Background Checks by ClearCompany F.A.Q

ClearCompany's Background Checks is a valuable tool designed to ensure that a new hire is the ideal candidate for the position. In this article, we address frequently asked questions about our background check platform.

In this article:
General Information
Candidate Management
Customization and Integration
Specific Background Check Services
Reporting and Monitoring
Pricing and Billing
Billing Process
Turnaround Time
Access and Visibility
Clearance and Compliance
Notifications
International Services
Additional Resources

Access to the Background Checks by ClearCompany Portal

You can use the direct portal link below to order background checks outside of the ClearCompany ATS for promotions, batch ordering, check on detailed status, run reports or adverse action management, etc. https://allclearscreening.instascreen.net. You should have received an email with the information to access the dashboard, if you have any issues or have not received the email contact [e-mail]

General Information

How does ClearCompany have a faster Background Check turnaround time than other background check providers?

Because we have an  “in-house” team for background checks, we can offer faster turnaround times. We have partnered with several “problem” counties (Counties that have longer times than usual) for quicker-than-average turnaround times for the background check reports. Our partners including, the Alere eScreen network, also complete our searches as a priority.

What do we offer for non-custom packages and pricing?

Standard background checks go back seven years. Below are our standard packages.

We offer standard packages, Standard, Driver, and Executive.  See Below:

Can we run a background check for someone not in ClearCompany?

Yes, we can run a background check for a candidate that was not sourced through ClearCompany. This includes any candidates that are not added to ClearCompany and sourced via a Career Fair for example.

What is the network used for drug screening, and are there clinic lists?

As a default, we utilize the Alere eScreen network which consists of 1000’s of clinic locations nationwide. This network includes hospitals, urgent care, clinics, etc. such as Concentra, MedExpress, Quest, LabCorp, etc.

As the list is constantly changing with clinics and hospitals we do not have a map to provide. If you would like to see site matches please email background check support at [e-mail]  with a list of zip codes.

Is there an adverse action solution available?

Yes, this feature is available in the Background Check portal where you can customize, send, and track adverse action letters. To learn more, check out this article: Handling Adverse Events and Candidate Disputes for Background Checks by ClearCompany.

Candidate Management

How do I print a background check report?

You can print a background check report by logging in to the background check portal.

What is the process of getting a hold of the references listed and what questions do we ask? Are we able to customize the questions?

We will call and/or email the reference a minimum of once a day for five days. The questions that you would like the reference to be asked can be customized by reaching out to background check support. At this time, it is $8 per reference.

This process is the standard, but we can customize it for clients as needed. Standard pricing is $8 but discounts can be applied based on higher volumes. After five days we note the attempts and we close the report with a flag.

Are the checks based on US data or international/Canadian data?

The Standard package is US-based with some international database searches included. If you are running Background Checks on Canadian applicants then we run CPIC (Candidate Police Information Centre) checks on Canada data for the Canada Package. 

If there’s a flag in a check (if a record was found, or if they didn’t clear their drug screening), is there anything indicating that on the ClearCompany applicant’s profile other than that the check was complete?

The applicant profile will show that there is a flag on the report (FLAG will show “TRUE”). It will be highlighted in the actual report and we can also set up FLAG notifications to email a specific notification when there is a flag.

If someone mistypes a license number on a background check and that Background Check is pending how would they go about changing that?

If you have access to the portal you can go to https://allclearscreening.instascreen.net and log in.

1. Click Workspaces then Click Pending Reports.
2. Navigate to the applicant you would like to edit and click on the name.
3. From this page, you can:
   1. Add to Order
   2. Edit Applicant Information
   3. Add Attachments
   4. Add Notes
   5. Add Report Notes

Are we able to send or do we send a copy of the ClearCompany Background Checks results to a candidate who completed one?

If the candidate selects to receive a copy they will automatically be emailed a copy. Otherwise, they can request a copy and we can send them a copy. Check out this article for a summary of the candidate's experience.

Customization and Integration

Is there a way I can add our own forms and have them signed before a background check is started?

Yes, we can customize the form set. Please reach out to [e-mail], with the form set you would like added.

