# How fast should a background check be? What turnaround times are realistic?

For HR teams running pre-employment background checks, turnaround time often makes or breaks the candidate experience. We've found that 92% of the background checks at Bchex complete within 24 hours — but what's "realistic" depends on the check type. Database checks (criminal database, sex offender registry, watchlists) typically return in minutes. County criminal searches can vary from same-day to several business days depending on whether the county provides real-time access or requires a court runner. Federal criminal records are usually next-day. Verifications (employment, education) depend on third-party response times If you're evaluating background screening providers, ask: what percentage of your checks complete within 24 hours, and how do you handle the slow ones? At Bchex, we back our turnaround time with a guarantee — if a qualifying order is delayed, the report's on us. What turnaround times have other HR teams experienced? What makes the biggest difference in your hiring process?

##### Post Metadata
- Posted at: 3 months ago
- Author title: Director Of Growth Marketing
- Net upvotes: 1



## Related Product
[Bchex](https://www.g2.com/products/bchex/reviews)

## Related Category
[Background Check](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check)

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