Glossary > Employment Law > Employee Privacy > Background Checks

Professional License Check

A professional license check is a process where an employer verifies whether a job candidate holds the required professional licenses or certifications needed to perform specific roles. This verification can include licenses for professions such as doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, engineers, or others that require specific credentials.

Example #1

For example, a hospital conducting a license check to confirm that a prospective nurse has a valid nursing license before offering her a job.

Example #2

Another example is a law firm verifying that a potential attorney has passed the bar exam and holds a current license to practice law in the relevant jurisdiction.

Misuse

Misuse of professional license checks can occur when an employer utilizes this information to discriminate against candidates based on protected characteristics such as age, gender, or race. For instance, if an employer uses the license check process selectively to exclude older candidates from consideration, this would be a violation of anti-discrimination laws. It is important to protect against misuse of this information to ensure fair hiring practices and uphold employment laws.

Benefits

The benefit of conducting professional license checks is to ensure that employees possess the necessary qualifications to perform their job duties competently and safely. By verifying that candidates hold the required licenses, employers can maintain high standards of professionalism and quality in their workforce. For example, confirming that a surgeon has a valid medical license helps to guarantee that patients receive care from qualified and licensed professionals, promoting safety and quality in healthcare.

Conclusion

Professional license checks are important for ensuring that employees have the proper qualifications for their roles, but it is crucial to use this information ethically and in compliance with anti-discrimination laws. Employers should conduct these checks to maintain high standards and protect consumers while also respecting the rights of job applicants.

Last Modified: 4/30/2024