When you’re trying to fill an open position, every day matters. Delays in the hiring process can affect productivity, stretch your team thin, and even cause you to lose top candidates. One of the most common questions employers ask is: “How long do pre employment background checks take?”
At Background Complete, we understand the need for fast, accurate, and compliant results. While turnaround times can vary depending on the type of search, verification, or industry requirement, most employers can expect results within 24 to 72 hours for standard employment screening. More complex searches may take slightly longer.
This guide breaks down the timelines, what affects them, and how your company can speed up the process—without compromising quality or compliance. So how long do pre employment background checks take?
Average Background Check Turnaround Times
1. National Criminal Database Search: Almost immediately to 24 Hours
A national criminal database search is often one of the fastest components, returning results quickly. However, this search is used for locating potential records, not confirming them. Any “hits” must be verified at the county level.
2. County Criminal Searches: hours to 72 Hours
County criminal record searches tend to determine the overall timeline of a background check.
- Some counties offer digital access to court records, producing results in less than a day.
- Others require in-person courthouse visits, extending the timeline to 2–3 business days.
- A small number of rural counties may take longer due to manual processes.
3. Federal Criminal Searches: 24 Hours
Federal courthouse records are typically available electronically, making this search relatively fast and consistent.
4. Employment Verification: 2 to 4 Business Days
Verifying past employment may take longer because it depends on the responsiveness of former employers or HR departments. Background Complete makes multiple attempts using industry-best practices to ensure accuracy and timeliness.
5. Education Verification: 1 to 3 Business Days
Most schools respond within a day, but delays can occur during holidays, breaks, or peak administrative seasons.
6. Drug Testing: 24 to 72 Hours
Most drug test results return within 1–3 business days.
If a sample requires review by a Medical Review Officer (MRO), this may extend the timeframe slightly.
7. Driving Records (MVR Reports): Same Day
Driving records are typically available instantly or within the same business day.
What Can Cause Delays?
Even with efficient systems and expert staff, certain factors can extend background check timelines.
Incomplete Candidate Information
Incorrect spellings, missing dates, or incomplete identification details can delay searches or require resubmission.
Court Backlogs or Limited Access
Some county courts experience staffing shortages or delays. Others have limited digital access, requiring physical visits.
Verifications Dependent on Third Parties
Employers, schools, and licensing agencies may not respond immediately, especially during weekends or holidays.
Compliance-Related Waiting Periods
Under the FCRA, employers must follow specific steps when taking adverse action, which can add time to the overall process.
Background Complete is designed to help employers move quickly without sacrificing accuracy or compliance. Here’s how we deliver consistently fast turnaround times:
Smart Automated Tools
Our system intelligently routes searches to the fastest available sources, reducing unnecessary delays.
Direct Court Access
We work with trusted data sources, allowing us to retrieve county and federal court records quickly and accurately.
Dedicated Verification Teams
Our trained specialists know how to track down employers, schools, and licensing bodies efficiently—ensuring thorough, complete results.
Compliance-Ready Processes
We follow FCRA guidelines meticulously, preventing errors that could lead to legal delays or reprocessing.
Clear Communication
You’ll always know where a background check stands. Transparency helps hiring managers coordinate next steps confidently and efficiently.
How Employers Can Speed Up Their Background Checks
While much of the process is handled by your screening provider, employers can help reduce turnaround times by:
- Collecting complete and accurate candidate information
- Submitting all required authorization forms promptly
- Informing candidates early about the screening process
- Setting clear expectations for responsiveness during verifications
These small steps can shave days off the hiring timeline.
Fast. Accurate. Compliant. Background Complete Delivers.
When hiring decisions matter, speed is important—but accuracy is essential. Background Complete provides a balanced, professional approach that ensures you get the information you need quickly, reliably, and in full compliance with federal and state regulations.
Whether you’re running a simple criminal search or a comprehensive package including verifications, drug testing, and MVR checks, you can trust Background Complete to provide:
- Fast turnaround times
- Accurate and verified data
- Exceptional client support
- Full FCRA compliance
A safe, informed hiring decision starts with a dependable screening partner. With Background Complete, you can keep your hiring process moving—without cutting corners.
We hope this answers the question of “How long do pre employment background checks take?”
