A Sterling Check Is a Third-Party Verification of Your Background

A Sterling Check is a background report prepared by Sterling Talent Solutions, a company that screens job candidates, tenants, and other individuals on behalf of employers, landlords, and organizations. When someone orders a Sterling Check on you, Sterling collects information from public records, court databases, previous employers, and consumer reporting agencies, then compiles it into a single report.

You may encounter a Sterling Check when explore for a job, renting an apartment, or explore for a loan. The organization requesting the check pays Sterling to do the work — you do not pay Sterling directly. Sterling then sends the completed report to whoever ordered it, and that organization uses it to make a decision about you.

Sterling Checks are one of many background screening products available. Other companies like Checkr, GoodHire, and Equifax also run background checks, but Sterling is one of the largest and most commonly used by employers and landlords.

Key Takeaways

  • A Sterling Check is ordered and paid for by an employer, landlord, or organization — not by you — and the results go to them, not to you.
  • Sterling collects information from public records, court records, previous employers, and credit bureaus to build a report on your background.
  • You have the right to know that a Sterling Check has been ordered on you, and you can request a copy of the report to see what it says.
  • If information in a Sterling Check is wrong, you can dispute it with Sterling and ask them to correct or remove it.
  • Sterling must follow federal law (the Fair Credit Reporting Act) when collecting and reporting information, which includes notifying you and giving you a chance to respond to findings.

What Information Sterling Collects

Sterling gathers several types of information depending on what the ordering organization requested. A typical Sterling Check includes criminal history from county and state court records, civil judgments and liens, sex offender registry checks, and employment history verification by contacting your previous employers directly.

Sterling may also pull information from consumer credit reports (though not your credit score itself), check for eviction records, verify your education credentials, and run motor vehicle records if the job involves driving. Some checks include reference calls to people you list as former supervisors or colleagues.

The scope varies. An employer hiring for a position that handles money might request a more detailed check than a retailer hiring a cashier. A landlord screening tenants typically requests criminal history, eviction records, and rental payment history. You should receive notice of what will be checked before Sterling begins.

Your Rights When a Sterling Check Is Ordered

Federal law (the Fair Credit Reporting Act, or FCRA) requires that Sterling notify you before running a background check. This notification usually comes as a separate document you sign or check a box to acknowledge. The notice must tell you that a background check will happen and that you have rights under the FCRA.

You have the right to request a copy of your Sterling Check report. If you believe information in the report is wrong — a criminal conviction that was dismissed, an employer you never worked for, a name misspelling — you can dispute it. Sterling must investigate your dispute within a reasonable time and correct or remove information that cannot be verified.

If Sterling reports information that leads to an adverse decision (you are not hired, not rented to, not approved for a loan), the organization that ordered the check must tell you that a background report was used and provide you with Sterling's contact information so you can request a copy and dispute errors.

How to Request Your Sterling Check Report

To see what Sterling has on file about you, contact Sterling Talent Solutions directly. You can request your report through their consumer disclosure portal or by mail. Sterling is required to provide your report at no cost if you request it within 60 days of receiving notice that a background check was ordered on you.

When you request your report, Sterling will ask you to verify your identity — usually by providing your name, date of birth, and Social Security number. Once verified, Sterling will send you a copy of the report they compiled. The report will show what information they found, what sources they used, and any notes from employers or references they contacted.

Review the report carefully. Look for spelling errors in your name, incorrect dates, jobs you did not hold, or criminal records that do not belong to you. These errors are common and can be corrected.

Disputing Errors in Your Sterling Check Report

If you find an error, contact Sterling in writing and explain what is wrong. Include copies of documents that support your claim — a letter from an employer confirming you never worked there, a court document showing a case was dismissed, or a name change certificate if there is a name mismatch.

Sterling must investigate your dispute and contact the source of the information (usually a court, employer, or database) to verify whether the information is accurate. If the source cannot confirm the information, Sterling must remove it or correct it. Sterling will send you the results of their investigation in writing.

If Sterling's investigation does not resolve the dispute to your satisfaction, you have the right to add a statement to your file explaining your side. This statement will be included in future reports Sterling sends out about you.

What Happens After Sterling Sends Your Report

Once Sterling completes your report, they send it to the organization that ordered it — the employer, landlord, or lender. That organization then reviews the report and decides whether to move forward with you. Sterling does not make the decision; they only provide the information.

If the organization decides not to hire you, not to rent to you, or not to approve your loan based on information in the Sterling Check, they must tell you this happened and provide you with Sterling's contact information. This is called an "adverse action notice." You then have the right to request your report from Sterling and dispute any errors.

Sterling keeps your report on file. If the same organization or a different one orders another check on you later, Sterling may use some of the same information they already collected, though they will also pull updated records from courts and databases.

How Sterling Checks Differ From Other Background Screening Companies

Sterling is large and widely used, but they are not the only background screening company. Checkr, GoodHire, Accurate Background, and others offer similar services. The main differences are in which databases they access, how quickly they return reports, and which industries they focus on.

All background screening companies must follow the same federal law (the FCRA), so your rights are the same regardless of which company runs your check. You can always request a copy of the report, dispute errors, and receive notice before a check is run.

Some companies specialize in certain industries — Sterling has a strong presence in healthcare and corporate hiring, while others focus on gig economy work or rental screening. The organization ordering your check chooses which company to use based on their needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see my Sterling Check report before the employer or landlord sees it?

No. Sterling sends the completed report directly to the organization that ordered it. However, you can request your own copy from Sterling at any time, and you should receive it at no cost if you request it within 60 days of being notified that a check was ordered.

How long does a Sterling Check take?

Most Sterling Checks are completed within three to five business days, though some can take longer if Sterling needs to contact employers or if court records are delayed. The organization that ordered your check can tell you how long they expect to wait.

Will a Sterling Check show my credit score?

No. Sterling may pull information from your credit file (like late payments or collections accounts), but they do not report your credit score itself. Your credit score is separate and is only used by lenders and credit card companies.

What if Sterling has information about someone else with my name?

This happens occasionally, especially with common names. When you request your report, review it carefully for information that does not match your life — different dates of birth, jobs in cities where you never lived, or criminal records you know are not yours. Dispute these items in writing with Sterling and provide documentation showing the information belongs to someone else.

Can I remove information from my Sterling Check report?

You can remove information only if it is inaccurate or cannot be verified. You cannot remove accurate information, even if it is negative. For example, if you have a criminal conviction, Sterling can report it. If you have a civil judgment against you, Sterling can report that too — unless the judgment was satisfied or dismissed, in which case you can dispute it.