When hiring new talent or reviewing current talent, thorough background checks are essential for mitigating risks and ensuring the integrity of your workforce. However, not all background screening platforms and services are created equal, and the accuracy and reliability of these services can vary significantly. In this guide, we’ll compare three of the most prominent background screening providers: Accurate, Sterling, and HireRight.
Accurate
Accurate Background is a leading provider of background screening, drug and health screening, and workforce monitoring solutions, offering comprehensive services designed to help organizations make informed hiring decisions and mitigate risks — anywhere in the world. Founded in 1997, Accurate has established itself as a trusted ally for businesses of all sizes, delivering accurate, compliant, and efficient background checks tailored to each client. With a focus on innovation, technology, and customer service, Accurate is committed to providing reliable and cost-effective screening solutions to support the success and growth of its clients. Accurate is designed to provide background screening, verifications, and employment monitoring solutions to global, multi-national companies hiring at scale. In addition to its enterprise solution, AccurateNow offers services geared towards small businesses.
Background Check Services
- Credit Checks
- County Criminal Check
- Federal Criminal Check
- Statewide Criminal Check
- National Criminal Database Search
- International Criminal Check
- Criminal Background Checks
- Driving History
- Drug & Health Screening
- Form I-9 & E-Verify
- SSN Trace
- Global Searches and Verifications
- Monitoring Services
- Identity Management
- Sanctions Checks
- Social Media Searches
- Address Verifications
- Employment Verifications, Including Certificates and Experience
- License Verification
- Education Verifications
- Sex Offender Registry Check
- Professional License Verification
- Global Watch (Terrorist, OFAC) Check
- DOT Employment Verification
Industries
- Gig and Marketplace
- Healthcare
- Insurance
- Retail
- Staffing
- Transportation
- Aviation
- Energy
- Finance and Banking
- Education
- Small Businesses
- Large Businesses
Key Features
- 24/7/363 Live customer support via phone, chat, or email. Accurate’s commitment to excellence delivers unparalleled support to its clients. Accurate has a dedicated team focused on around-the-clock global customer support via phone, chat, or email.
- Global Capabilities
- High Accuracy (99.9%) and Compliance Rates
- Integrations with dozens of ATS and HRIS systems including, but not limited to: ADP; Greenhouse; iCIMS; SmartRecruiter; Taleo; PeopleSoft; WorkDay; and many others. Our open API can integrate with any system, including proprietary solutions.
- Automated Adjudication
- Customizable Screening Packages
- Advanced Technology and Data Analytics
- Dedicated Strategic Account Management and Support
- Fast Turnaround Times. While many variables affect turnaround times, Accurate’s basic checks requiring criminal background screening have average turnaround times of 2 days or less. For checks requiring employment and/or education verification, turnaround times average 3-4 days.
A Final Word
Accurate stands above the competition in the following ways:
- Purpose-built platform to serve global employers, capable of screening in more than 240 countries and territories.
- Dynamic compliance rules engine that supports Ban the Box laws with an intuitive, customizable, and rules-driven approach.
- Seamless candidate experience with more than 50 purpose-built integrations.
- 24/7/364 live global customer support by phone, chat, or email. 20.4% of all candidate and client support calls come to Accurate outside normal business hours when competitors are closed or offer limited support.
- Comprehensive process walks conducted by a Greenbelt-certified Six Sigma solutions team.
- PEOPLE – a team fully committed to Accurate’s vision and values.
Sterling
Sterling is a background screening and identity verification solutions provider. Founded in 1975, Sterling has a history of delivering reliable, accurate, and compliant background checks tailored to the needs of various industries and sectors. With a focus on innovation, customer service, and industry expertise, Sterling has earned a reputation for background screening and identity verification, helping businesses mitigate risks and make confident hiring decisions.
