The Background Check Co. vs Certn
Choose The Background Check Co. if you want consultative employment screening, tailored packages and direct access to an account specialist; choose Certn if you need self-serve checks, published integrations or international coverage. Both sell employment background checks, but they differ most in how you set up and manage screening.
Last updated October 31, 2026.
At a glance
| Dimension | The Background Check Co. | Certn |
|---|---|---|
| ATS integrations and API | Not published | ATS integrations and background screening API |
| International checks | Not published | 200+ countries and territories |
| Occupational health | Drug and alcohol testing; physicals | Not published |
| Post-hire monitoring | Not published | Continuous Monitoring |
| Starting US criminal package | $9.99 per report | $13.99 per check; additional fees may apply |
| Package options | Published packages and custom packages | Self-serve packages and tailored enterprise solutions |
| Setup and minimum commitment | Not published | No setup fee or minimum commitment for self-serve |
| Screening platform | Client portal | Online dashboard and mobile candidate flow |
| Support | Call or chat with an account specialist | 24/7 support for clients and candidates |
| Identity checks | SSN trace in published packages | OneID biometric identity verification |
| Employment and education verification | Both offered | Both offered |
Scroll the table sideways to compare each row.
Which should you choose?
Choose The Background Check Co. if
- Employers seeking consultative, customized screening packages
- Teams that want to call or chat with an account specialist
- Employers needing drug and alcohol testing alongside background checks
Choose Certn if
- Teams seeking self-serve, pay-as-you-go screening
- Recruiters who want published ATS integrations or an API
- Employers screening candidates internationally
- Organizations seeking post-hire continuous monitoring
The verdict
The deciding factor is your workflow. The Background Check Co. is the better fit for employers that want to work with a screening team to shape their packages, particularly when occupational health services matter. Certn is the better fit for teams that want to start online, connect screening to an ATS or API, or check candidates internationally. Compare the checks included in a package before comparing its per-report price.
The Background Check Co. vs Certn: common questions
- Can I buy background checks from both companies?
- Yes. The Background Check Co. publishes per-report employment screening packages and invites employers to discuss custom packages. Certn offers self-serve screening and tailored enterprise solutions.
- Which has the lower advertised starting price?
- The Background Check Co. advertises a $9.99-per-report bare-bones employment check, while Certn lists its US Core Criminal Check at $13.99. The packages differ, and Certn says additional fees may apply.
- Which connects to an applicant tracking system?
- Certn publishes ATS integrations, including Greenhouse, Workday and Lever, as well as a background screening API. The Background Check Co. does not publish integration details on its website.
- Which supports international background checks?
- Certn advertises checks in more than 200 countries and territories. The Background Check Co. does not publish an international coverage figure on its website.
- Do either of them offer drug testing?
- The Background Check Co. advertises nationwide occupational health services, including drug and alcohol testing. Certn does not list drug testing among the products on its website.
- Can I start without a minimum commitment?
- Certn says its self-serve offering has no setup fee or minimum commitment. The Background Check Co. does not publish a minimum-commitment policy on its website.
- Which offers ongoing checks after hiring?
- Certn advertises Continuous Monitoring to re-check enrolled workforce screening results after hire. The Background Check Co. does not publish a comparable offering on its website.
- What support does each company advertise?
- The Background Check Co. invites customers to call or chat with an account specialist. Certn advertises 24/7 support for both clients and candidates.