Certn vs GoodHire
Choose Certn if you want a lower-priced entry criminal check or screening for a global workforce; choose GoodHire if drug testing and a broad menu of employment screening services are central to your program. This comparison is worth publishing because both vendors currently offer employer background checks, with published pricing and ways to get started. Their entry packages cover different searches, so compare what each check includes rather than price alone.
Last updated October 26, 2026.
At a glance
| Dimension | Certn | Goodhire |
|---|---|---|
| Entry US criminal-check package | US Core: $13.99; applicable county and access fees extra | Basic: from $29.99 per check; third-party fees may apply |
| Published package prices | US Core $13.99; Complete $49.99; Complete+ $79.99 | Basic from $29.99; Essential $59.99; Complete $94.99 per check |
| International screening | Checks using sources in 200+ countries and territories | International checks for candidates in the US or abroad |
| Drug testing | Not published | Employment drug screening |
| Social media checks | Published at $42.99 | Not published |
| Screening options | Standard packages and tailored enterprise solutions | 100+ services; standard and custom packages |
| ATS and HRIS integrations | Prebuilt integrations; included for clients | Prebuilt ATS and HRIS integrations |
| Developer integration | Background screening API | REST API, sandbox, and webhooks; integration fee required |
| Platform access | Certn dashboard or integrated ATS | GoodHire dashboard and mobile-optimized candidate results |
| Post-hire monitoring | Continuous monitoring | Ongoing Alerts add-on |
| Support | Help center and 24/7 API support | FCRA-certified support team and developer support |
Scroll the table sideways to compare each row.
Which should you choose?
Choose Certn if
- Teams seeking a $13.99 entry US criminal-check package
- Employers screening across multiple countries and territories
- Clients wanting prebuilt ATS integrations without an added integration charge
- Teams needing published social media screening options
Choose Goodhire if
- Employers combining background checks with drug testing
- Teams choosing from more than 100 screening options
- Buyers wanting Basic, Essential, and Complete package prices
- Developers needing a documented API sandbox and webhooks
The verdict
Certn is the better fit for teams that prioritize its $13.99 US Core package, international screening, or prebuilt integrations included for clients. GoodHire is the better fit for teams that need drug testing alongside background checks or want to choose from more than 100 published screening options. The deciding factor is the mix of checks you need: both vendors offer international checks, ATS integrations, APIs, and custom screening programs.
Certn vs Goodhire: common questions
- Can businesses still sign up for both Certn and GoodHire?
- Yes. Certn publishes a business sign-up path, and GoodHire continues to publish employer pricing and a GoodHire sign-up form. GoodHire is a Checkr company, but its employer offering is still presented under the GoodHire name.
- Which has the lower published starting price?
- Certn lists its US Core Criminal Check at $13.99; GoodHire lists its Basic package from $29.99 per check. They include different searches, and additional fees may apply.
- Do Certn and GoodHire both offer international background checks?
- Yes. Certn advertises checks using sources in more than 200 countries and territories. GoodHire lists international screening for candidates with international backgrounds in the US or abroad. Available searches and costs depend on the location and check.
- Which offers drug testing?
- GoodHire lists employment drug screening among its services. Certn does not publish drug testing in the product information reviewed for this comparison.
- Do both integrate with hiring software?
- Yes. Certn and GoodHire both publish prebuilt ATS integrations and background screening APIs. Certn says its integrations are included for clients; GoodHire says its API integration requires a fee.
- Can either vendor screen employees after they are hired?
- Certn lists continuous monitoring for its workforce screening offering. GoodHire describes Ongoing Alerts as an add-on for certain post-hire searches. Confirm the specific records and enrollment terms with the vendor.
- Can I order checks without building an integration?
- Yes. Certn says employers can order and track checks in its dashboard without an integration. GoodHire also provides a dashboard for managing background checks.