Do Online Background Checks Include GPA?

Online background checks are a common practice in the hiring process, providing valuable insights into a candidate's past and educational history. However, the scope of information these checks provide varies. One key question often arises: do these checks include GPA data or only basic details like educational institutions and dates of attendance?

What Information Do Typical Online Background Checks Include?

Typical online background checks usually focus on the university attended, dates of attendance, and degrees earned. This ensures that hiring managers have a clear picture of the candidate's educational background. However, specific GPA information is generally not included in these checks because it is considered sensitive data.

Why Exclude GPA Information?

GPA represents a personal academic record and is often regarded as confidential information. Employers typically require explicit permission from candidates to access this detail. Additionally, some educational institutions have policies against sharing GPA information without student consent.

Exceptions: Our Background Checks Include Transcript Requests

Not all online background checks are the same. Some services offer more comprehensive checks, including transcript requests. With these detailed checks, individual course grades as well as the overall GPA become visible along with the dates and degrees granted. This level of detail can be invaluable for certain hiring decisions, especially in fields that require a specific academic performance.

Limits and Protections

Although detailed background checks provide comprehensive insights, it is crucial to have clear boundaries. All background checks should provide the information requested by hiring managers, unless there is a compelling reason to withhold some sensitive information. GPA is no exception; it is an academic record meant to stand with honesty and transparency.

Handling Sensitive Information

In some cases, sensitive information like GPA may be discussed over a phone call rather than being shared online. This precaution ensures that such information is handled with the necessary care. Employers often need a good reason to withhold this information, such as cases where a candidate might be dishonest about their academic performance.

Make Academic Honesty a Priority

A GPA is a reflection of a candidate's academic journey. It is not something to be hidden or deceptive about. Open communication and transparency in sharing academic records are key principles in the hiring process. By ensuring that employers have access to accurate and detailed academic information, we can promote a culture of honesty and integrity in the job market.

Conclusion

In summary, while typical online background checks may not include specific GPA information, more detailed checks can provide this insight along with course grades and degree details. The handling of sensitive information like GPA should be approached with care, ensuring that it is shared only when necessary and with the candidate's consent. Openness and transparency in the hiring process are essential for building trust and attracting the best talent.