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What Is Background Check Adjudication?

Updated this week

Adjudication is the step where you, as an employer, review a candidate's background check results and decide how they impact your hiring decision. While Yardstik gathers the necessary information, it's up to you to interpret the findings and determine the next steps.


⚖️ Why Is Adjudication Important?

  • Risk Management: Helps identify potential issues that could pose risks to your company.

  • Consistency: Ensures every candidate is evaluated using the same criteria, promoting fairness.

  • Compliance: Aligns your hiring decisions with laws like the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), Fair Change, "Ban the Box" regulations, and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).


🔍 Understanding Adjudication Statuses

  • Clear: No records found; or no records found which would prevent hiring; you can proceed with hiring.

  • Consider: Some findings need your attention. You can:

    • Proceed: Decide the findings aren't disqualifying and move forward.

    • Initiate Pre-Adverse Action: Notify the candidate about potential disqualification, giving them a chance to respond.

    • Adverse Action: After considering any candidate responses, you may choose not to proceed with hiring.


⚙️ Manual vs. Automated Adjudication

  • Manual: You review each flagged result individually.

  • Automated: You set predefined rules (e.g., overlook minor traffic violations). This approach saves time and maintains consistency.


🧩 Building an Adjudication Matrix

An adjudication matrix is a guideline that helps you make consistent decisions. To create one, use the Yardstik template to:

  1. Identify Non-Issues: Determine which findings (like minor infractions) won't affect hiring decisions.

  2. Define Reviewable Issues: Specify which findings require further consideration.

  3. Set Timeframes: Consider how the age of an offense impacts its relevance.

  4. Partner with Experts: As experts in background screening, Yardstik can help apply an adjudication matrix to the public record results reported in a background check. If there are questions about specific charges, how adjudication works, or how to set up a matrix that fits organizational policies, the Yardstik team is available to help. For support or to request a sample matrix, contact [email protected].



By understanding and implementing a structured adjudication process, you can make informed, fair, and legally compliant hiring decisions.

For a more in-depth look, you can read the full article here: Background Check Adjudication: Definition, Guide, and Best Practices

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