Employers rely on background checks to thoroughly evaluate job candidates by reviewing their work history, education, credentials, criminal records, and other relevant details. However, navigating the complexities of federal, state, and local laws, as well as maintaining compliance with fair employment standards, can be challenging. Below is an overview of how to conduct legal background checks in Arizona.

What Is an Arizona Background Check?

In Arizona, a background check involves searching public records and databases to gather information about a potential employee, contractor, or volunteer. The scope of these checks can vary but often includes details such as education, employment history, credit reports, driving records, and criminal background. Employers can tailor the screenings based on factors like the industry, job role, and company policies.

Employers may conduct background checks internally through their HR departments or work with a Consumer Reporting Agency (CRA). Partnering with a reputable CRA, like Identify Background Checks, can simplify the process by offering comprehensive services, ensuring quicker and more reliable results, and maintaining regulatory compliance.

Why Employers Need Background Checks in Arizona

Conducting employment background checks in Arizona is crucial for creating a safe and productive workplace. These checks help verify the accuracy of information provided by candidates during the hiring process and offer insights that may not emerge during interviews.

In some cases, Arizona employers are legally required to perform background checks. For example, those applying for a contractor’s license must undergo a criminal background check. Similarly, childcare providers—including licensed centers, group homes regulated by the Arizona Department of Health Services (DHS), and certified providers overseen by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES)—must conduct background checks on employees and volunteers before they begin working.

What Appears on a Background Check in Arizona?

The information included in an Arizona pre-employment background check depends on the types of screenings chosen, each providing specific details. The selection of screenings may vary based on industry, job role, and company policy. Here are common background checks Arizona employers might conduct:

• Criminal Background Checks: Reveal misdemeanor and felony convictions, arrest records, and ongoing criminal cases.
• Education Verification: Confirms the institutions attended, dates of enrollment, graduation status, fields of study, and degrees or certificates earned.
• Employment Verification: Validates past employment details, such as employers, job titles, and periods of employment.
• Credit Checks: Review a candidate’s credit history, including payment history, collections, foreclosures, and bankruptcies. These checks are common for roles involving financial responsibilities.
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Checks: Assess driving history and verify the status of the candidate’s license. These are essential for positions involving driving or operating machinery.
• Civil Background Checks: Investigate civil judgments, liens, foreclosures, and breaches of contract by searching court records.
• Drug Testing: Screens for evidence of current or past use of illegal or prescription drugs.

How to Get an Arizona Employment Background Check

Employers in Arizona can conduct background checks by either gathering information directly, such as requesting records from county courts, or partnering with a certified background check provider. Internal checks often require manually ordering each screening, which can be time-consuming.

Certain Arizona background checks can be requested online. For example, employers can order Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) directly from the Arizona Department of Transportation online or by submitting a notarized request form by mail or in person. Additionally, non-criminal justice entities such as public school districts can use the Noncriminal Justice (NCJ) Compliance Program to conduct fingerprint-based state and federal background checks.

It’s important to note that Arizona law prohibits the state’s Central State Repository from conducting criminal history checks for out-of-state agencies for employment purposes.

To verify a candidate’s employment or education history, employers must directly contact previous employers or educational institutions.

Although employers can manage their own background checks, many prefer to work with a screening provider like Identify Background Checks for a more efficient and accurate process. Partnering with a CRA can expedite the procedure, provide more thorough results, and ensure compliance with legal standards.