Accurate Background vs Sterling

Accurate Background

• ✓Hybrid automated and human review reduces errors and false positives
• ✓Among the fastest turnaround times for court-verified criminal checks
• ✓Proactive compliance updates keep employers current on ban-the-box and other laws
• ✓Continuous monitoring option for ongoing workforce risk management
• ✓Strong mid-market focus with dedicated support teams

Sterling

• ✓Truly global coverage across 240+ countries for international hiring
• ✓Deep enterprise integrations with Workday, SAP SuccessFactors, and Oracle HCM
• ✓PBSA-accredited with SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 certifications
• ✓Full-service health and drug screening network included
• ✓Dedicated account management and implementation support for enterprise clients

Accurate Background

• !Human review element can add time for complex multi-state criminal searches
• !Pricing requires a sales call — not self-service transparent pricing
• !International checks are less comprehensive than pure enterprise providers
• !Some integrations require technical support to configure

Sterling

• !Pricing is enterprise-focused and not transparent — requires custom quotes
• !Complex implementation can take weeks for large enterprise deployments
• !Less suitable for small businesses due to minimum volume requirements
• !Some users report the self-service portal UI feels dated

Accurate Background

• →Mid-market employer wanting fast, accurate criminal checks with court verification
• →Company with ongoing workforce that needs continuous monitoring for criminal activity
• →HR team needing proactive guidance on changing state background check laws

Sterling

• →Enterprise HR team running background checks across multiple countries
• →Large organization needing deep Workday or SAP integration for automated screening
• →Healthcare or finance company requiring regulated-industry compliance certifications

Accurate Background

Accurate Background is a PBSA-accredited background screening provider that differentiates itself through a hybrid approach combining automated database searches with expert human review for complex records. This results in highly accurate, court-verified reports that reduce false positives and ensure compliance. The platform serves organizations of all sizes with comprehensive employment screening, continuous monitoring, drug testing, and identity verification. Accurate is particularly well-regarded for its turnaround speed on standard packages and its proactive compliance updates that help employers navigate changing state and local laws.

Sterling

Sterling is a global background screening provider serving thousands of enterprise clients across more than 240 countries and territories. The platform offers comprehensive employment screening services including criminal records, international checks, employment and education verification, drug and health screening, and identity verification. Sterling's deep integrations with enterprise HR systems like Workday, SAP, and Oracle make it a go-to choice for large multinational organizations. The company is PBSA-accredited and holds multiple security certifications, making it suitable for regulated industries such as finance, healthcare, and government contracting.