First Advantage

What is First Advantage?

First Advantage is a large scale, global background screening provider built for high volume programs. Founded in 2003 and expanded through acquisitions including Sterling, it offers extensive screening, criminal records, verifications, drug testing, driving records and more, across many countries, with the scale, technology and compliance to support very large, high volume hiring programs. Serving major enterprises, it emphasises the capacity to screen huge numbers of candidates reliably and compliantly worldwide. For enterprises running extensive, high volume, global screening, First Advantage is a leading provider.

First Advantage's distinction is its scale and global capacity for high volume screening. Built to handle very large programs across many countries, it combines breadth of checks with the technology and compliance infrastructure that major enterprises need to screen at scale. That high volume, global focus, strengthened by its scale, sets it apart, suiting the largest organisations with extensive screening needs.

Who First Advantage is best for

First Advantage is best for large enterprises that run extensive, high volume, global screening programs and need the scale, technology and compliance to screen many candidates reliably worldwide. It suits the largest organisations with complex, high volume needs. It is a weaker fit for small and mid sized businesses wanting ease, speed and affordability, where GoodHire, Checkr or ClearChecks fit better.

Key features

The core strengths are extensive check types, global coverage, and the scale and technology for very high volume screening, with compliance across jurisdictions. First Advantage offers ATS and HRIS integrations, industry specific solutions, and post hire or continuous screening. Its capacity for large scale, global, high volume programs, with breadth and compliance, is its defining advantage for major enterprises.

First Advantage pricing

First Advantage uses custom pricing with no public figures, based on volume, check types and global needs, requiring a quote, as is typical for large scale enterprise screening. There is no free tier. Because pricing is per check and volume based, total cost depends on the large hiring volumes and checks involved, with volume pricing negotiated. Model your program and get a tailored quote via the First Advantage site.

Integrations and ecosystem

First Advantage integrates with major applicant tracking systems and HRIS platforms, so large enterprises can order and manage checks within their hiring systems at scale, supporting high volume programs. Its integrations, global data network and technology infrastructure underpin its large scale, international screening, central to its enterprise value.

First Advantage and scale

Scale is First Advantage's signature: it is built to screen very large numbers of candidates across many countries reliably and compliantly, which the biggest employers and high volume hirers need. For enterprises running extensive, global screening programs where capacity and reliability at scale are paramount, this large scale focus is the main reason to choose First Advantage.

Ease of use and support

First Advantage is built for scale and comprehensiveness, suiting large organisations with complex needs, though like other established providers its experience can be less modern than newer, tech first tools, so experience varies. Its G2 reviews praise scale and coverage, with turnaround and interface the main considerations versus newer providers.

Is First Advantage worth it?

For large enterprises running extensive, high volume, global screening programs that need scale, technology and compliance, First Advantage is a strong, capable choice. The main caution is that its experience can be less modern than newer providers and it targets the largest organisations, so small and mid sized businesses should consider GoodHire, Checkr or ClearChecks instead.