Screening matrix

Background checks by role: a practical screening matrix.

The right background check depends on what the person will do, what they can access, where they work, and which laws or client requirements apply.

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Start with role risk

Screening should be consistent for similar roles, but not every role needs the same checks. A thoughtful matrix helps avoid both under-screening and over-screening.

Identify access to money, vehicles, homes, vulnerable populations, regulated data, or secure facilities.
Decide which searches are required, conditional, or unnecessary.
Document why each search is job-related.

Add only what the role needs

Add-ons are useful when a role requires more than a package baseline. The goal is not the most expensive report; it is the right report for the role.

MVR for driving duties.
OIG/SAM for healthcare and federal contractor exposure.
Credit report for finance or fiduciary roles where legally permissible.
Education and employment verification for credential-sensitive positions.

Review state restrictions

State and local rules can affect criminal history timing, credit reports, marijuana testing, fair chance hiring, and adverse action. Review sensitive searches before rolling out a matrix nationwide.

California roles may require ICRAA-aware workflows.
Credit checks are restricted in many states and cities.
Ban-the-box and fair chance rules can affect when criminal history is considered.

Role-based starting points
Role	Starting point	Common add-ons
General office employee	Silver	Employment verification, education verification
Manager or senior hire	Gold or Platinum	Employment, education, references, civil records
Driver or field worker	Gold	MVR, drug screening, county scope based on address history
Finance or fiduciary role	Platinum	Employment credit where permissible, federal criminal
Healthcare role	Gold or Platinum	OIG/SAM, license verification, drug screening
Government contractor	Enterprise	OIG/SAM, federal criminal, documentation support

FAQ

Common questions

Should every role use the same background check?

Usually no. Similar roles should be treated consistently, but different roles may justify different checks.

Can we remove a search from a package?

Yes. Information Direct can help customize packages by role, department, location, or client requirement.

What is the safest way to build a matrix?

Define role families, document why each check is relevant, review state restrictions, and have counsel review sensitive categories.

Want help choosing the right checks?

Use the buyer guides, compare package pricing, or ask our team to help scope a role-specific screening matrix.

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