Sterling background checks typically take between 1 to 3 business days to complete for standard criminal and public record searches, with about 90% of these checks finishing within one business day

. Education, employment, and credential verifications usually take longer, around 3 to 5 business days, because they require contacting former employers and educational institutions

. However, the total time can vary significantly depending on several factors:

• The number and type of verifications requested (e.g., criminal, employment, education, drug testing)

• Geographic location and jurisdiction, especially if records are overseas or in areas with slower record access

• Court closures or delays in obtaining records

• The responsiveness of references or institutions contacted for verification

• Whether drug testing is included, which can add a few days depending on the lab and test type

Some users report turnaround times ranging from as fast as under a day for criminal checks to several weeks for complex or international checks

. Drug testing, if required, can take up to 5 business days but sometimes as fast as the next day

. In summary, a typical Sterling background check takes about 1 to 5 business days, but it can take longer depending on the complexity of the checks and external factors. For most cases, expect about 3 business days on average