Our team at Employment Screening Services is committed to helping companies around the country better understand the ins and outs of WHY background checks are important. This blog serves as a means of providing information for HR professionals, executives, leadership, owners, and whoever else to see a bit behind the curtain to see that the background check process isn’t only a box to check, but a significant aspect of maintaining a successful business, and reputation.
Today on the blog we wanted to talk specifically on the topic of Education Verification, and talk about why it’s important in 2022.
What Is an Education Verification?
There are many different types of background checks for different reasons, and education verification or education background check is what it sounds like, a fact check of a potential hire’s education history. Depending on your industry, there may be different levels of educational qualification necessary to be hired, or in many cases, to be certified to legally hold the job.
What Shows Up on an Education Background Check?
Different industries require different levels of search based on compliance and regulations, but a baseline few items that may show up on an education background check may be:
- High School Diploma(s)
- Associates & Undergrad Degrees
- Graduate Degrees
- Dates of Attendance
- Institutions Attended
- Certifications and Licenses
Some additional information that employers may request if relevant include but are not limited to:
- GPA
- Honors Earned
- Awards or Milestones
- Professional References.
So Why Run an Education Background Verification?
Many jobs in today’s landscape require some level of education, whether that be a GED, High school diploma, or any level of degree. Specialized industries require specialized background checks, but education verification provides evidence that the individual applying for the role is properly trained and prepared to carry the responsibility of the role.
In addition to ensuring you are making the RIGHT hire, education verification is one of many examples of how a background check can help your organization keep a good reputation. The wrong hire could cost you money in the form of rehiring, retraining, lawsuits, or fines.
With the advancement of databases and background check ingenuity, scam artists have also evolved. In 2022 it is estimated there is as many as 50,000 Ph. Ds purchased illegally a YEAR.
How?
What Are Diploma Mills?
It has become easier for scam candidates to provide illegitimate or forged credentials and commit academic fraud. Modern tech has made it simpler than ever to purchase a fake degree, that the average person wouldn’t think twice about.
Diploma Mills are the common definition for a business that sells these false credentials.
According to the NY Times, roughly 3,300 diploma mills exist. Academic fraud shouldn’t be taken lightly by employers. Verifying academic history ensures your candidate is not only qualified but honest and holds the level of integrity their paperwork claims.
As an employer, help yourself feel confident in your hiring decisions by providing new hires with a comprehensive background check program. If you have any questions about your current protocol for background screening, or you are interested in learning more about our services, please don’t hesitate to reach out via our contact form or give us a call. We are always available to help professionals and business owners better understand the employment screening process.
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