Why It’s Important to Find PBSA Accredited Companies for Your Screening Solutions

Industry Information | May 17, 2022

Is there a benefit to using PBSA accredited companies for contractor background screening? Keep reading to learn more about this accreditation, and why using an accredited company like PlusOne Solutions works to your advantage. 

Conducting background checks helps to keep work environments safe while reducing operational, legal, and reputational risks for your organization. But with all the options out there, what’s the best way to find a screening provider to work with? There are a few strategies that you can use to narrow down your search, including looking specifically for PBSA accredited companies like PlusOne Solutions.

What is the PBSA? 

The PBSA, or Professional Background Screening Association, is a non-profit trade association founded in 2003. Over the decades, this association has grown into a global organization. It was established to protect the interests of companies that offer background screening services and to promote a high level of ethics and performance standards across the screening industry. 

Many member companies of the PBSA in the United States are defined as ‘Consumer Reporting Agencies (CRAs)’ pursuant to the FCRA (Fair Credit Reporting Act) and are regulated by the CFPB (Consumer Financial Protection Bureau) and FTC (Federal Trade Commission). 

The core values of the PBSA and the companies that are accredited by it include:

• Ethics and integrity
• Advancement of knowledge
• Collaboration
• Compliance

What is PBSA Accreditation?

Companies that are accredited by the PBSA adhere to a rigorous and comprehensive set of professional standards. The Background Screening Agency Accreditation Program (BSAAP) has become a widely recognized seal of approval that brings recognition to a Consumer Reporting Agency for its commitment to accountability, excellence, high professional standards, and continued improvement. This highly sought-after distinction is held by less than 6 percent of Consumer Reporting Agencies in the United States.

To qualify for this accreditation, agencies must pass rigorous, ongoing desk and onsite audits of their policies and procedures and adhere to the requirements and standards of the PBSA. The Background Screening Agency Accreditation Program has provided a detailed and comprehensive process for both evaluating and improving internal operating procedures that benefit every CRA and its clients. 

An accredited CRA, like PlusOne Solutions, has made the commitment to upholding the highest level of industry standards in the following areas:

• Information Security
• Client Education
• Researcher and Data Standards
• Legal and Compliance
• Verification Services Standards
• Business Practices

Once a CRA receives accreditation, it is valid for a period of 5 years with a confirmation of compliance at 3 years. After the five years have passed, they must again complete the accreditation process if they wish to maintain it. 

Why is it Important to Find PBSA Accredited Companies for Screening Services?

This accreditation is a testament to the commitment that we have to provide excellent service that is built on integrity and accountability. At PlusOne Solutions, we serve your organization expertly, precisely, and efficiently with our full range of compliance solutions. Contact us today to learn more about our screening services.

Contents are provided for information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Users are reminded to seek legal counsel with respect to their obligations and use of PlusOne Solutions services.

About PlusOne Solutions

PlusOne Solutions has been an industry leader in the risk management field by specializing in compliance programs that meet the complex challenges of geographically dispersed contractors, vendors, and employee networks. PlusOne Solutions protects companies from possible financial, legal, and reputational risks associated with contractor and vendor relationships while creating safer work environments. To learn more, visit https://www.PlusOneSolutions.net.