Education verification confirms whether a candidate attended an institution, earned a degree or credential, and completed the program details represented to the employer. The process can be quick, but it is often slowed by incomplete candidate information or school-specific privacy procedures.
What to collect from the candidate
Collect the school name, campus location, name used while attending, dates attended, degree or certificate, major or program, graduation date, and student ID if the candidate has it. If the candidate changed names, collect the prior name.
Small details matter. A school may have multiple campuses, a university system may have similar names, and international schools may require additional documentation.
How verification usually works
Some schools use automated clearinghouses. Others require a registrar request. Some require a signed release, student ID, or candidate-provided documents. International verifications can require translation, local holidays, or direct institutional outreach.
The expected result should be documented clearly. For example: degree confirmed, dates confirmed but degree not confirmed, institution unable to verify, or record requires candidate documentation.
Common delays
The most common delays are name mismatch, incomplete date range, wrong campus, old records, school closures, unpaid student holds, international response time, and candidate documentation that is hard to authenticate.
If a delay occurs, the employer should know whether the delay is caused by the school, the candidate, or missing information from the original order.
How to reduce friction
Standardize the intake form. Ask for prior names. Warn candidates that school records may require exact details. Decide in advance whether unofficial documents can be used as interim support or whether only direct school confirmation is acceptable.
Information Direct treats education verification as a documented source workflow, not a guess. That helps employers distinguish between a true discrepancy and a verification that needs more time.