Background Check Services
- Criminal Background Checks
- Verifications
- Drug Testing and Health Screening
- Volunteer Screening
- Tenant Screening
- Contractor Screening
- Global Checks
- Sanctions
- SSN Trace
- Due Diligence
- Executive Investigations
- Liens, Judgments, Bankruptcies, and Credit
- Fingerprinting
- Medical License Monitoring
- Form I9 and E-Verify
- Motor Vehicle Records
Industries
- Construction
- Energy & Utilities
- Education
- Entertainment
- Financial and Business Services
- Franchises
- Gig Economy
- Healthcare
- Government
- Hospitality
- Manufacturing
- Media
- Nonprofit
- Retail
- Staffing
- Technology
- Transportation
Key Features
- Industry-Specific Screening Solutions
- Technology and Data Analytics
- Dedicated Account Managers
- Compliance Expertise
- Flexible and Scalable Screening Options
HireRight
HireRight serves organizations with its suite of background check services. Established in 1981, HireRight has a history of delivering efficient background checks. HireRight is a reliable partner for background screening and workforce solutions with a major focus on innovation.
Background Check Services
- Criminal Background Checks
- Financial Background Checks
- Identity Services
- Verifications
- Due Diligence Services
- Compliance Services
- Drug and Health Screening
- Motor Vehicle Records Checks
- Global Checks
Industries
- Education
- Energy and Utilities
- Financial Services and Banking
- Government
- Healthcare
- Insurance
- Manufacturing
- Marketplace and Gig
- Non-profit
- Retail
- Staffing
- Technology
- Transportation
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Suite of Background Screening Services
- Technology and Proprietary Algorithms
- Global Coverage and Compliance
- Dedicated Customer Support
- Customizable Screening Solutions
Which Background Screening Provider is Right for Your Business?
Choosing the right background screening provider is crucial for any organization committed to making informed hiring decisions and maintaining a secure work environment. Accurate, HireRight, and Sterling each offer unique strengths and capabilities in their services. Here’s a balanced overview to help guide your choice:
Global Expertise
Accurate is the only platform purpose-built from the ground up to serve global employers. This platform is capable of screening in more than 240 countries and territories. The international platforms at Sterling and HireRight are pieced together via acquisition. Clients have a smoother, more seamless experience working with Accurate for global checks.
Customer Interface
Accurate, HireRight, and Sterling all prioritize a user-friendly experience, offering intuitive platforms that simplify the background screening process. While Accurate boasts an interface designed for ease of use and supported by comprehensive customer resources, HireRight and Sterling are not far behind, with their platforms facilitating efficient navigation and access to essential features. The choice might come down to personal preference for the interface style and the specific functionalities your organization values most.
Customer Service
While customer service is important to all three, Accurate stands out for providing true 24/7/364 support via phone, email, and chat. At Accurate, over 20% of all customer support requests come in outside normal business hours when HireRight and Sterling are either offline or offering limited support. If access to support around the clock is important for your business, Accurate is the clear choice.
Customizability
All three providers offer some degree of customization, allowing businesses to tailor background checks to their organization’s specific needs. Accurate is notable for its wide range of customizable options based on company size, industry, and technology. Accurate also has flexible pricing, appealing to those seeking to fine-tune every aspect of their screening process. HireRight and Sterling also provide flexible solutions, though your decision might hinge on which provider’s custom options align most closely with your industry’s unique requirements.
Industry Expertise
Accurate is known for customizable screening packages and advanced technology, making it a preferred choice for clients seeking tailored solutions across various industries worldwide. Accurate has a deep commitment to compliance and accuracy, coupled with an easy-to-use interface and responsive customer support, appeals to a wide range of organizations.
HireRight is recognized for its global reach and expertise in international background screening, making it a solid choice for multinational companies or those with global hiring needs. The company’s suite of services, combined with its emphasis on reliability, positions it as a good choice for organizations operating in diverse geographical regions.
Sterling stands out for its industry-specific screening solutions and commitment to excellence, particularly in sectors such as education and financial services. The company’s understanding of industry regulations and compliance standards make it a solid choice for clients in specialized fields.
Final Thoughts
In choosing between Accurate, HireRight, and Sterling, consider the specific needs of your organization, including the level of customizability you require, the industries you operate in, and whether your organization requires global screening capabilities.
By carefully evaluating each option, you can partner with a background screening provider that not only meets your requirements but also enhances your hiring process and contributes to a safer, more compliant work environment.
Accurate stands out as an industry leader with highly customizable screening solutions, advanced technology, an extensive international reach, emphasis on compliance and accuracy, and responsive customer support. Contact Accurate today to get started.
