Each year, employers in the United States request millions of background checks to assist with critical hiring decisions. These reports, which are categorized as consumer reports, are regulated at both the federal and state level. Universal is among a select few screening firms to achieve accreditation through the NAPBS program, in conjunction with other distinctions such as software certification through the HR-XML Consortium, Safe Harbor Certification for the proper transfer of international information, and top scores for customer service in a national survey conducted by HRO Today magazine.

Since its inception, NAPBS believed that there was a strong need for a singular, cohesive industry standard and therefore created the Background Screening Agency Accreditation Program. Governed by a strict professional standard composed of requirements and measurements, the accreditation program stands as a seal of approval, signifying a background screening organization’s commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards and continued institutional improvement.

“As a founding member of NAPBS, Universal Background Screening has been a long-time advocate for industry best practices,” said Kevin Olson, Chairman and CEO of Universal Background Screening. “Our company has consistently delivered the highest quality, compliant background check services to our clients. Now, with this formal recognition as an accredited company, the quality experience of our customers has been independently validated.”

The NAPBS Background Screening Credentialing Council oversees the application process and is the governing accreditation body that will ensure the background screening organizations seeking accreditation meet or exceed a measurable standard of competence. To become accredited, consumer reporting agencies must pass a rigorous onsite audit, conducted by an independent auditing firm, of its policies and procedures as they relate to six critical areas: consumer protection, legal compliance, client education, product standards, service standards, and general business practices.

Founded in 2003 as a non-profit trade association, the National Association of Professional Background Screeners represents the interests of more than 700 member companies around the world that offer tenant, employment and background screening. NAPBS provides relevant programs and training aimed at empowering members to better serve clients and maintain standards of excellence in the background screening industry, and presents a unified voice in the development of national, state and local regulations. For more information about the accreditation program, including a copy of the standard, policies, procedures and measurements, please visit www.napbs.com.