Set up, run, and manage background checks without leaving your BambooHR dashboard.
Background checks are built into your BambooHR platform. You can initiate screenings, track progress, and review results directly from your Candidate Dashboard. Screening services are provided by Turn Technologies, Inc., a PBSA-accredited, SOC 2 Type II certified consumer reporting agency.
When adding a new hire, you’ll find a Background Check section on the New Hire form. Select a package and the check initiates automatically when you save the form.
Go to the employee’s record in BambooHR. If you have the correct permissions, you’ll see an option to order a background check directly from their profile.
Note: Drug testing packages are not available for existing employees.
US Basic
What's Included:
SSN trace, address history, national criminal records, sex offender registry, global watchlist, contingent county search, adverse action management
US Enhanced
What's Included:
Everything in Basic + 7-year county courthouse criminal search
US Premium
What's Included:
Everything in Enhanced + 7-year federal courthouse search
International Basic
What's Included:
ID + biometric match, adverse media, sanctions, watchlists
In addition to the standard packages, you can create custom bundles in Settings > Background Check Packages > New Package. Choose your country, select from available checks, and name your package.
Note: Only one check per category may be selected per package, with the exception of Credential Verification, which can be added multiple times (each requiring a credential type). Custom packages do not affect reports already in progress.
Motor vehicle records, employment verification, education verification, drug testing (pre-employment/candidates only), credential verification, civil records, healthcare sanctions, consumer credit inquiry.
Note: Drug testing is only available for candidates and new hires during onboarding, not for current employees.
You can monitor the status of every background check from the Candidate Dashboard.
Status
What It Means
What You Should Do
Invitation sent; waiting for candidate consent
No action; candidate will receive reminders automatically
Identity review in progress
No action needed; identity verification is in progress and will complete automatically
Candidate consented; checks are running
No action; you will be notified when complete
All checks clear
Proceed with hiring decision
Report returned records that need your review
Review the report; decide whether to approve or begin adverse action
Permissions are configured in BambooHR under Settings > Access Levels > Background Checks.
Permission | What It Allows |
|---|---|
Order Background Check Reports | Initiate new screenings for candidates or employees |
View Statuses | See check status without accessing report content |
View Reports & Manage Adverse Action | View full results and initiate the adverse action flow |
Background Checks Settings access | Manage packages, enable/disable the feature, accept terms |
Approved Result
Proceed with your hiring decision.
Consider Result
Review the report. You can approve the candidate, or if you plan to take adverse action, you must follow the pre-adverse action process.
As the employer, you are responsible for complying with FCRA adverse action requirements. The platform will guide you through the required steps, but consult your legal counsel for jurisdiction-specific obligations.