Employers often encounter both national and county background checks when screening job applicants. While these searches are related, they serve different purposes and provide different types of information during the background screening process.
Understanding the difference between national and county background checks can help employers select the appropriate screening options for their hiring needs.
What Is a National Background Check?
A national background check is designed to search criminal record information from multiple jurisdictions and data sources across the United States.
Employers commonly use national searches as a starting point in the screening process because they can quickly identify potential criminal records that may require additional review.
National searches are often used as part of a broader employment screening strategy and can help identify records that may exist in counties outside of an applicant’s current residence.
Learn more about our National Criminal Background Checks services.
What Is a County Background Check?
A county background check involves researching criminal court records directly within a specific county court system.
County searches are often considered one of the most reliable sources of criminal court information because they involve reviewing records maintained by the court responsible for handling the case.
County-level research may be conducted electronically, through court access systems, or through direct court record retrieval depending on the jurisdiction.
Why National Searches and County Searches Work Together
National and county background checks are often used together rather than as competing search methods.
A national search may identify a potential criminal record. If a potential match is located, county-level verification may then be performed to confirm that the record:
- Belongs to the applicant
- Meets identity matching requirements
- Contains accurate case information
- Meets applicable reporting standards
This verification process helps improve accuracy and reduce false positives.
Why Some Reports Show as Pending
Employers sometimes expect all background check results to be available instantly. However, when a potential record is identified, additional county-level research may be required.
If no potential records are found, results may return quickly. If a potential record is identified, the report may move into a pending status while county verification is completed.
County research typically averages one to two business days, although turnaround times vary depending on court availability, holidays, staffing levels, and local court procedures. Employers can also learn more about why background check results may be remain pending when additional verification is required.
Accuracy and Verification
One of the primary benefits of county-level verification is improved accuracy.
Direct Screening uses strict matching requirements before reporting criminal records. Records must satisfy identity verification standards, including an exact name match and a matching date of birth.
Additional verification helps ensure that employers receive accurate and reportable criminal history information.
What Information May Be Reported
Criminal background reports focus on verified and reportable criminal conviction information.
Direct Screening reports criminal conviction records within a standard 7-year lookback period. Arrest-only records, pending criminal cases, non-convictions, deferred adjudications, withheld adjudications, and civil matters are not reported.
Employers can learn more about what shows up on a criminal background check and how far back background checks go.
Choosing the Right Screening Approach
Many employers use national criminal background checks because they provide broad search coverage and can identify potential records from multiple jurisdictions.
County-level verification helps confirm potential records and supports accurate reporting.
By combining national searches with county verification when necessary, employers can obtain more complete and reliable criminal background information as part of their hiring process.
Summary
National and county background checks serve different but complementary roles in employment screening.
National searches help identify potential criminal records from multiple jurisdictions, while county background checks help verify records directly with the court responsible for the case. Together, these search methods support accurate and responsible background screening.
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If your organization needs criminal background screening services, we would be happy to help.