Certificate Offerings
Certificate Programs
PBSA certificate programs are open to all individuals but were specifically crafted for employees of Consumer Reporting Agencies, End Users of consumer reports and Criminal Research Providers in, or providing services in the United States. They are developed to benefit staff at every level of the organization.
Access Your Certificate Course
Sign in with your PBSA credentials to access your purchased certificate course and training materials.
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Members and non-members who do not yet have PBSA login credentials will need to create an account before purchasing a certificate program.
Create an AccountAccess Your Digital Certificate
PBSA certificates are issued through Accredible. Visit Accredible and select Retrieve a Credential, then enter the email address associated with your certificate.
Retrieve Your CertificateDiscounted Certificates for PBSA Members
Our certificate programs are available to everyone with special discounts for members. Join PBSA to stay informed about legislation affecting screening, access practical guidance, reduced fees for certificates and conferences, as well as hundreds of free on-demand resources.
Choose the certificate that fits your role
Each program below includes the initial certificate and available renewal options. All pricing is USD.
Core Certificate
The FCRA Core Certificate Program is intended for anyone who deals with US background checks as part of their job. It provides participants with a core understanding of foundational information related to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) including high level obligations for consumer reporting agencies and end users, consumer reports and obsolete information, and the anatomy of an FCRA lawsuit. Staff at every level within an organization will benefit from this program. By supporting staff participation in the certificate programs, organizations can demonstrate an investment in both people and products and a commitment to compliance throughout their organization. This course is offered as an online option, consisting of five training webinars and an exam. The content and exam focus on a wide array of Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliance issues foundational to the screening profession.
This Program has been pre-approved for 2.5 HR (General) Recertification Credit Hours toward aPHR®, aPHRi®, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi®, and SPHRi® recertification through HRCI.
- What is the Fair Credit Reporting Act?
- High-Level Obligations for Consumer Reporting Agencies, Resellers, and Furnishers
- Obligations for Employers and Other End Users
- Anatomy of a Report
- Anatomy of a Fair Credit Reporting Act Lawsuit
For individuals earning the FCRA Core Certificate for the first time.
Available to both members and non-members with a current FCRA Core Certificate.
Renew using eligible Professional Development Credits (PDCs) from qualifying PBSA educational activities.
Find PDC-Eligible WebinarsAdvanced Certificate
The FCRA Advanced Certificate Program is intended for US background screening professionals looking to demonstrate a commitment to compliance within their organization. The Advanced Certificate Program is ideal for individuals in compliance or legal roles as well as anyone who regularly deals with compliance issues within their organization such as operations, leadership, and customer service. This course is focused on US background screening and is offered as an online option, consisting of four training webinars and an exam. The content and exam focus on complex and cutting-edge Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) compliance issues. One must hold a current FCRA Core Certificate to participate in the Advanced Certificate Program.
This Program has been pre-approved for 2.25 HR (General) Recertification Credit Hours toward aPHR®, aPHRi®, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi®, and SPHRi® recertification through HRCI.
- Credentialing, Certifications, and Contracts
- Accuracy, Matching, and Section 613
- Disputes and File Disclosures
- FCRA Nuances
For individuals earning the FCRA Advanced Certificate.
End User Certificate
The FCRA End User Certificate Program is intended for individuals within an employer’s organization who are responsible for ordering and/or reviewing background checks on existing or prospective employees and contract labor forces. The program is designed to help organizations and their staff demonstrate a commitment to FCRA compliance. The FCRA End User Certificate Program is ideal for organizations of any size who conduct background checks in the United States on existing or prospective talent. Individuals in human resources, compliance, legal, recruiting, management, security, as well as anyone who regularly deals with hiring, promoting, and onboarding talent within their organization will benefit from this program. This course is offered as an online option, consisting of four training webinars and an exam. The content and exam focus on critical Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) requirements as they relate to background checks for employment purposes.
This Program has been pre-approved for 2 HR (General) Recertification Credit Hours toward aPHR®, aPHRi®, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi®, and SPHRi® recertification through HRCI.
- Employer Background Checks: The Basics
- When and How to Obtain a Background Check Report
- How to Use the Information
- Acting on the Information and Putting It All Together
For individuals earning the FCRA End User Certificate.
Criminal Research Certificate
The Provider Certificate Program is intended for background screening professionals, particularly those in the supply chain to consumer reporting agencies, looking to demonstrate a commitment to compliance within their organization. The program covers the FCRA, criminal history, data retention and security, updating information in a report, and driving/motor vehicle records. This course is offered as an online option, consisting of four training webinars and an exam. The content and exam focus on the above components as they relate to background checks for employment purposes.
This Program has been pre-approved for 2 HR (General) Recertification Credit Hours toward aPHR®, aPHRi®, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi®, and SPHRi® recertification through HRCI.
- Overview of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Criminal History
- Data Retention and Data Security
- Correcting Information, Disputes, and Complaints
For individuals earning the Criminal Research Certificate.
How PBSA certificate programs work
PBSA certificate programs are open to all individuals and are designed to support staff at every level of an organization.
Purchase & Begin
Purchase a certificate course for yourself, or, if you are a Primary Contact or Company Administrator, purchase multiple certificate courses for individuals in your organization. Payment must be completed before course access is granted.
Complete the Training
Watch the required webinar modules before beginning the multiple-choice exam.
Pass the Exam
Complete the program within 60 days. Participants receive two attempts and must score at least 80%.
Earn Your Certificate
Successful participants receive a certificate valid for two years and may display the applicable certificate logo.
All PBSA certificate courses qualify for HRCI credit.
After you complete your course, you will receive an email with the information needed to claim your HRCI credit.
Renewals
To be eligible for renewal, the existing certificate must still be valid within the two-year period from the date it was earned. If the certificate has expired, the certificate holder must complete the full initial certificate course again rather than the renewal course.
Certificate resources and support
Find program FAQs or contact PBSA if you need help choosing, purchasing, or accessing a program.
Program Disclaimer
PBSA® Certificate training materials, in any format, including but not limited to recorded webinars, written documents, and PowerPoint presentations, are educational materials provided only to individuals who have purchased the PBSA® Certificate Program. Materials may not be copied, distributed, used for training, or shared with other individuals for any purpose without the express written consent of PBSA®. The information and opinions expressed are for educational purposes only and are based on current practice, industry-related knowledge, and business expertise. The information contained therein shall not be construed as legal advice, express or implied.
