When it comes to verifying professional licenses, it’s important to understand the difference between professional license verification (PLV) and traditional employment screening.
Difference in Purpose: PLV vs. Employment Verification
Professional License Verification (PLV) ensures that professionals are legally authorized, qualified, and in good standing with the governing body, unlike traditional employment verification, which checks a candidate’s job history, criminal records, and education.
Traditional checks are usually one-time events and take 2-4 days1, whereas automated PLV provides instant results, enhancing operational efficiency and enabling quicker onboarding. Automated verification also allows for continuous monitoring, freeing up your team for higher-value work instead of managing the PLV process manually.
Professional License Verification | Employment Background Check | |
Purpose |
To ensure the licensee is legally authorized and qualified to perform the duties requiring a professional license.
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To confirm the candidate's employment history.
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Expertise in License Jurisdictions
Navigating different state regulations can be challenging. Each state has its own licensing boards and requirements. Automated providers know exactly where to look for each license and ensure accurate verification.
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Real-Time Data Access
Licenses are dynamic. They can expire, be revoked, or be suspended at any time. Automated providers offer real-time data updates, ensuring that the information is always current. Traditional background checks might rely on outdated or static data, which can lead to compliance issues.
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Ongoing Monitoring and Continuous Compliance
A license is dynamic. What is in good standing today may not be in good standing tomorrow. Continuous monitoring is essential to ensure ongoing compliance. Automation offers consistent monitoring services, keeping track of any changes in license status and providing an audit trail of when the last verification was performed. This reduces the risk of working with unlicensed professionals.
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Limitations of Traditional Background Checks
Traditional background checks are manual and a one-time process. They don’t account for the dynamic nature of professional licenses. This can lead to lapses in compliance and potential risks for the company.
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Choosing Automation
Choosing an automated provider for professional license verification offers several advantages over traditional background checks. With expertise in state regulations, real-time data access, and continuous monitoring, automated providers ensure compliance and efficiency. This specialized approach saves time with automation, reduces costs, maintains high compliance standards and eliminates risk.
1Indeed.com - How Long Do Pre-Employment Background Checks Take?