Background Screening and the Fair Credit Reporting Act

This course helps the learner understand the importance of background screening, explains how to conduct effective background screening using in-house personnel or a Consumer Reporting Agency, and describes the practices necessary to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other relevant laws.

TARGET AUDIENCE
Managers/Supervisors/Risk Management & HR Professionals/Business Owners

PROGRAM LEVEL
Basic

PROGRAM PREREQUISITES
None

ADVANCED PREPARATION
Not Required

DELIVERY METHOD
Self-Study

TIME TO COMPLETE
120 minutes

PURPOSE
The purpose of this course is to help the learner understand why, when, and how to conduct reference and background checks on prospective or current employees, effectively and legally.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, the learner will be able to:

• differentiate between reference checks and background investigations;
• apply the regulations of various employment laws, particularly the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), to situations in which reference checks and background investigations are conducted;
• identify the elements of an effective organizational policy on conducting reference checks and background investigations;
• identify the steps in conducting legally compliant reference checks and background investigations;
• recognize the situations in which other screening methods can be used in the employment context and when FCRA rules do not apply;
• identify the steps required when taking adverse action against employees; and
• describe the penalties for non-compliance with FCRA regulations.

TOPICS COVERED

1. Background Checks vs. Reference Checks
2. The many laws that affect background screening
3. Conducting reference and background checks
4. Other screening methods
5. Taking adverse action
6. Employer Liability

FORMS INCLUDED

• Letter of Recommendation
• Questions for Reference Checking
• Records Retention Chart
• Background Investigation Authorization and Release Form
• Applicant Reference Check Form
• Pre-Adverse Action Letter
• Reference Verification Form
• Authorization to Obtain Consumer Report
• A Summary of Your Rights
• Rejection Letter Based on Consumer Report

ACCREDITATION
HR CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE
This program has been approved for 2.0 recertification credit hours toward PHR, SPHR, and GPHR recertification through the HR Certification Institute.  For more information about certification or recertification, visit the HR Certification Institute homepage at www.hrci.org.

THE FLORIDA BAR
The Florida Bar's Board of Legal Specialization and Education has approved this course for 2.50 General Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits. For more information about CLE credits, visit The Florida Bar homepage at www.floridabar.org.

THE STATE BAR OF GEORGIA
The State Bar of Georgia has accredited this course for 2.0 hours of Regular CLE credits. For more information about CLE credits, visit The State Bar of Georgia homepage at www.gabar.org.

NASBA
This program provides 2.0 credit hours toward Continuing Professional Education (CPE) recertification. 

OFFICIAL QAS STATEMENT
The Human Equation is registered with the State Boards of Accountancy as a Quality Assurance Service (QAS) sponsor of continuing professional education. Participating state boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding QAS program sponsors may be addressed to NASBA, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN 37219-2417. Web site: www.nasba.org.