# Certn vs First Advantage Comparison
---
## AI Generated Summary
- **G2 reviewers report** that Certn excels in user-friendliness, with many users highlighting how intuitive the platform is for submitting requests and tracking progress in real time. This streamlined experience contrasts with First Advantage, where some users have noted a more complex navigation process.
- **Users say** that Certn's quick turnaround times for background checks are a significant advantage, making it easier for businesses to complete their hiring processes efficiently. In comparison, First Advantage has received mixed feedback regarding the speed of their services, with some users expressing a desire for faster results.
- **Reviewers mention** that Certn offers a highly efficient setup process, with many users appreciating the ease of getting started. First Advantage, while functional, has been described as less straightforward in its implementation, which may pose challenges for new users.
- **According to verified reviews** , Certn's customer support is frequently praised for being responsive and helpful, contributing to a positive overall experience. In contrast, First Advantage has received lower ratings in this area, with some users indicating that they have not needed to reach out for support due to the platform's complexity.
- **Users highlight** that Certn's dashboard and real-time tracking features are particularly well-designed, making it easy to monitor the status of background checks. First Advantage, while offering similar features, has been noted for having a less user-friendly interface, which can complicate the tracking process.
- **G2 reviewers indicate** that Certn is well-suited for small businesses, with a pricing structure that starts at $29.99, making it accessible for various budgets. First Advantage, while serving a larger enterprise market, does not provide clear entry-level pricing, which may deter smaller organizations from considering it.



| | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.7 out of 5 | 3.4 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 206 | 111 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (46.9% of reviews) | Enterprise (45.7% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | Starting at $29.99 1 Case With One-Time Purchase | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Certn

Pros:
- Ease of Use (66 reviews)
- Customer Support (25 reviews)

Cons:
- Lack of Detail (9 reviews)
- Verification Issues (9 reviews)

### First Advantage

Pros:
- Customer Support (15 reviews)
- Ease of Use (15 reviews)

Cons:
- Poor Customer Support (10 reviews)
- Delays (7 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.4 (148 reviews) | 7.7 (81 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 9.6 (155 reviews) | 7.7 (81 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.6 (106 reviews) | 7.5 (29 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 9.6 (108 reviews) | 7.4 (28 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 9.2 (137 reviews) | 6.9 (78 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 9.5 (108 reviews) | 7.4 (28 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.5 (150 reviews) | 6.1 (80 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Certn

#### Entry-Level Pricing

Plan: Essential

Price: Starting at $29.99 1 Case With One-Time Purchase

Description: Covers the essentials for roles that don’t touch sensitive systems or data. Best for support staff, junior, and seasonal hires, where speed, accuracy, and low friction matter most.

Key Features:
- Identity Verification
- Canadian Criminal Record Check

[Browse all 3 editions](https://www.g2.com/products/certn/pricing)

#### Free Trial

Yes

### First Advantage

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Background Check

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Certn** | 8.2/10 | 139 |
| **First Advantage** | 7.1/10 | 75 |

#### Background Check Administration

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Screening and Assessments** | 9.4 (128 reviews) | 7.4 (45 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Compliance** | 9.3 (124 reviews) | 7.5 (44 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Dashboard** | 9.1 (120 reviews) | 7.4 (41 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Background Check Data

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Real-Time Tracking** | 8.9 (117 reviews) | 6.8 (42 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Platform Search** | 8.6 (105 reviews) | 6.8 (39 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Alerts and Notifications** | 8.8 (113 reviews) | 7.1 (38 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### Background Check Additional Functionality

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integrations** | 8.2 (90 reviews) | 7.2 (34 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Mobility** | 8.7 (94 reviews) | 7.0 (31 reviews) ✓ Verified | 
| **Messaging** | 8.4 (89 reviews) | 6.8 (34 reviews) ✓ Verified | 

#### AI Insight Check - Background Check

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Insight Check** | 5.6 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 

#### AI Investigation and Verification - Background Check

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Verification** | 5.6 (8 reviews) | Not enough data | 

### Drug Testing

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Certn** | N/A | N/A |
| **First Advantage** | 9.0/10 | 21 |

#### Drug Testing Administration

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Screening and Assessments** | Not enough data | 8.7 (19 reviews) | 
| **Compliance** | Not enough data | 8.9 (20 reviews) | 
| **Dashboard** | Not enough data | 9.2 (18 reviews) | 
| **Integrations** | Not enough data | 9.1 (18 reviews) | 

#### Drug Testing Data

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Real-Time Tracking** | Not enough data | 9.2 (19 reviews) | 
| **Alerts and Notifications** | Not enough data | 9.2 (19 reviews) | 

#### Drug Testing Additional Functionality

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Mobility** | Not enough data | 8.4 (15 reviews) | 
| **Messaging** | Not enough data | 8.7 (17 reviews) | 
| **Payment** | Not enough data | 9.4 (14 reviews) | 

