Checkr ETA: Better estimates for report completion

Checkr ETA predicts when screenings will complete for each background check report. These estimates are based on Checkr’s proprietary machine learning algorithm that uses turnaround times for verifications and record searches for our most common screenings.

Checkr provides this estimate to help you facilitate a better candidate experience, strategically plan start dates and interview pipelines, and further enable transparency into the overall background check process. Rather than providing a standard range of possible turnaround times, Checkr ETA provides a date for the estimated completion of a specific report, helping both you and candidates plan ahead.

While the predictions are highly accurate, they are not a guarantee. Estimates provided by Checkr ETA are correct within one business day for more than 9 out of 10 requested reports. Some county-level searches are subject to unpredictable timelines, due to manual search processes and court availability. For more information on these searches, please see County Criminal Records Check in the Checkr Help Center.

Calculating ETA

Checkr calculates ETA based on information specific to each report, including the counties to be searched for the candidate and the lookback period. Checkr’s machine learning engine estimates the report’s completion date using information like past turnaround times for similar records collected from more than 20 million other background checks that have been run through Checkr. Our machine learning model considers the lookback period for the report, and current backlogs at individual counties to make highly accurate predictions. We also account for possible delays from holidays, the time of day the report is ordered, and day of the week the report is ordered.

Initial estimates are calculated after candidate data is received and may not appear in the Dashboard for up to 30 minutes. 90% of reports will finish by this estimated date.

10% of reports will complete after the initial report ETA, as a result of report upgrades, unexpected delays at county courts or motor vehicle records offices, or simply normal variance in turnaround times for the screenings. If the date of the initial estimate has passed, Checkr will re-generate the ETA using the current information available for the remaining screenings. The Est. Completion and Est. Last Updated At fields in the Report Information panel of the dashboard will be updated to reflect the new estimate. A report.updated webhook event will be issued for both the initial and the new ETA. The report log available from the Checkr Dashboard will include a timestamped line item for the initial and each subsequent ETA calculation.

The ETA displayed for your candidate in the Candidate Portal will also be updated.

Candidate Experience

The Checkr Candidate Portal shows candidates individualized estimates for each of their reports. Checkr ETA helps inform candidates that their background check is still in process, and is not waiting on input from them or from you. This creates a better candidate experience by providing greater transparency into the background check process.

The Checkr Candidate Portal helps candidates feel more engaged in their background check process by providing both this individualized ETA and access to the Checkr Candidate FAQs to help answer any questions about the background check process in general.