Fingerprint Background Check Vs. Name-Based Check: The Differences

Fingerprint background checks and name-based checks are the two primary methods employers use to verify a job applicant’s identity and criminal history before making a hiring decision. While both approaches aim to screen candidates for potential risks, they differ in terms of accuracy, scope, and the data sources used.

Fingerprint checks utilize biometric data to match individuals against government databases, such as the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS), resulting in highly accurate outcomes. In contrast, name-based checks match personal information, like full name, date of birth, and Social Security number, against various public records. This method can lead to inaccuracies, especially when multiple individuals share the same name or when identity fraud occurs.

Understanding the differences between these two screening methods is crucial for employers, as it enables them to select the most suitable approach based on compliance requirements, industry standards, and the sensitivity of the job.

What Is A Fingerprint Background Check?

A fingerprint background check is a screening technique that utilizes a person’s unique biometric information to verify their identity and search for records in criminal justice databases. The purpose of a fingerprint background check is to provide employers with a highly accurate picture of a job candidate’s criminal history, which is often required in fields where safety, trust, and adherence to the law are crucial. The process involves taking fingerprints and comparing them to national databases, such as the FBI’s Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS). This ensures that the retrieved information is directly linked to the person, thereby reducing the likelihood of mistakes associated with name-based searches.

What Is The Importance Of A Fingerprint Background Check?

The importance of a fingerprint background check lies in its capacity to provide accurate and dependable identity verification, significantly reducing the risk of hiring individuals with undisclosed criminal histories. Fingerprinting ties records directly to a person’s biometric data, eliminating false positives caused by common names or aliases. The level of accuracy is crucial in high-security fields such as healthcare, banking, education, and government, where protecting clients, sensitive information, or vulnerable groups is paramount.

How Is a Fingerprint Background Check Used In Employment?

A fingerprint background check is used in employment to verify that a job applicant is who they claim to be and to determine if they have a criminal record that is associated with their biometric data. The process begins by taking the applicant’s fingerprints, which are then sent to authorized agencies, such as the FBI or state police databases. These prints are compared to national and state criminal records to verify that the information is always associated with the correct person, even if they have changed their name or used an alias.

What Does A Fingerprint Background Check Show?

A fingerprint background check reveals the following information.

Verified Personal Information: Full name, aliases, date of birth, and Social Security number are all verified using biometric data to enhance accuracy.
Criminal History Records: Reveals arrests, charges, convictions, and jail time at the state, local, and federal levels, as well as FBI records.
Employment and Licensing History: Potential the job history, the professional licenses, and any disciplinary actions that are linked to the candidate, especially in industries that are regulated.
Civil Court Records: These include lawsuits, restraining orders, and other civil court cases, as mandated by the state’s reporting rules.
Outstanding Warrants or Federal Alerts: This indicates whether there are outstanding warrants, immigration violations, or being on a watchlist that may affect eligibility.

The time it takes for a fingerprint background check result to be returned varies depending on the jurisdiction and whether manual verification is required.

What Are The Advantages Of a Fingerprint Over a Name-Based Check?

The advantages of fingerprint-based checks over name-based checks are listed below.

Greater Accuracy: False hits and confusion with people who have the same name are less likely to happen because matches are based on unique biometric identifiers.
Enhanced Security: It protects sensitive jobs more reliably by giving employers access to large federal and state databases.
Lower Risk of Identity Fraud: Applicants aren’t able to hide their records by using fake names, misspelled words, or fake papers.
Trusted for High-Risk Roles: It is essential for jobs in law enforcement, healthcare, education, and banking, where safety and public trust are of paramount importance.

Is A Fingerprint Background Check Better Than A Name-Based Check?

Yes, a fingerprint-based background check is more accurate than a name-based check. Name-based checks rely on personal identifiers like full name and date of birth, which are subject to inaccuracies, fraudulent, or commonalities. Fingerprint checks utilize unique biometric data that directly links to official criminal records. It reduces the likelihood of identity fraud and finds records that are missed by conventional name-based checks.

What Is A Name-Based Check?

A name-based check is a type of background check that searches public and private registries for criminal records and other relevant information using a person’s legal name, date of birth, and other personal details. The process doesn’t require biometric information, unlike fingerprint checks, making it faster and easier to use for general job screening. The purpose of a name-based background check is to provide employers with a candidate’s history, including any potential aliases, convictions, or red flags, enabling them to make informed decisions about who to hire first.

What Is The Importance Of A Name-Based Check?

The importance of a name-based check lies in its ability to provide employers with a quick and affordable way to screen candidates for potential risks, such as criminal records or identity inconsistencies, during the hiring process. It enables organizations to identify inconsistencies or potential red flags early on by cross-referencing names, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers against both public and private databases.

How Is Name-Based Check Used In Employment?

Name-based checks are used as a preliminary screening tool to confirm the identity by matching a candidate’s name, date of birth, and Social Security number against public data and criminal databases. Employers use this method to quickly evaluate any potential red flags, such as a criminal record or identity fraud, especially when time or money constraints make fingerprint checks impossible. It works by pulling data from national and local databases to inform hiring decisions, providing a thorough yet effective overview of a candidate’s background.

What Records Show Up In Name-Based Check?

The records that show up in a name-based check are listed below.

Criminal History: This includes local, state, and federal criminal records related to the given name, encompassing convictions, arrests, and charges that are still pending.
Sex Offender Registry: Looks through national and local sex offender records to see if there are any sexual crime offenses.
Court Records: Lists civil or criminal cases involving the candidate, such as lawsuits, debts, or divorce records.
Employment History: Name-based checks can verify a person’s job history if their name is listed in a public database.
Credit Report: Employers look at their credit record to see how responsible they have been with money in the past when someone applies for certain jobs, especially ones that require financial responsibility.

The time it takes to complete a name-based background check varies depending on the size of the check and the databases searched.

What Are The Advantages Of Name-Based Over Fingerprint Background checks?

The advantages of name-based over fingerprint background checks are listed below.

Easier to Administer: A name-based check is simpler to conduct, as it requires only basic personal information, making it more accessible for organizations with limited resources or for preliminary screenings.
Broader Applicability: Name-based checks are utilized in a wider range of situations, particularly when fingerprinting is not legally required.
Less Intrusive: One of the advantages of a name-based background check is that it only requires basic personal details such as the candidate’s name and date of birth, whereas fingerprint checks feel more invasive to some individuals.

How Can Shield Screening Assist with Fingerprint and Name-Based Checks?

Shield Screening can assist with fingerprint and name-based checks, and also provide a comprehensive suite of other employment screening services. Shield Screening services are designed to be thorough and accurate, ensuring businesses have the information they need to make informed hiring decisions for various industries.