Comprehensive Guide to Background Check Packages and Add-ons
When ordering a background check through BackgroundChecks.com, it is essential to select the appropriate package and add-ons to meet your specific requirements for screening. This guide helps you understand the available options, add-ons for additional checks, and any service limitations.
Overview of Packages
For a side-by-side list of every package, see What's included in each background check package?
1. Professional Package
The Professional Package is $76.99 per applicant. It includes:
Social Security Number (SSN) trace
Addresses, names, and DOB verification
National database criminal records search
National sex offender search
Global, US, and state watchlists
Education degree verification (US universities, colleges, junior colleges, and trade schools)
Federal criminal search
One employment verification. You can add every employer from the last 7 years for an additional fee.
Unlimited county criminal record searches based on 7-year address history
County searches may include additional surcharge costs. The 7-year address history is used to find the counties where the applicant has lived. The criminal search in those counties covers up to 15 years where federal and state law allow.
The Professional Package does not include a motor vehicle record (MVR) check.
To fulfill all listed requirements when additional checks are needed, such as SSN validation or credit checks, these components must be sourced separately as they are not offered in this package. For most US roles requiring credit checks or SSN validations, this step is necessary.
2. Complete Package
The Complete Package is $44.99 per applicant. It includes an SSN trace, address, name, and date of birth verification, a national database criminal records search, a national sex offender search, global, US, and state watchlists, and unlimited county criminal record searches based on 7-year address history. For a full comparison, see What's included in each background check package?
To add a Federal Criminal Search, simply select it as an add-on during the package selection process. This makes the Complete package customizable and suitable for various needs.
3. Complete Report and Professional Package
Both the Complete Report and Professional Package provide county criminal searches based on the candidate’s 7-year address history. The 7-year address history is used to find the counties where the applicant has lived. The criminal search in those counties covers up to 15 years where federal and state law allow. This ensures thorough coverage of criminal records across multiple jurisdictions.
Add-On Options
Some checks are not included in default packages and must be added separately. Notable add-ons include:
Federal Criminal Search (available during package selection)
Other specialized searches based on organizational or legal requirements
Limitations and External Solutions
While BackgroundChecks.com offers comprehensive packages, certain checks are unavailable:
Social Security Number validation
Consumer credit reports (hard pulls)
Reference checks
International criminal checks
For roles requiring these checks, you will need to source them externally. Contact your HR or compliance team to identify reliable providers for these additional components.
By understanding the available packages and identifying any necessary add-ons or external checks, you can ensure your background screening process is thorough and compliant with your organization's needs.