Background Screening and the Fair Credit Reporting Act
2.0 HRCI Credits
2.0 SHRM PDCs

** Includes New Summary of Rights Notice Requirements and Revised Model Form (Effective September 2018)

This course helps the learner understand the importance of background screening, explains how to conduct effective background screening using in-house personnel or a Consumer Reporting Agency, and describes the practices necessary to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and other relevant laws.

TARGET AUDIENCE
Business Owners, Managers, Supervisors, Risk Management & HR Professionals

TIME TO COMPLETE
120 minutes

PURPOSE
The purpose of this course is to help the learner understand why, when, and how to conduct reference and background checks on prospective or current employees, effectively and legally.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this course, the learner will be able to:

• differentiate between reference checks and background investigations;
• apply the regulations of various employment laws, particularly the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), to situations in which reference checks and background investigations are conducted;
• identify the elements of an effective organizational policy on conducting reference checks and background investigations;
• identify the steps in conducting legally compliant reference checks and background investigations;
• recognize the situations in which other screening methods can be used in the employment context and when FCRA rules do not apply;
• identify the steps required when taking adverse action against employees; and
• describe the penalties for non-compliance with FCRA regulations.

TOPICS COVERED

1. Background Checks vs. Reference Checks
2. The many laws that affect background screening
3. Conducting reference and background checks
4. Other screening methods
5. Taking adverse action
6. Employer Liability

FORMS INCLUDED

• Letter of Recommendation
• Questions for Reference Checking
• Records Retention Chart
• Background Investigation Authorization and Release Form
• Applicant Reference Check Form
• Pre-Adverse Action Letter
• Reference Verification Form
• Authorization to Obtain Consumer Report
• A Summary of Your Rights
• Rejection Letter Based on Consumer Report

HR CERTIFICATION INSTITUTE
This Activity has been approved for 2.0 HR (General) recertification credit hours toward aPHR™, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®). The use of this official seal confirms that this Activity has met HR Certification Institute's® (HRCI®) criteria for recertification credit pre-approval.

SOCIETY FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
This Activity has been approved for 2.0 PDCs toward SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification. The Human Equation is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.