How long will my background check take?

The short answer: most CIChecked background checks are completed within 1.5 days, with 88% finishing within just one day. But let's break down what affects timing and give you realistic expectations for your specific situation.

CIChecked's Speed Advantage

Our Average Performance:

1.5 days average completion time
88% completed within one day
98% of client calls answered on the first ring for updates

Why We're Faster:

In-house investigators (no outsourcing delays)
Direct relationships with courts and employers
Streamlined processes built over 20+ years
Human intervention when automated systems hit roadblocks

Industry Comparison: While most background check companies advertise 3-5 business days, we consistently deliver results faster because we treat every background check as an investigation, not just a database search.

What Affects Your Timeline

Type of Background Check Ordered:

Basic Package (Criminal + Employment): Usually same day to 1 day

Criminal database searches
1-2 employment verifications
Identity confirmation

Standard Package: 1-2 days

Multi-jurisdictional criminal searches
Employment and education verification
Reference checks
Motor vehicle records

Comprehensive Package: 2-3 days

Extensive criminal history across multiple states
Multiple employment and education verifications
Professional license checks
Credit reports (when applicable)
Character references

Specialized Roles: 3-5 days

Healthcare positions with multiple license verifications
Financial services with regulatory database searches
Government positions with security clearance requirements
International background components

Factors That Can Speed Things Up

Information You Provide:

Complete address history for the past 7-10 years
Accurate employer names and dates (not just "worked at the bank")
Correct contact information for references
Full legal name including any variations you've used

Quick Response to Requests:

Check your email regularly during the process
Respond promptly if we need clarification
Provide requested documents quickly
Answer calls from our investigators

Clean, Complete Records:

Employment at companies that respond quickly to verification requests
Education from schools with efficient verification processes
Criminal history from jurisdictions with modern, digital court systems

Common Delays and How Long They Add

Court-Related Delays:

Slow court responses: +1-2 days
Holiday court closures: +1-3 days
Manual record searches: +2-4 days
Out-of-state requests: +1-3 days

Employment Verification Delays:

HR departments that don't respond quickly: +1-2 days
Companies with strict written-only policies: +2-3 days
Employers that have closed or merged: +2-5 days
Small businesses without formal HR: +1-3 days

Education Verification Delays:

Summer/winter academic breaks: +2-4 days
Schools that require written requests: +3-5 days
International education: +5-10 days
Very old degrees requiring archive searches: +3-7 days

Geographic Considerations

Fast-Processing Areas:

Major metropolitan areas with digital court systems
States with centralized, modern record systems
Jurisdictions we work with regularly

Slower-Processing Areas:

Rural counties with limited staffing
States with decentralized record keeping
Jurisdictions that require manual searches
Areas affected by natural disasters or emergencies

Multi-State Complications:

Each additional state adds potential processing time
Some states are notoriously slower than others
Interstate record sharing isn't always seamless

Real-Time Updates and Communication

How We Keep You Informed:

Automatic email updates when we start and complete sections
Phone calls if we encounter delays or need information
Real-time status updates available by calling (518) 271-7546
Proactive communication about any issues or delays

When to Follow Up:

If it's been longer than the estimated timeline we provided
If you have a start date deadline approaching
If you haven't heard from us in 3+ business days
If your circumstances have changed since starting the process

Holidays and Weekend Processing

How Holidays Affect Timeline:

Federal holidays: Courts and government agencies closed
State holidays: Varies by state, can affect processing
Academic breaks: Schools may have limited verification staff
End-of-year slowdowns: December and early January often slower

Weekend Processing:

We work weekends when possible
Some verification sources aren't available weekends
Database searches can often be completed on weekends
Court records typically require weekday processing

Rush Processing Options

When Rush Service Makes Sense:

Immediate start date requirements
Time-sensitive hiring decisions
Replacing another provider who couldn't deliver on time

What Rush Service Includes:

Priority assignment to senior investigators
Direct phone calls instead of written verification requests
Expedited processing with premium vendor services
Real-time updates on progress

Rush Service Limitations:

Can't control third-party response times (courts, employers)
Some verification sources don't offer expedited service
Additional costs may apply
Not all types of checks can be meaningfully expedited

Setting Realistic Expectations

Plan for the Average, Prepare for Delays: While our average is 1.5 days, plan for 2-3 business days to account for potential complications. This gives you buffer time and reduces stress.

Factors Outside Our Control:

Court closure schedules
Employer responsiveness
Technical issues with third-party systems
Natural disasters or emergencies affecting record sources

What We Can Control:

Immediate start on your background check
Experienced investigators who know how to navigate obstacles
Direct relationships with verification sources
Proactive communication about any issues

The Bottom Line

Most CIChecked background checks are completed faster than you'd get almost anywhere else in the industry. Our 1.5-day average and 88% same-day completion rate reflect our commitment to speed without sacrificing thoroughness.

Your role in the process:

Provide complete, accurate information upfront
Respond quickly to any requests for clarification
Stay reachable during the process
Don't stress about factors outside your control

Our commitment:

Start your background check immediately upon authorization
Use experienced investigators, not just automated systems
Communicate proactively about timeline and any issues
Deliver thorough, accurate results as quickly as possible

Need a status update on your background check? Call us at (518) 271-7546—we answer 98% of calls on the first ring.