Why the PBSA Logo Matters When Choosing a Background Check Company

Our mission has always been clear: uphold the highest ethical standards in every screening we conduct while continually finding new ways to deliver exceptional service to our clients. One powerful way we demonstrate this commitment is through our accreditation with the Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA), a mark of trust and excellence that signifies we meet the industry’s most rigorous standards for quality and integrity.

What is the Professional Background Screening Association?

The Professional Background Screening Association (PBSA) is a nonprofit trade association serving the employment and tenant screening industries, founded to promote and regulate high ethical and performance standards. PBSA accreditation is a nationally recognized achievement for consumer reporting agencies. Since 2003, PBSA has set the gold standard for consumer reporting agencies, big and small, through its mission to “advance excellence in the screening profession.” Any company that has gone through the rigorous requirements to earn this credential is also permitted to display the PBSA accredited logo on its website. Companies that have been audited and are permitted to display the PBSA logo share a common goal of promoting accuracy, ensuring accountability, and empowering consumers. 

Why it matters 

Who screens the screening companies? It may seem like a strange question, but HR departments and hiring managers make hiring and employment decisions based on the consumer reports that screening companies provide. It’s important to keep background check companies accountable to ensure that standards are met.  

What does it take to be PBSA accredited? 

While finding the right screening company for you may not be as black and white as looking for a logo, seeing the PBSA accredited logo is always a positive sign that you are dealing with a reputable screening company. The path to becoming PBSA accredited is rigorous. To qualify, employment screening companies are required to meet strict professional standards in six key areas: 

1: Information security

PBSA-accredited screening companies like Verified Credentials, are required to maintain written policies for how information is stored, transmitted, and accessed. Encryption, access controls, and regular audits need to be conducted to prevent unauthorized access or breaches. A documented incident response plan ensures quick resolution and minimal disruption in the event of a security issue. Consumer reporting agencies are also required to designate one or more people to implement, manage, and enforce the information security policy. 

2: Legal and compliance 

To earn and maintain PBSA accreditation, consumer reporting agencies are required to comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws for consumer reports, as well as maintain ethical standards free of bribery or preferential treatment. Regular policy reviews, employee training, and legal oversight are also part of making sure ongoing compliance and consumer protection requirements are met. Legal and compliance requirements also call for one or more designated people to take responsibility for overseeing compliance with federal consumer reporting laws and the Driver Privacy Protection Act. 

3: Client education 

Accredited consumer reporting agencies are required to truthfully advertise original sources, including limitations and scope of information, educate clients on information protection, and provide guidance on how to understand consumer reports. Consumer reporting agencies are also prohibited from providing legal advice.  

4: Researcher and data standards 

Data must be accurate, current, and obtained through reliable sources. Ongoing audits and quality checks help maintain integrity and reduce the risk of reporting errors. 

5: Verification services standards 

Verification services must follow defined processes for confirming employment, education, and licensing details through reliable sources. Each verification should include proper documentation and review to ensure accuracy and consistency in results. 

6: Business practices 

Sound business practices are required for transparent operations, accurate recordkeeping, and ethical standards. Financial responsibility, clear communication, visitor security, employee certification and training, a documented ethics reporting process, and document control, among other consumer reporting agency best practices, are necessary to maintain accreditation. 

Background check and screening companies are also required to pass an in-depth on-site audit of their policies and practices, which can take three to four months. After an application has been approved, the company must renew the accreditation every five years to maintain it. Additionally, three years into the five-year cycle, PBSA will conduct a surveillance audit to confirm that the high industry standards continue to be met. 

Our commitment to secure and high-quality screening

As a founding member of PBSA, Verified Credentials sees the PBSA accreditation logo as more than just a badge. Accreditation is a sign of our commitment to meeting high industry standards and providing information our clients can trust.