Difference between a background check and a fingerprint check

 A background and fingerprint check is a pre-employment screening process where potential employees can find out if there are any outstanding warrants or criminal charges that may be hindering their employment opportunities.

An employer, who is interested in hiring a candidate for a position, typically wants to know about anything that could make them less desirable because it's important to consider how your employee could affect those around them. A Background & Fingerprint Check is a tool that can be used to check a person’s criminal record.

It scans their government and non-government data and determines if the person has been involved in any cases of crime or terrorism.

Background Checks vs. Fingerprint Checks - What's the Difference?

Background checks used to be the only choice for employers. However, fingerprint checks are now considered a more practical option because they give employers a higher level of trust and protection from the potential applicant.

 
Background checks have been the standard for nearly 50 years. They are typically completed by asking about an individual's educational background and work history that was submitted during the screening process.

Fingerprint checks are gaining popularity and can be done in as little as 10 minutes compared to around 3 hours. There are two types of fingerprint checkers- ink-based and digital. There is a lot of information you need to know before deciding which one to use.

The FBI fingerprint check is good for identity verification. The purpose of the FBI fingerprint check is to help the individual seeking a job identify whether or not their fingerprints match any FBI fingerprint record. The results are based on an algorithm used by the FBI and can be found in minutes.

Which one should you consider?

While fingerprint clearance is easier and quicker, background checks should not be underestimated as they provide an extensive amount of information.

 While some employers may require fingerprint clearance, it is not always a given. For example, someone who has been convicted of a crime but has been rehabilitated may be able to still get hired with a background check instead of or in addition to fingerprints.

Background checks are recommended for those who have had trouble getting their fingerprints taken because of old age, injury, or illness.