### Reference Check

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Certn** | N/A | N/A |
| **First Advantage** | N/A | N/A |

#### Platform Content

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Templates** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Automated** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reports** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Platform Basics

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Optimization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Interoperability** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Performance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Platform Additional Functionality

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Integrations** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Identity verification** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Fraud detection** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Custom branding** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Platform Data

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Visualization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security and Compliance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Alerts and Notifications** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **GDPR Compliant** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Recruiting

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Certn** | N/A | N/A |
| **First Advantage** | N/A | N/A |

#### Generative AI

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **AI Text Generation** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **AI Text Summarization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### SAP Store

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Certn** | N/A | N/A |
| **First Advantage** | N/A | N/A |

#### Agentic AI - SAP Store

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Natural Language Interaction** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Pre-Employment Screening

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Certn** | N/A | N/A |
| **First Advantage** | N/A | N/A |

#### Platform

| Feature | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Customization ** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Integration APIs** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Internationalization** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **User, Role, and Access Management** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Performance** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Mobility** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Reporting** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Dashboards** | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Background Check Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check)

**Unique to Certn (1):** [Reference Check Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/reference-check)

**Unique to First Advantage (2):** [Drug Testing Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/drug-testing), [SAP Store Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/sap-store)


---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Certn | First Advantage | 
|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 46.9% | 10.5% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 42.3% | 43.8% | 
| **Enterprise** | 10.7% | 45.7% | 

### By Industry

#### Certn

- **Computer Software:** 15.3%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 10.2%
- **Staffing and Recruiting:** 9.7%
- **Financial Services:** 5.6%
- **Consumer Services:** 4.6%
- **Transportation/Trucking/Railroad:** 4.1%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 4.1%
- **Real Estate:** 4.1%
- **Accounting:** 2.6%
- **Construction:** 2.0%
- **Other:** 37.8%

#### First Advantage

- **Staffing and Recruiting:** 15.1%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 8.5%
- **Retail:** 5.7%
- **Computer Software:** 3.8%
- **Security and Investigations:** 3.8%
- **Restaurants:** 2.8%
- **Human Resources:** 2.8%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.8%
- **Government Administration:** 1.9%
- **Internet:** 1.9%
- **Other:** 50.9%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Certn

- [Checkr](https://www.g2.com/products/checkr/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (399 reviews)
- [VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/products/victig-background-checks/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (511 reviews)
- [HireRight](https://www.g2.com/products/hireright/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (179 reviews)
- [GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/products/goodhire-a-checkr-company/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (280 reviews)
- [Zinc](https://www.g2.com/products/zinc-work/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (179 reviews)
- [Hireology](https://www.g2.com/products/hireology/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1362 reviews)
- [RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (5716 reviews)
- [Paycom](https://www.g2.com/products/paycom/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (6494 reviews)
- [Paychex](https://www.g2.com/products/paychex/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (1702 reviews)
- [HiPeople](https://www.g2.com/products/hipeople/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1066 reviews)

### Alternatives to First Advantage

- [Checkr](https://www.g2.com/products/checkr/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (399 reviews)
- [HireRight](https://www.g2.com/products/hireright/reviews) — 3.9/5 stars (179 reviews)
- [GoodHire (a Checkr company)](https://www.g2.com/products/goodhire-a-checkr-company/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (280 reviews)
- [Zinc](https://www.g2.com/products/zinc-work/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (179 reviews)
- [VICTIG Background Checks](https://www.g2.com/products/victig-background-checks/reviews) — 4.7/5 stars (511 reviews)
- [Accurate Background](https://www.g2.com/products/accurate-background-accurate-background/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (79 reviews)
- [Paycom](https://www.g2.com/products/paycom/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (6494 reviews)
- [RUN Powered by ADP](https://www.g2.com/products/run-powered-by-adp/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (5716 reviews)
- [Hireology](https://www.g2.com/products/hireology/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (1362 reviews)
- [Paychex](https://www.g2.com/products/paychex/reviews) — 4.1/5 stars (1702 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Certn

- Title: [How long does a Certn background check take?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-long-does-a-certn-background-check-take) — 2 comments
  > **Top comment:** "In my experience less than 24 hours depending on the time of day the request is submitted.  Most often within a few hours."
- Title: [What is Certn?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-certn) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Certn is a background check company that uses the RCMP and CPIC system to confirm criminal records, as well as credit and other useful background checks."
- Title: [What does Certn do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-does-certn-do) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Background, credit, reference and education verification software."
- Title: [What is the best way to approach a candidate who cannot remember the dates of their criminal charges?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/50087-what-is-the-best-way-to-approach-a-candidate-who-cannot-remember-the-dates-of-their-criminal-charges) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Hi Anthony, You are not alone on this one. I always recommend having  candidates try their best and if dates don't line up our support team can help the..."

### First Advantage

No discussions available for this product.

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/certn-vs-first-advantage)