Is it possible to transfer a drug test to a different location?

Yes, to transfer a drug test to a different location, we would need to know the zip code or address of the different location so we can schedule the candidate nearby.

Am I able to run annual background checks for all our employees?

Yes, we can do annual batch runs for all your employees.

Do we integrate with WebCheck for educational institutions?

At this time, we currently do not integrate with WebCheck. For educational institutions, we call the registrar first to verify and if they use a third party like National Student Clearinghouse, Parchment, etc. we verify using that source. 

Specific Background Check Services

For drug screens, do we use medical review officers to review positive screens?

Yes, that is part of the process.

Why can't we run credit checks on minors?

Since credit is not issued to minors, we won't have a credit report therefore we cannot run a background check on a minor.

Does our federal court search check for serial litigators or serial workers comp filers?

This search is considered a civil record search and something we can do.

Do we have the ability to include drug screens in our custom background checks package? Do we have the ability to remove THC/Marijuana from our Drug Screening panels? 9 panel instead of 10?

We partner with Alere Screen, and yes, we offer urine analysis and a 12-panel, and drug screens just reach out to background check support.

To remove the THC/Marijuana from your drug screening panel reach out to [e-mail], with the request.

For reference checks, employment verification, and education verification, does the system automatically pull the information listed on the candidate's resume, or does the applicant have to manually enter this to initiate a background check?

The applicant will enter their information while completing the authorization. This allows ClearCompany to contact said establishments. If you would like to see the fields and information the candidate will fill out check out this article.

Specific Background Check Services

Service	Availability
Do we run DOT-compliant drug screens?	Yes, we offer DOT Drug Screens
Do we have the capability to run background checks that go back 10 years with any of our BGC packages.	Yes, we can run a 10-year background check. As of now, our standard is 7 years, but we can go back as much as you like for example 10 or 20 years and unlimited. We report based on the state guidelines.
Do we offer physical testing (fit for duty) services at all or can facilitate this?	Yes, we offer physical testing.
Are we able to do background checks for eviction history?	Yes, we offer eviction history.
Are we able to run background checks in Puerto Rico?	Yes!
Do we have the ability to search social media platforms with our checks? Can we build a social media check as a stand-alone package?	Yes, we offer different packages that have the option to run social media searches. Alternatively, we can create a stand-alone package turnaround time is typically 5-10 business days to create this package.
Do we have a way to facilitate random drug testing of employees?	Yes, we can manage this for you and we have a couple of different options available to you. If you are interested reach out to background checks support.

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Reporting and Monitoring

Is there a report that flags certain Background Check statuses so that those reports can be part of an audit?

Yes, we can set up specs to use an executive summary/decision tool to extract a report for an audit. You would need to speak with the Background Checks team to confirm what you need.

Is there a way I can run a report or track how many/who got their background screening reports initiated in ClearCompany?

Yes, You would need to speak with the Background Checks team to confirm what you need.

Do we offer credit checks? Reference Checks? Batch Uploading? Monthly Monitoring Services

Credit Checks: Yes, but a one-time onsite inspection (can be done virtually) must be completed for $75.

Reference Checks: Yes, questions can be customized or we can use our template questions. We can complete reference requests via email and phone.

Batch Uploading: Yes, this can be done via the Background Checks portal.

Monthly Monitoring Services: Yes, we offer criminal monthly monitoring. We do NOT offer MVR monthly monitoring but can recommend a partner.

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Pricing and Billing

What is the cost for a 5-panel, 9-panel, or 10-panel drug screening?

The standard rate for a 5-panel is $35 but discounts can be applied based on higher volumes.

The standard rate for 9-panel and 10-panel is $40 but discounts can be applied based on higher volumes.

What are the fees by state?

Access fees are based on search type and jurisdiction. Please reference The county/MVR/State access fee schedule below.

• Access Fees by County
• MVR State Fees

What happens in a scenario where a background check is sent out but not completed?

In a situation where a background check is sent but not completed, you will not be charged. You are only charged once the applicant responds and the background checks are processed.

Can we do a driver check and basic police check for Canadian clients?

