Sterling is one of the largest background check providers, used by companies across healthcare, finance, technology, and education. What they check depends on the package the employer selects — but most Sterling background checks include criminal records, employment verification, and identity confirmation at minimum.
What Sterling typically checks
- Criminal record search. National, state, and county criminal databases — felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, and warrant records.
- Employment verification. Sterling contacts previous employers to confirm job titles, dates of employment, and sometimes reason for leaving.
- Education verification. Confirming degrees, certificates, and institutions listed on the application.
- Motor vehicle record (MVR). Driving history, license status, and violations — relevant for roles involving driving.
- Drug screening. Some packages include pre-employment drug tests, coordinated through Sterling's lab network.
- Professional license verification. Confirming professional licenses (nursing, accounting, law, etc.) are current and in good standing.
- Global watchlist. Terrorist watchlists, sanctions lists, and exclusion lists — required for regulated industries.
- Credit history. For roles with financial responsibility, a credit report may be included (with candidate consent, per FCRA).
What Sterling does not check
- Social media. Sterling does not screen personal social media accounts unless the employer specifically requests a social media screening package.
- Medical history. Employment-related medical checks are separate from the background check and require explicit consent.
- Arrests without convictions. Arrests that did not lead to convictions are generally not reported, per FCRA guidelines.
How long it takes
Most Sterling background checks complete within 2 to 5 business days. Criminal searches in counties that require manual courthouse records can take longer — up to 7–10 business days for some jurisdictions.
Your rights during the process
- You must give written consent before the background check runs (FCRA requirement).
- If the employer takes adverse action based on the results, they must notify you and provide a copy of the report.
- You have the right to dispute inaccurate information.
Timing depends on the provider too — how long a Checkr background check takes breaks down turnaround times on a competing platform.
Bottom line
Sterling checks criminal records, employment, education, licenses, drug screening, and watchlists — the exact scope depends on the package your employer selects. The pre-authorization form lists what's included. If you have concerns about your record, address them proactively with the recruiter before the check runs.