Reference and Credential Verification

The people outcome

Verify licenses, certifications, driving eligibility, employment claims, and references through an approved process. The process should be job-related, consistent, documented, and respectful of applicable employment requirements.

Before using this guide

• Confirm the role, manager, policy, decision authority, and records that apply.
• Use consistent criteria while providing reasonable accommodations and following lawful hiring and employment practices.
• Route legal, HR, payroll, benefits, immigration, union, and sensitive employee matters to qualified professionals.

Key checkpoints

• Obtain required consent and follow applicable employment and privacy rules.
• Verify credentials directly with the issuing source when possible.
• Use consistent reference questions focused on job-related performance.
• Document results and route discrepancies for review.

Operating sequence

• Set the expected outcome and evidence.
• Explain the process, responsibilities, and timeline to the people involved.
• Use the same forms, questions, standards, and approval path for comparable situations.
• Record decisions and support without storing unnecessary sensitive information.
• Review the result and next development or management action.

Leader review

• Was the standard clear before the evaluation or decision?
• Was the evidence job-related and consistently collected?
• What training, tools, supervision, or process issue also affected the result?