Security number verification and address history
- Sex offender registry checks
- Global sanctions and watchlist searches (OFAC, etc.)
How Thorough is a BambooHR Background Check?
The thoroughness of background checks conducted through BambooHR depends on the screening provider you select and the specific package you purchase. BambooHR acts as the workflow hub, but the quality and depth of the actual investigation comes from your chosen consumer reporting agency (CRA).
Methodology Differences Among Providers
Reputable background screening providers that integrate with BambooHR typically access similar databases and court systems, but they differ significantly in methodology:
Database-Only Searches:
- Faster (often 24-48 hours)
- Less expensive
- May miss recent records not yet added to databases
- May contain outdated, inaccurate, or incomplete information
- May include records that exceed legal reporting limits
Direct Court Searches (also called "county criminal searches"):
- More current and accurate
- Slower (typically 2-7 business days per jurisdiction)
- More expensive
- Searches records at the actual courthouse (physically or via direct electronic access)
- Required for FCRA "maximum possible accuracy" for thorough criminal checks
Best Practice: For thorough criminal background checks, use a combination approach:
- Multi-jurisdictional database search to identify potential records and jurisdictions
- Direct county court searches in all relevant jurisdictions identified
Factors to Evaluate for Thoroughness
When evaluating background check providers, consider:
- Search Methodology: Database-only vs. direct court access vs. hybrid approach
- Identity Verification Process: How they handle common names and ensure records match the correct individual
- Employment & Education Verification: Whether they conduct direct verification with institutions or rely on third-party databases
- Database Update Frequency: How often their databases are refreshed with new records
- Turnaround Time vs. Accuracy: Faster is not always better; rushed searches may sacrifice accuracy
- FCRA Compliance: Do they follow "reasonable procedures to assure maximum possible accuracy" (15 U.S.C. § 1681e(b))?
Who Does BambooHR Use for Background Checks?
BambooHR maintains an integration marketplace where multiple background screening providers connect to the platform (see GCheck). This marketplace model means BambooHR doesn't exclusively use one provider. Instead, you select the consumer reporting agency that fits your needs.
Background check services that integrate with BambooHR include various established screening providers available in the marketplace. The specific providers available may change as BambooHR updates its marketplace offerings.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about background check processes and legal requirements. It does not constitute legal advice. Background check laws are complex, vary significantly by jurisdiction, change frequently, and depend on specific facts and circumstances. Consult with qualified employment law counsel to ensure your background check policies and procedures comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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GCheck Editorial Team
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