Public Records Search

Verify candidates by searching thousands of global sources with Certn’s Softcheck. In just a few seconds, you’ll be able to green light hires or action red flags.

Turnaround Time: Instant
Recommended for: Employers for high seniority roles
Cost: $9.99*
*Contact us to explore larger-scale packages and customized pricing. Pricing is subject to change.

Drive your hiring decisions with global records.

Comprehensively cross-reference candidates.
Check a person’s name against thousands of global databases. With Certn’s online public records search, no stone is left unturned.

Build a safe and trustworthy workforce.
Certn checks a candidate’s name against thousands of databases from sex offender registries to politically exposed persons lists to regulatory violations records.

Be diligent in global hiring.
Done alongside other background checks, Certn helps mitigate your risk of workplace safety issues, compliance, and financial liabilities.

Which Public Records Does this Search?

Fraud Searches

Identify theft, embezzlement, scams, insider trading, securities fraud, and more.

Negative Press

News, forums, and other open sources.

Global Sanctions

Lists such as Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) and Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

Court Records

Crimes against person or property or statutory crimes.

Sex Offender Registries

Domestic and international sex offender registries.

Terrorist Registries

International anti-terrorist watchlists.

Public record checks as simple as 1, 2, 3.

Certn is the easiest way to check your candidates’ backgrounds. There’s no setup fees, no minimums, and no hassle.

1. Select your relevant checks
Pick the products you need — and skip the ones you don’t.

2. Candidates complete checks online
A secure, encrypted link begins the verification process.

3. Your detailed verification report gets created
Results are consolidated and sent for your review.

FAQs

What is a public records check?
Softcheck is a search of thousands of international data sources for identification of potential illegal behaviour, incidents of fraud, regulatory violations, and negative media information. This service also includes searches of country sanction lists, politically exposed persons lists, sex offender registries, terrorist registries, and most wanted lists from around the world.

What do I need to run a public records check?
To send a public records check to an applicant, all you need is the applicant’s name and email. Of course, they’ll have to consent to the background check like all other checks!

What is the process?
The process for the candidate is simple. Here’s how it works:

1. A secure link is emailed to the person.
2. The person consents to the check and inputs their information.
3. Certn’s technology scans public databases and documents findings in a report.

How long does it take?
After the candidate successfully submits their information, public records search results are available in minutes. Turnaround times may be instant if the results come back clear. In some cases where the information needs to be verified, it could take a few days.

Our customers love our comprehensive background checks

Since switching to Certn we have been able to speed up our hiring process by about 3 weeks compared to our previous background check vendor. Certn has also helped be the base for us to go to a more virtual hiring process.

Human Resources Specialist, G2 Reviewer

Not only is the platform easy to use for all audiences, but the internal support system is beyond what we could have imagined.

Suzy Ko, Talent Acquisition Leader, ATB Financial

Candidates can use the service on their smartphones and get through the process in about 15 minutes. It’s also a slick-looking branded interface for employee prospects.

Health & Safety Compliance Manager, G2 Reviewer

Certn makes background screening easy

01

The World’s Easiest Background Checks

Certn uses automation and AI to deliver instant verifications and industry-leading turnaround times.

02

Streamline Background Checks at Scale

Simplify your hiring workflow by integrating Certn’s global API with your ATS.

03

Navigate Compliance with Ease

Easily comply with regional and industry laws with automated compliance tools like built-in consent forms. Our experts have over 30 years of industry experience.

04

Top-Rated Usability and Support

Impress new hires with a mobile-friendly, online experience with in-region help along the way as needed.