Differences Between Pre-Employment and Ongoing Screening
How Differences Between Pre-Employment and Ongoing Screening
Pre-employment and ongoing
are two important aspects of employee background checks. While both processes are designed to protect businesses from potential risks, they have distinct differences in their purpose, scope, and frequency.
Pre-Employment Screening
Pre-employment screening, also known as background checks, is a process that involves verifying the information provided by a job applicant. This typically includes checking their criminal history, employment history, education, and professional licenses. The goal of pre-employment screening is to ensure that the candidate is qualified for the position and that they are honest about their qualifications.
Ongoing Screening
Ongoing screening, also known as continuous screening or re-screening, is a process that involves periodically checking the background of current employees. This may include checking for new criminal charges, changes in employment history, or other relevant information. The goal of ongoing screening is to identify any potential risks that may have arisen since the employee was first hired.
Key Differences
There are several key differences between pre-employment and ongoing screening:
- Purpose: Pre-employment screening is used to make hiring decisions, while ongoing screening is used to monitor current employees for potential risks.
- Scope: Pre-employment screening typically focuses on the applicant’s past, while ongoing screening may also include monitoring for changes in the employee’s present circumstances.
- Frequency: Pre-employment screening is a one-time process, while ongoing screening is typically conducted on a periodic basis.
- Legal Considerations: There are different legal considerations for pre-employment and ongoing screening. For example, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) applies to both types of screening, but there are additional regulations that may apply to ongoing screening, such as the Drug-Free Workplace Act.
Benefits of Pre-Employment and Ongoing Screening
Both pre-employment and ongoing screening can provide significant benefits to businesses. These benefits include:
- Reduced Risk: By identifying potential risks early on, businesses can reduce their exposure to liability.
- Improved Hiring Decisions: Pre-employment screening can help businesses make more informed hiring decisions.
- Enhanced Workplace Safety: Ongoing screening can help to identify employees who may pose a threat to the safety of other employees or customers.
- Increased Productivity: By ensuring that employees are qualified and trustworthy, businesses can improve productivity and morale.
Conclusion
Pre-employment and ongoing screening are both important tools for businesses to manage risk and protect their assets. By understanding the differences between these two types of screening, businesses can make informed decisions about how to best protect their organization.
Additional Resources
- [Pre-Employment Screening: Your Comprehensive Guide [2025]]([invalid URL removed])
- Pre-employment screening vs re-screening: What employers need to know [invalid URL removed]
- The Importance Of Pre-Employment Screening In Modern Hiring [invalid URL removed]