Sterling, or Sterling Check, is a comprehensive background screening provider with broad check types, global reach and deep compliance expertise. Founded in 1975, it offers a wide range of screens, criminal records, employment and education verification, identity, drug and health, and more, across many countries, serving mid market and enterprise organisations with the scale and compliance knowledge complex screening requires. With decades of experience and a focus on comprehensive, compliant screening, Sterling is a long established choice for organisations that need thorough background checks managed reliably. For comprehensive, global screening with strong compliance, Sterling is a leading provider.
Sterling's distinction is comprehensive screening combined with deep compliance expertise and global reach. Its broad check types and international coverage suit organisations with complex needs, and its long compliance experience helps navigate the strict, varied regulations screening involves. That comprehensiveness and compliance focus, backed by decades in the industry, set it apart, suiting mid market and enterprise organisations.
Sterling is best for mid market and enterprise organisations that need comprehensive, global background screening with strong compliance, across many check types and countries. It suits organisations with complex, high volume screening needs. It is a weaker fit for small businesses wanting the easiest, fastest, most affordable experience, where GoodHire, Checkr or ClearChecks fit better.
The core strengths are a broad range of checks, criminal, verifications, identity, drug and health, global coverage, and deep compliance expertise. Sterling offers ATS and HRIS integrations, industry specific screening, and the scale and service for complex programs. Its comprehensiveness, global reach and compliance knowledge are its defining advantages for mid market and enterprise organisations.
Sterling uses custom pricing with no public figures, based on volume, check types and global needs, requiring a quote, as is typical for comprehensive enterprise screening. There is no free tier. Because pricing is per check and volume based, total cost depends on hiring volume and the checks per candidate, with international and comprehensive checks costing more. Model your program and get a tailored quote via the Sterling site.
Sterling integrates with major applicant tracking systems and HRIS platforms, so organisations can order checks and manage results within their hiring systems, supporting high volume programs. Its integrations and global data network underpin its comprehensive, international screening, which is central to its value for mid market and enterprise organisations.
Compliance expertise is a signature strength: with decades of experience, Sterling helps organisations navigate the strict, varied regulations screening involves, across jurisdictions and industries, reducing risk. For organisations where compliant, thorough screening is critical, this compliance depth, alongside comprehensive checks, is a key reason to choose Sterling.
Sterling is comprehensive and capable, suiting 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 comprehensiveness and compliance, with turnaround and interface the main considerations versus newer providers.
For mid market and enterprise organisations that need comprehensive, global background screening with strong compliance, Sterling is a strong, established choice. The main caution is that its experience can be less modern than newer providers, so small businesses wanting ease, speed and affordability should consider GoodHire, Checkr or ClearChecks instead, but for comprehensive, compliant screening Sterling is a leader.
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