We can do the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) Police check in Canada for $30. We can do some provinces for driving records in Canada but not all. Pricing varies based on the province.

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Billing Process

Do our background check invoices come from Tazworks or ClearCompany Billing? What’s the billing frequency?

Invoices will come from ClearCompany Billing. We invoice monthly for the previous month's activity.

When would I pay if I bundle - all upfront?

You would pay your estimated volume bundle upfront. We would only invoice access fees monthly (if applicable).

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Turnaround Time

What is the turnaround time from when a background check is submitted to completed?

The turnaround time is 1-3 business days on average once the applicant has submitted authorization.

How long does it take to set up an account?

It will take the team on average 3-5 business days to set you up with an account in the Background Checks portal.

What would be the turnaround time for drug screens specifically?

The turnaround time for drug screens is as follows:

• Negative results should be back within 15-20 minutes.
• Any DOT or specimens that need further testing can take an average of 1-3 business days.

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Access and Visibility

How many users can have access to Background Checks by ClearCompany?

Permissions must be turned on to have access. There is no limit on the number of users within the Background Checks portal.

Can we make full SSNs and DOBs viewable within the system?

Yes, we can, please reach out to [e-mail] to request this. Please note, that the updates are for your account as a whole - not per user.

Is it possible to have limited visibility of the results of a background check?

Yes, it is the permission level that can be adjusted when creating the users. When reaching out to backgroundchecks@clearcompany, please provide your organization, names, and emails and what access to give them.

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Clearance and Compliance

Do we currently check the box for PA 153 clearance? Are our background checks FCRA / PBSA recognized?

At this time, we do not conduct the PA153 clearances. We are working on adding these in the future.

Yes, they are FCRA-compliant. Check out this article to learn more about the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Do we have the ability to run a clearance check for a government contractor (TSCI)?

At this time, we are unable to conduct these.

Do our background checks qualify as "Vulnerable Sector Screening"?

Vulnerable sector checks flow through the candidate’s local police department. No third-party vendor at this time can do vulnerable sector checks.

In addition to the "driver" background check, do we offer PSPs?

Yes, we offer PSPs. The Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) provides carriers, individual drivers, and industry service providers access to commercial drivers' safety records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) Motor Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS).

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Notifications

Does our system give automated reminders for candidates to fill out their background check requests?

Yes, candidates are sent reminders every 24 hours.

Does the person who launched the background check get notified once the background check is completed?

As a default, the notifications are sent to the general email that is associated with the account. If you would like to make any changes reach out to Background Checks by ClearCompany support.

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International Services

Do we offer backgrounds for candidates in the UK?

We do not support the UK due to GDPR compliance at this time.

Can we run basic checks for citizens of Mexico and South America? Can we do Background Checks in India today?

Yes, we can run them for Mexico and South America. These will be custom pricing.

Do we offer sanctions as part of our background checks?

Yes, we offer global sanctions and exclusion searches. Check out this document! 

Countries eligible for international background checks

We can run background checks on all countries outside the EU. In the following countries, we can NOT run a check-in: (This is subject to change, we are working on GFPR compliance to have the capability to complete background checks in the EU.)

Austria	Belgium	Bulgaria	Croatia	Cyprus
Czech Republic	Denmark	Estonia	Finland	France
Germany	Greece	Hungary	Ireland	Italy
Latvia	Lithuania	Luxembourg	Malta	Netherlands
Poland	Portugal	Portugal	Romania	Slovakia
Slovenia	Spain	Sweden	United Kingdom	Iceland
Liechtenstein	Norway

Please Note:

At this time, we can only run child abuse checks in Pennsylvania.
We do NOT run fingerprinting at this time.

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If you have any other questions, please reach out to your Background Checks team, at [e-mail]. They can also be reached at Phone: [phone].

Additional Resources

For a comprehensive overview of Background Checks by ClearCompany, review these articles:

Background Checks by ClearCompany Forms

Background Checks by ClearCompany - Terms and Conditions

BGC- Canadian Candidate Experience

Add a Credit Card for Background Checks by ClearCompany

Handling Adverse Events and Candidate Disputes for Background Checks by ClearCompany