Certn Review
Certn is a Canadian-founded background screening platform with pay-per-check ordering, US criminal and driving checks, a REST API and 100+ ATS integrations; US self-serve prices are published per check in USD.
- Company size
- Small businesses, mid-market companies, enterprises1
- Pricing model
- Per check1
- Integrations
- 100+2
Best for
- Teams hiring across borders that need one platform for many countries
- Employers with Greenhouse, Lever, Workday or iCIMS that want checks ordered inside the ATS
- Buyers who want pay-per-check ordering with no setup fees or minimums
Not ideal for
- Employers that need drug testing or adverse action letters from one provider (not listed on Certn's US pages)
How we evaluated Certn
This review rests on the 23 facts this page shows, each checked against the source listed under “Sources”, most recently on . We did not test the product hands-on: the score uses only those verified facts, as our methodology explains; third-party ratings, where we quote them, never count in the score.
Our verdict
Certn is a Canadian-founded screening platform with US criminal, driving and verification checks, pay-per-check ordering, a REST API and 100+ ATS and HRIS integrations. Its US self-serve prices are published per check in USD, and its security page lists a SOC 2 Type 2 report for September 2024 to September 2025 and an ISO 27001 surveillance audit cleared on Oct 31, 2025.
Strengths
Global reach
Certn states it supports background checks in 195 countries, with criminal record searches in 175 countries.
Evidence: Countries supported: 195 countries (background checks)3
Pay per check, no setup fees
Small and midsize teams pay per check with no setup fees or minimums: US Core Criminal Check $13.99 and US Complete Criminal Check $49.99, with US Complete+ adding identity, education and employment verification and Enterprise priced by quote.
Evidence: Pricing model: Per check1
Strong security attestations
Certn's security page lists a SOC 2 Type 2 report for Sept 2024 – Sep 2025 and an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 surveillance audit cleared on Oct 31, 2025 (ask for the latest report or a bridge letter), and Certn offers SSO for its client portal.
Evidence: SOC 2 Type II: Yes4
API and ATS integrations
A REST API, webhooks and 100+ pre-built ATS and HRIS integrations let teams order and track checks inside their hiring system.
Evidence: API: Yes3
US criminal coverage
US packages include an SSN trace, a national criminal database search, the sex offender registry, global watchlist and sanctions searches, and county criminal searches (per county where applicable on US Core; 7 years of addresses on US Complete).
Evidence: County criminal search: Yes5
Weaknesses
Verification prices vary
Employment, education and credential verification are listed as «Price Varies» on the US pricing page, and Enterprise pricing is custom, so a full package cost needs a quote.
Evidence: Price transparency: Partly published5
Pass-through fees can add cost
Pass-through access fees may apply to verifications, and US Motor Vehicle Records can carry an additional state fee.
Evidence
Extra costs: County searches on the US Core Criminal Check: $9.99 each where applicable, Third-party pass-through access fees may apply, Additional state fee may apply for US Motor Vehicle Records, Employment, education and credential verification priced case by case («Price Varies»)5
Price at a glance
Quick answers
- How is Certn priced?
- Certn charges per check with no setup fees or minimums for small and midsize teams. The US Core Criminal Check starts at $13.99 in USD, plus $9.99 per county search where applicable and pass-through fees. Enterprise pricing is custom.Based on Pricing model: Per check1
- Does Certn have an API?
- Yes. Certn offers a RESTful API with documentation and supports webhooks for integrations such as iCIMS.Based on API: Yes3
- Does Certn integrate with Greenhouse?
- Yes. Certn connects with Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, iCIMS, Workable and PageUp.Based on Notable integrations: Greenhouse, Lever, Workday, iCIMS, Workable, PageUp, Drata, ADP Marketplace3
- Is Certn SOC 2 certified?
- Certn reports a SOC 2 Type 2 report for Sept 2024 – Sep 2025 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification.Based on SOC 2 Type II: Yes4
Coverage of core background check services capabilities
Each core capability we evaluate in Background Check Services, checked against Certn’s own documentation. “Not verified yet” means we have not confirmed it either way, not that it is missing.
8 verified of 13 core capabilities
Background Check Services
- FCRA disclosure and consent6
- Identity and SSN trace5
- County criminal search5
- National criminal database5
- Sex offender registry search5
- Employment and education verification5
- Motor vehicle records5
- Drug and health screening · not verified yet
- Adverse action workflow · not verified yet
- Individualized assessment support · not verified yet
- Dispute and reinvestigation · not verified yet
- State and local rule handling · not verified yet
- ATS and onboarding integration7
Specifications
Fit
- Countries supported
- 195 countries (background checks)3
Product
- Modules
- Criminal record check, Identity verification, Employment and education verification, Credential verification, Reference checks, Credit check, Driver's abstract / Motor Vehicle Records, Social media check, Public records search, Continuous Monitoring, International background check3
- Mobile apps
- MyCertn mobile app (NFC identity document scanning)8
Certn integrations
9 integrations we document, by how they connect or as the vendor names them. Certn says it has 100+ integrations.
Partner and marketplace apps
Named by the vendor
- ADP Marketplace
Certn integration coverage
The 10 apps that background check services products document most often, and whether Certn documents each.
