by Marc Feinberg, 2019 IN SEARCH OF EXCELLENCE IN BACKGROUND SCREENING: BEST PRACTICE INSIGHTS FROM ACCREDITED BACKGROUND SCREENING FIRMS – PREEMPLOYMENTDIRECTORY.COM
What is NAPBS Accreditation?
The National Association of Professional Background Screeners offers an accreditation program for Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs) located in the United States. Governed by a strict and thorough set of professional standards of specified requirements and measurements, the Background Screening Agency Accreditation Program (BSAAP) has become a widely recognized seal of approval bringing national recognition to an employment background screening-affiliated organization for its commitment to achieving excellence through high professional standards with accountability that results in continued institutional improvement.
The BSAAP provides a detailed process for evaluating and improving internal operating procedures that every CRA, and their clients, benefit from. Accredited CRAs have made a commitment to uphold and deliver the highest level of industry standards for the following critical areas:
The BSAAP provides a detailed process for evaluating and improving internal operating procedures that every CRA, and their clients, benefit from. Accredited CRAs have made a commitment to uphold and deliver the highest level of industry standards for the following critical areas:
Consumer Protection
Legal Compliance
Client Education
Researcher and Data Product Standards
Verification Service Standards
General Business Practices
To become accredited firms must demonstrate initial and ongoing compliance with the accreditation standard as prepared by the Background Screening Credentialing Council (BSCC). Compliance is demonstrated through rigorous desk and on-site audits, all of which are completed by an independent third-party auditor. Firms must document each of their policies and processes as required in each of the areas within the Standard and demonstrate visible compliance with their policies to the auditor. Accreditation lasts for a period of five years, after which time firms are required to recomplete the process if they wish to remain accredited.
Why is the Accreditation Program Important to Employers?
The NAPBS accreditation program was created for two primary purposes:1
1. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) indicated to the association that it would like to see more regulation of CRAs. Industry regulation typically comes from either the government or an internal accreditation effort.
2. Around the same time, NAPBS members themselves recognized the widely varying processes and standards in the industry. Employers were uncertain about best practices and, without specific industry knowledge, wanted assistance in qualifying CRAs.
Accredited firms have agreed to abide by industry best practices as defined by the Background Screening Credentialing Council (BSCC). They have documented these practices and they have demonstrated adherence through both desk and onsite audits by an independent auditor.
1 Source: NAPBS.com