Checkr vs Certn

The short answer

Both publish per-check prices. Checkr’s Workforce packages start at $29.99, $59.99 and $94.99 per report. Certn’s US Core Criminal Check costs $13.99, with county searches at $9.99 each where they apply, and its Complete Criminal Check $49.99.

By LeadChange Research TeamUpdated Oct 20, 2026Facts checked Oct 19, 2026

Checkr

Best for: Employers that hire often and want to pay per report with no contract

Choose Checkr if

You want 200+ pre-built integrations.
You want continuous checks and continuous MVR monitoring.
You need DOT checks for transportation hiring.
You pay as you go with no contract.

What Checkr costs Checkr competitors

Certn

Best for: Teams hiring across borders that need one platform for many countries

Choose Certn if

You want the lower entry price: $13.99 for the US Core Criminal Check.
You want support around the clock.
You want co-branded client and applicant portals.
You want to set how long candidate data is kept, from 90 days to 3 years.

What Certn costs Certn alternatives

LeadChange Score: editorial assessment based on public information.

Scorecard

Checkr wins 2Certn wins 02 ties

Checkr vs Certn by dimension
Dimension	Checkr	Certn
CapabilitiesCheckr adds continuous checks, healthcare sanctions and DOT checks. Certn covers criminal, identity, reference, credit and international checks. Criminal background checks, Employment and education verification, Identity verification, Driving record (MVR) checks, Continuous checks, International background checks, Healthcare sanctions, Transportation (DOT) checks	12 of 13 core capabilities	8 of 13 core capabilities
IntegrationsCheckr lists 200+ pre-built integrations; Certn lists 100+, including Greenhouse, Lever, Workday and iCIMS. 200	200 native	100 native
Fit and supportBoth serve small, midsize and enterprise employers. Certn states 24/7 support; Checkr says customers can start checks within minutes of credentialing. Small businesses, mid-market companies, enterprises	Small businesses, mid-market companies, enterprises	Small businesses, mid-market companies, enterprises
SecurityBoth hold SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 and document GDPR. Yes	SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR	SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR

Key differences

Where Checkr and Certn differ (3)
Attribute	Checkr	Certn
Native integrations	200	100
Founded	2014	2016
Headquarters	San Francisco, California	Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Show 10 attributes where they are the same

Where they are the same (10)
Attribute	Checkr	Certn
Pricing model	Per check	Per check
Price transparency	Partly published	Partly published
Best for	Small businesses, mid-market companies, enterprises	Small businesses, mid-market companies, enterprises
Open API
Webhooks
SOC 2 Type II
ISO 27001
GDPR program
FCRA compliance
Ownership	Private	Private

Analysis by dimension

Pricing. Certn’s US Core Criminal Check costs $13.99, plus $9.99 per county search where applicable; Complete costs $49.99 and Complete+ $79.99. Checkr’s packages start at $29.99, $59.99 and $94.99 per report.

Capabilities. Checkr adds continuous checks, healthcare sanctions and DOT checks. Certn covers criminal, identity, reference, credit and international checks.

Integrations. Checkr lists 200+ pre-built integrations; Certn lists 100+, including Greenhouse, Lever, Workday and iCIMS.

Fit and support. Both serve small, midsize and enterprise employers. Certn states 24/7 support; Checkr says customers can start checks within minutes of credentialing.

Security. Both hold SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001 and document GDPR.

Neither one?

GoodHire

GoodHire has the highest LeadChange Score in Background Check Services after excluding these two (6.4/10).

More Checkr comparisons

More Certn comparisons

Frequently asked questions

Is Certn cheaper than Checkr?

At entry, yes: Certn’s US Core Criminal Check costs $13.99, against $29.99 for Checkr’s Basic. Certn adds $9.99 per county search where it applies, so compare the package you would actually order.

How much does Certn charge for a background check?

In the US, $13.99 for the Core Criminal Check, $49.99 for Complete and $79.99 for Complete+; employment, education and credential verification are priced case by case.

Is Certn a legit background check company?

Yes. Certn was founded in 2016, is based in Victoria, British Columbia, describes FCRA compliance and holds SOC 2 Type II and ISO 27001.

Which has more integrations, Checkr or Certn?

Checkr, with 200+ pre-built integrations, against Certn’s 100+.

Do Checkr and Certn offer international checks?

Yes. Checkr covers 200+ countries and territories; Certn supports checks in 195 countries.

What are Certn’s competitors?

Checkr is one: both publish per-check prices for US employers. GoodHire, HireRight and First Advantage are other providers we compare.

Checkr or Certn? Your answer in 3 questions

Your team size, what matters most and your role: see which one fits more of your answers, from verified facts and list prices. Then, if you like, ask to hear from both.

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