The Knowledge Gap in Background Screening
Most people understand that background screening is a critical component of the hiring process, yet many HR professionals lack a clear understanding of how background screens are conducted and what they should expect from screening providers. One reason for this is that over the years background screening providers have become increasingly opaque about these details, which allows for more leeway to manipulate service offerings and pricing, and quite frankly, to cut corners.
This gap in knowledge leads to organizations making uninformed decisions, relying on subpar screening services, and ultimately exposing themselves to compliance risks, fraud, and negligent hiring claims. The problem isn’t just that organizations may choose the wrong background screening provider or package of services; it’s that many HR professionals don’t know what to ask for or what standards to expect.
The Current State of Background Screening Education
The background screening industry has evolved over time, yet misinformation and outdated practices persist. In many cases, HR professionals assume that all screening providers follow the same procedures; Use high-quality information sources; adhere to legal standards; understand local, state, federal, international, and industry specific rules and regulations; and deliver accurate, reliable results. However, this assumption is flawed.
A study by the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) found that a significant percentage of hiring managers and HR professionals lack awareness of critical compliance issues surrounding background screening, including Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulations, Ban the Box laws, and state-specific requirements. Without a clear understanding of these nuances, companies may inadvertently violate regulations, leading to legal consequences and reputational damage.
Why HR Professionals Need to Be Educated
Avoiding Compliance Risks – Background screening is governed by a complex web of local, state, federal, and international laws. In addition, each industry has its own set of regulations. Failing to comply with these laws and regulations can result in lawsuits, fines, and reputational harm. Education can help HR professionals understand these legal intricacies so they can implement best practices and be in a position to properly assess a background screening provider.
Understanding the Difference Between High-Quality and Low-Quality Screening – Not all background checks are created equal. Some providers cut corners, relying on incomplete or outdated databases. Others prioritize speed over accuracy, leading to missed records or false positives. Educating HR professionals helps them understand these differences, allowing them to distinguish between reliable and unreliable screening providers.
Knowing What to Ask from a Screening Provider – Without proper knowledge, HR professionals may not know the right questions to ask when vetting a background screening provider. They need to understand the methodologies used, data sources leveraged, and compliance safeguards in place.
Improving Hiring Decisions – Effective background screening can prevent costly hiring mistakes. When HR teams have a solid understanding of how screenings should be conducted, they can make informed hiring decisions that protect their company’s workforce and reputation.
Enhancing Candidate Experience – A transparent, well-communicated background screening process improves the candidate experience. When HR professionals are knowledgeable about screening timelines and requirements, they can set clear expectations for candidates, reducing frustration and delays in the hiring process, as well as improve onboarding and enhance their brand reputations.
Introducing AB Global’s Screening University
Recognizing the need for better education in the HR industry, AB Global launched Screening University—a dedicated platform designed to equip HR professionals with essential knowledge about background screening. This initiative goes beyond simply offering classe; it is a Gold Standard in Human Resources education, empowering HR teams with the insights and tools necessary to confidently navigate the complexities of the industry.
What Screening University Offers
- Comprehensive Online Courses – Covering topics such as FCRA compliance, global background screening, industry-specific regulations, and best practices for interpreting screening reports.
- Expert Guidance – Featuring industry veterans and compliance experts who provide real-world insights and updates on evolving background screening laws.
- Interactive Learning – Engaging and scenario-based learning designed to address common challenges faced by HR teams.
- Access to Industry Best Practices – HR professionals can gain insights into how top-tier organizations conduct background screening to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency.
- Industry Accreditation – Screening University is approved by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® and SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. Additionally, the HR Certification Institute has approved our program for recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, PHR®, SPHR®, GPHR®, and related certifications.
The Impact of Education on the Background Screening Industry
By prioritizing education, AB Global is working to close the knowledge gap in background screening. When HR professionals are well-informed, they can:
- Make more strategic hiring decisions that enhance workplace safety and productivity.
- Reduce the risk of compliance violations and legal disputes.
- Select background screening providers that uphold the highest standards of accuracy and integrity.
- Improve the overall hiring experience for both organizations and job candidates.
A Call to Action for HR Professionals
The background screening industry is filled with complexities, and a lack of understanding can lead to costly mistakes. HR professionals must take the initiative to educate themselves on best practices, compliance requirements, and the differences between high-quality and low-quality screening providers.
AB Global’s Screening University is a game-changer in this space, providing HR teams with the knowledge they need to navigate background screening with confidence. With the right education, HR professionals not only protect their organizations but also contribute to raising the overall standards of their organizations, as well as the entire background screening industry.