5 of the 10 most-connected apps documented by Certn; median of the 21 products compared: 5
- Workday · documented by 18 of 21
- iCIMS · documented by 16 of 21
- Greenhouse · documented by 15 of 21
- Bullhorn · documented by 12 of 21
- ADP · documented by 10 of 21
- Lever · documented by 10 of 21
- SmartRecruiters · documented by 9 of 21
- BambooHR · documented by 8 of 21
- Dayforce · documented by 7 of 21
- SAP SuccessFactors · documented by 7 of 21
Integrations each vendor documents (native, marketplace, Zapier, API or named by the vendor), 21 live background check services products. Not documented does not mean not possible.
Where it ranks
- #2 of 9 scoredBackground Check Services
- #2 of 9 scoredBackground Check Services for Enterprises
- #2 of 8 scoredBackground Check Services for Mid-Sized Companies
- #2 of 8 scoredBackground Check Services for Small Business
Certn alternatives
Compare Certn
Security and compliance
Implementation and support
About Certn
Official profiles
Certn: frequently asked questions
Does Certn run US criminal checks?
Yes. US packages include an SSN trace, a national criminal database search, the sex offender registry, global watchlist and sanctions searches, and county criminal searches (per county where applicable on US Core; 7 years of addresses on US Complete).
Does Certn offer single sign-on?
Yes. Customers can sign in to the client portal through Okta, Azure AD, JumpCloud and other identity providers, though extra implementation charges may apply.
What is Certn used for?
Certn, on the market since 2016, is a background check services product built for small businesses, mid-market companies, and enterprises. Its modules include Criminal record check, Identity verification, Employment and education verification, Credential verification, and 7 more.
Is Certn legit?
Certn is sold by the company of the same name, which was founded in 2016, is headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, and is privately held. Certn states SOC 2 Type II compliance.
What are the best alternatives to Certn?
In our background check services ranking, the highest-scored products other than Certn are Checkr, Turn, and ClearStar. Compared side by side, by reason to switch: Certn alternatives.
Which is better, Certn or First Advantage?
Our Certn vs First Advantage comparison sets out when each one fits.
What are the pros and cons of Certn?
Strengths documented on the vendor’s own pages: global reach, pay per check, no setup fees, and strong security attestations. It is less suited to employers that need drug testing or adverse action letters from one provider (not listed on Certn's US pages).
Does Certn have a mobile app?
Yes. Certn lists mobile apps: MyCertn mobile app (NFC identity document scanning).
How this page was made
What it is built from
23 verified facts, each checked against the vendor's own pages or another primary source, most recently on Nov 9, 2026.
Method
Scored and compared with the LeadChange methodology, version 1.5. Read the methodology
Independent review
Passed our independent review on Nov 7, 2026. How we review
Hands-on testing
We have not tested Certn hands-on: this page uses public information only.
Who made it
The LeadChange Research Team, following a written research process. No named expert has reviewed this page. About us
Independence and errors
Who pays us never changes a score or a rank. If something here is wrong, tell us and we correct it publicly. Request a correction
Compare Certn pricing for your team
Certn publishes some of its prices. Answer 4 quick questions and see it next to the 2 alternatives that fit you best; a provider that takes requests through us can then quote you.
LeadChange may earn a fee when you request pricing through our site or follow a sponsored link. Rankings never depend on whether a vendor pays us.We may earn a fee.
How we make money
LeadChange may earn a fee when you request pricing through our site or follow a sponsored link. Rankings never depend on whether a vendor pays us.
CertnLeadChange Score 8.2
Sources
The 11 pages this page's facts come from. The date beside each is our last check of the facts taken from it (the oldest, when they differ). The numbers beside the figures above link here.
Quotes from the sources
- Certn certn.co/us“Whether you’re managing high-volume hiring, scaling a small team, or running a check on yourself. Certn has you covered.” “Start running checks in minutes. Pay per check with no setup fees or minimums, and add team members as you grow.”
- Certn certn.co/background-screening-api“Certn offers pre-built integrations with 100+ leading ATS and HRIS systems.” “Award-winning 24/7 support”
- Certn certn.co“One platform covering all 195 countries with fast turnaround times and built-in global compliance” “Embed background checks directly into your onboarding flow. Clean documentation, straightforward implementation, and a RESTful API built for developers”
- Certn certn.co/security“SOC 2 Type 2 Period: Sept 2024 – Sep 2025” “Surveillance Cleared ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Date: Oct 31, 2025”
- Certn certn.co/us/pricing“Prices are accurate at the time of submission. Pricing is in United States Dollars (USD).” “*Certn automatically completes county searches where applicable at a charge of $9.99. Additional third-party pass through access fees may apply.”
- Certn certn.co/criminal-record-checks
- Certn certn.co/ats-integrations
- Certn certn.co/product-updates“NFC scanning through the MyCertn mobile app” “Setup is fully self-serve in CertnCentric. Configure your webhook credentials, choose your report delivery format, and assign your default screening group”
- Certn certn.co/contact“I’m a current customer that needs help Visit our help centre for all your troubleshooting needs.”
- Certn certn.co/about-certn“Certn was founded in 2016 and is backed by funding from Export Development Canada, B Capital Group, Telstra Ventures, Inovia Capital, and Tribe C”
- BetaKit betakit.com/certn-raises-65-1-million-cad-to-scale-background-check-tech-beyond-canada“Victoria-based startup Certn has raised $65.1 million CAD”
Vendor? Reach buyers comparing Certn