How long does a background screening take?
Pescheck's average turnaround is around one business day. Fully automated checks finish quickly. Reference checks and international verifications take longer because they involve human contact.
In short: Our average turnaround is around one business day. Fully automated checks (ID, PEPs, sanctions, Dutch VOG) usually complete much faster. Reference checks and international verifications can take longer because they require human contact.
How screening timing works
A Pescheck screening combines two kinds of checks:
- Automated checks: database lookups, ID verification, criminal record extracts, PEPs and sanctions. These complete quickly once the candidate has consented and uploaded what is needed.
- Human checks: reference conversations, qualification verification with institutions, employment verification with employers. These depend on a third party responding.
The mix of checks you have selected determines the total turnaround. The published average across all our screenings is approximately one business day.
What slows a screening down
The single most common cause of a delay is that the candidate has not yet completed their part. We cannot run any checks until the candidate has consented and provided the information requested via the secure link emailed to them.
Other common reasons a check takes longer than expected:
- A reference is on holiday or slow to respond
- An education institution is closed or backlogged
- A foreign registry is temporarily offline
- A document upload (e.g. an ID scan) needs to be retried because the quality was insufficient
- Additional clarification is needed (rare, e.g. when there are name variants)
If a check is stuck, the reason is visible on the dashboard for organisations and on the candidate’s secure link.
Faster options
If you need results as quickly as possible, lean on the fully automated checks (ID, criminal record / VOG, PEPs, sanctions, credit). See all check types and which are automated on each product page.
For candidates: complete the secure link as soon as you receive it, double-check that names match your ID exactly, and respond to any follow-up emails promptly. Most slowdowns disappear when both sides move quickly.
When to ask us about timing
If you have a specific deadline (e.g. a candidate starts in 5 business days), contact us before sending the screening invite. We can advise on which checks will realistically complete in time and which to defer.
Related articles
What is a criminal record check?
Verification that a candidate has no convictions relevant to the role they are applying for. In the Netherlands this is called a VOG.
Giving consent as a candidate
You've been asked to complete a Pescheck screening. Here is exactly what consent means, what we will ask you for, and your rights at every step.
What happens after my screening completes?
Your screening is done. Here is who sees the report, what it contains, and what to do if you want a copy.
