First Advantage Background Check

An array of mistakes in background checks may range from minor inaccuracies to significant discrepancies that unfairly affect prospects for employment. The mistakes might emanate from mistakes of identity, outdated information, or clerical errors of data entry. It is thus through this set of articles that we embark on diving into the complexities surrounding background check errors and how they can impact a person in the most tangible ways. These cover issues of errors of criminal records, employment history discrepancies, credit report issues, and the legal parameters governing the background check process. We will further elaborate on the legal rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and also provide guidance on how to take redress against any inaccuracies. In this regard, the focus of our analysis is to enlighten and empower both employers and job seekers on how to navigate the pitfalls of background checks so that the process remains fair, accurate, and truly reflective of one’s history.

What Does First Advantage Check For?

Explore the components of a First Advantage background check while discussing the types of information and records typically checked in our discussion of consumer law experts.

Criminal Records. The scope of First Advantage’s criminal history examination is all-encompassing, involving the review of local, state, federal, and international criminal databases. Information usually included in the criminal history check includes:

• Local and state records
• Federal records
• Sex offender registries
• Warrants and pending cases
• Terror watch list checks

With a criminal records check, evaluating the risks an individual might bear in the workplace or the residential property is of utmost importance.

Employment History Verification. First Advantage carefully verifies employment histories to make sure that work ethics and reliability are available with applicants and that there was a consistent work experience.

Employers can verify all of the following details:

• Dates the applicant was employed
• Positions held
• Reasons for leaving previous jobs
• Eligibility to rehire

Such verification, besides ensuring accurate information, helps employers establish whether an applicant has reported what they claimed on their resume.

Education Verification. For many careers, accurate portrayal of educational qualifications is key. First Advantage does verifications for employers as follows:

• Degrees or certifications earned
• Institutions attended
• Attendance dates and dates of graduation
• Major field of study

Education verification becomes vital where one is required to apply for positions that need specific qualifications to ensure that applicants have received the relevant and necessary educational qualifications.

Credit History. Financial firms may want to check credit scores and files when considering candidates with financial responsibilities or as tenants. First Advantage can verify the following:

• Credit scores
• Credit accounts (open and closed)
• Payment histories
• Bankruptcies and collections

By checking credit scores, financial houses determine the level of financial stability and accountability that the applicant provides, therefore informing the hiring or rental decision.

Professional Licenses and Certifications. Some positions involve specific professional licenses or certifications. First Advantage looks at:

• Issuing authority
• License type
• Status (active or expired)
• Any disciplinary actions

Drug Testing. In industries that demand safety, First Advantage may conduct drug and alcohol screening as part of a background check. This helps to keep the working environment safe for all employees, and in accordance with industry standards and regulations.

Civil Records. For cases where a person’s participation in civil litigation may be useful, First Advantage may check for civil lawsuits, judgments, liens, and bankruptcies.

How Far Back Does First Advantage Background Check Go?

The review of how far back a First Advantage background check goes depends on different factors, including the type of check, legal restrictions, and policies of the requesting entity. It goes as below:

Criminal Records
The records of convictions are usually limited to one-year lookback by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This means that the state has the prerogative to determine whether information older than a year can be given out. However, for non-convictions, some states have a seven-year lookback, limiting the reporting of these items to within the past seven years.

Employment and Education Verification
Generally, background checks from First Advantage include employment history and educational qualifications for about seven years. If specific client requirements or positions require further exploration, this period could vary but still falls within the bracket of time.

Credit History
Credit reporting companies in general offer credit reports with information dating up to seven to ten years in compliance with the regulations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). For instance, bankruptcy records are reportable for a time frame of ten years, whereas late payments would be reported for seven years.

How Long Does First Advantage Background Check Take?

Understanding the general timeline for First Advantage background checks will enable the following expectations:

Standard Processing Time
On average, a First Advantage background check would take somewhere between a few business days to a week. The timeline can be influenced by check complexity, volume of checks processed, and responsiveness from the external entities from where the required information is requested.

Factors Affecting the Time

Depth of Search: This includes records from international jurisdictions and multiple sources.

Availability of Records: Sometimes, one can face delays in accessing records from certain institutions or agencies, provided that records are archived or may need to be searched manually.

Accuracy of Applicant Information: Providing correct information upfront goes a long way in hastening the check process; otherwise, discrepancies will take long.

First Advantage Background Check Status

First Advantage takes transparency to another level by offering mechanisms to monitor progress and results of checks; a basic understanding is offered herein of the process of checking the status of a First Advantage background check and what it implies when one fails. Checking the Status of a First Advantage Background Check for Employers: One can monitor a First Advantage background check’s status through the First Advantage Customer Portal that online employers use for background screening. From the First Advantage Customer Portal, employers can get real-time updates on every step of the background check process, from initiation to completion. Employers can log in to view detailed progress reports, access completed background check reports, and receive notifications about any delays or additional information that needs filling.

Moreover, First Advantage provides customer support services that employers could use to check the status of the background checks conducted by them. This can be helpful in resolving any issues that may come up as a result of the screening process.

For Applicants: The applicant, therefore, is mostly given a reference number or login credentials by First Advantage to access a portal that provides them with insight into the status of their background check. It also makes sure the applicant is informed of any extra documentation required by them.

In instances where direct access to a status portal is not made available, applicants may contact First Advantage’s customer support or the HR department of the prospective employer to obtain an update on their background check status.

First Advantage Background Check Fail: The failure or unfavorable result of a First Advantage background check is attributed to either personal information discrepancies or findings that are suspicious regarding an applicant’s suitability for a position.

Table of Common FADV Errors

Type of Error	Description	Common Causes	How to Address
Identity Mistakes	Incorrect personal information, such as name, date of birth, or Social Security number.	Mistaken identity, similar names, data entry errors.	Verify personal information, provide correct documentation, and dispute inaccuracies with FADV.
Criminal Record Errors	Records that belong to another person, outdated information, or expunged records appearing on the report.	Common names, outdated databases.	File a dispute with FADV including any proof of expungement or identity clarification documents.
Employment History Discrepancies	Incorrect past employment details, such as wrong dates or positions.	Data entry mistakes, reporting errors.	Provide employment documentation, contact previous employers if necessary, dispute inaccuracies.
Education Verification Issues	Incorrect education history, such as wrong degrees or schools attended.	Misreporting, false records by educational institutions.	Submit official transcripts or diplomas, dispute inaccuracies with evidence of your education history.
Credit Report Mistakes	Inaccurate credit information, including debts, payments, or bankruptcy details.	Reporting errors by credit bureaus.	Dispute errors directly with the credit bureau and inform FADV of the corrected information.

Are you suffering from a FADV background check? Whether it’s disputing inaccuracies, understanding the implication for employment of an unfavorable result, or dealing with the confusing domain of screening applicants for employment, our consumer law firm is ready to protect you. For an effective resolution, our involvement in background check practices, together with a solid commitment to protecting consumer rights, means that you can rely on our expertise. Don’t let an issue with background check to deprive you from employment opportunities. Reach us today for personalized legal help and take your background check concerns towards unresolved areas.