Background verification has become a standard part of hiring across India. Companies want to confirm that candidates are who they claim to be before making job offers. First Advantage is one of the leading providers in this space, handling thousands of verifications each month for organizations of all sizes.
If you’re wondering how First Advantage conducts these checks, or you’re preparing for one yourself, this guide breaks down the entire process. We’ll cover what they verify, how long it takes, and what you can expect at each step.
What is Background Verification?
Background verification is the process of confirming details a candidate provides during the hiring process. This includes education credentials, past employment, identity documents, address history, and sometimes criminal records or credit history.
The goal is simple: help employers make informed hiring decisions based on accurate information. For candidates, it’s a chance to prove their credentials are legitimate.
Companies like CPHR Services work with organizations to streamline these checks, making sure the process is thorough but also respectful of candidate privacy.
Why Companies Choose First Advantage
First Advantage operates in over 200 countries and territories. They’ve built a reputation for handling high volumes of checks efficiently while maintaining accuracy.
Indian companies particularly value their local presence. They understand regional nuances, whether it’s verifying degrees from specific universities or checking employment records with companies that may have changed names or ownership.
Their technology platform allows HR teams to track verification status in real time. This transparency helps both employers and candidates stay informed throughout the process.
How First Advantage Conducts Background Checks
Let’s walk through each type of verification First Advantage performs.
Identity Verification
This is always the starting point. First Advantage verifies government-issued ID documents like Aadhaar cards, PAN cards, passports, or voter IDs.
Here’s what happens:
- You submit copies of your identity documents through their portal
- Their team checks for authenticity markers and validates details
- They may cross-reference information with government databases
- Physical documents might be verified at their office if needed
This typically takes 1-2 business days. If there are discrepancies between different ID documents, they’ll flag it and may ask for clarification.
Education Verification
First Advantage contacts universities, colleges, and schools directly to confirm your degrees and certificates. They don’t just take your word for it or accept uploaded documents as final proof.
The process works like this:
For universities: They reach out to the registrar’s office with your enrollment number, year of passing, and degree details. The university confirms whether these match their records.
For schools: They contact the administrative office to verify marks sheets and passing certificates.
For professional certifications: They get in touch with the certifying body to confirm the credential is valid and in good standing.
This can take 7-15 days depending on how quickly educational institutions respond. Some universities have dedicated verification departments that turn around requests quickly. Others may take longer, especially during exam seasons.
Employment Verification
Past employment checks are often the most detailed part of background verification. As part of employee background verification, First Advantage contacts your previous employers to confirm:
- Your job title and role
- Dates of employment (joining and leaving)
- Reporting structure
- Reason for leaving (if the employer shares this)
- Salary details (sometimes)
They usually contact the HR department first. If the company has shut down or merged, they work harder to track down records through available channels.
For your most recent employer, they may also verify whether you’re still employed there or have properly resigned. This is especially important if you’re serving a notice period.
Employment verification typically takes 5-10 business days per company. If you’ve worked at five companies, this part alone could take several weeks.
Address Verification
First Advantage conducts physical address verification by sending field agents to your residence. The agent visits your address to:
- Confirm you actually live there
- Take a photograph of the residence
- Speak with family members or neighbors (with your consent)
- Fill out a verification form
You’ll typically need to be present during this visit or have a family member available who can verify you live there. The agent may ask to see a utility bill or rental agreement as supporting proof.
This process usually completes within 3-5 days once scheduled. Rural or remote locations might take longer due to travel logistics.
Criminal Record Checks
This involves checking police records and court databases for any criminal cases. First Advantage has tie-ups with local police departments and accesses court records through proper legal channels.
The depth of criminal checks varies:
Basic check: Looks for serious criminal convictions at the national level
Detailed check: Includes district and local court records, pending cases, and charges
They typically check records in locations where you’ve lived or worked. If you’ve moved around frequently, this takes longer.
Criminal checks can take 10-20 days. Courts don’t always digitize records, so manual searches may be necessary.
Credit History Verification
Some roles, particularly in banking and finance, require credit checks. First Advantage obtains this information from credit bureaus like CIBIL, Experian, or Equifax.
They look for:
- Outstanding loans and credit card debt
- Payment history and defaults
- Any bankruptcies or legal actions related to debt
This check typically completes within 2-3 days since credit bureaus provide digital reports quickly.
Professional Reference Checks
First Advantage may contact references you’ve provided, usually former managers or colleagues. They ask about:
- Your work quality and reliability
- How you handled responsibilities
- Whether they’d work with you again
- Any concerns about your professional conduct
These calls are brief but substantive. The reference checker has a standard questionnaire but also asks follow-up questions based on the role you’re applying for.
The Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
A complete background verification from First Advantage typically takes 10-20 business days. Here’s the rough breakdown:
- Identity verification: 1-2 days
- Education verification: 7-15 days
- Employment verification: 5-10 days per employer
- Address verification: 3-5 days
- Criminal record check: 10-20 days
- Credit check: 2-3 days
Many of these happen simultaneously, which is why the total time isn’t just a sum of individual checks.
Delays happen when:
- Educational institutions are slow to respond
- Previous employers have closed or don’t have proper records
- You’ve lived in multiple cities requiring separate address verifications
- Court records need manual retrieval
What You Need to Provide
First Advantage will ask you to upload several documents through their portal:
Identity documents: Aadhaar card, PAN card, passport, voter ID (any two)
Educational certificates: All degree certificates, mark sheets, provisional certificates
Employment proof: Relieving letters, experience letters, salary slips (last three months from each employer)
Address proof: Utility bills, rental agreement, or Aadhaar card
Other: Professional licenses if applicable, reference contact details
Make sure all documents are clear, readable scans. Blurry or incomplete documents will delay the process.
How CPHR Services Supports the Verification Process
Organizations working with CPHR Services benefit from expert guidance throughout the process of background verification. CPHR Services helps companies choose the right level of checks for different roles, manages vendor relationships, and makes sure verifications comply with data protection regulations.
For candidates, having an organization partner with established services like CPHR Services often means a smoother experience. There’s better communication, clearer timelines, and someone who can help resolve issues if documents are rejected or verifications stall.
What Happens If Discrepancies Are Found?
First Advantage flags any mismatches between what you claimed and what they verified. Common discrepancies include:
- Different employment dates than what you stated
- Degree classifications that don’t match (like claiming first class when you got second class)
- Gaps in employment that weren’t disclosed
- Addresses where you no longer live
When this happens, they give you a chance to explain. Sometimes discrepancies are innocent, like remembering dates slightly wrong or a university recording details differently.
You’ll typically get 2-3 days to provide clarification or additional documents. If you can’t resolve the discrepancy, First Advantage reports it to the employer, who then decides how to proceed.
Tips for a Smooth Verification Process
Be accurate from the start: Double-check all dates, designations, and details before submitting your application.
Keep documents organized: Have digital copies of all certificates, letters, and IDs ready before the process begins.
Respond quickly: When First Advantage or your potential employer asks for additional information, provide it the same day if possible.
Inform previous employers: Let your past companies know a verification request is coming. This can speed up their response time.
Update your address proof: If you’ve recently moved, make sure you have current address proof available.
Be available for the address verification visit: Coordinate with the field agent to schedule a convenient time.
Privacy and Data Protection
First Advantage follows strict data protection protocols. They only share verification results with the employer who commissioned the check. Your personal information isn’t sold or shared with third parties.
Under Indian data protection principles, you have the right to know what information is being collected and how it’s used. First Advantage provides clear consent forms explaining this before starting any verification.
All data is stored securely and deleted after the retention period required by law or contract.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does First Advantage background verification take in India?
The complete process typically takes 10-20 business days. Simple checks with fewer employers and straightforward documentation finish faster, while complex cases involving multiple past employers, detailed criminal checks, or slow-responding institutions can take up to a month. Most candidates see results within two to three weeks.
Can I start my job before background verification completes?
This depends entirely on the employer’s policy. Some companies allow new hires to start with a conditional offer while verification is ongoing. Others require complete clearance first. Check with your HR department about their specific policy. Roles in banking, security, or government typically require full verification before you begin work.
What happens if my previous company doesn’t respond to verification requests?
First Advantage makes multiple contact attempts through different channels. If they still can’t reach your former employer, they may ask you for alternative proof like salary slips, tax documents, or reference letters from colleagues. In some cases, they’ll report an “unable to verify” status, and the hiring company decides how to proceed.
Will First Advantage contact my current employer if I’m still working there?
Only if you give permission or if you’ve listed them as a reference. Standard practice is to verify past employment but not contact your current employer unless you’ve already resigned or specifically authorized it. Always clarify this with your recruiter when you receive the offer to avoid awkward situations.
What should I do if there’s an error in my verification report?
Contact First Advantage immediately through their portal or customer service. Provide supporting documents that prove the correct information. They’ll review your submission and update the report if your evidence is valid. Keep communication lines open with your prospective employer too, explaining the situation so they know you’re addressing the issue proactively.