Screening Certification for Subcontractors: Building Confidence Through Verification

As a general contractor or project lead, completing a project safely and successfully begins with asking the right questions. Because subcontractors are often engaged on a temporary basis, some project leaders may assume that screening isn’t essential. After all, you could simply replace a subcontractor if things don’t go as planned, right? 

The reality is that when it comes to liability and risk, it’s not that simple.

Why Confirming Screening Certification Matters

Failing to verify that subcontractors have a clean and relevant record can expose your organization to unnecessary risk. Relying on verbal confirmation isn’t enough to protect others on-site or limit potential liability. Certification that confirms subcontractors meet your screening standards helps establish a secure foundation for your entire operation. 

Verifying that subcontractors meet your background screening standards can help you: 

• Promote on-site safety by confirming that individuals have no history of violence or serious criminal behavior.
• Protect your reputation by holding subcontractors to the same standards as your core personnel. 
• Increase reliability by establishing clear expectations and accountability. 
• Support compliance by aligning safety and regulatory requirements. 
• Ensure project continuity by engaging certified subcontractors who meet your specific criteria. 

You don’t need every detail of a subcontractor’s background, but whether someone is on-site for one day or several months, certification that confirms a record free of violent, theft-related, sexual, or drug-related offenses can help create a safer environment for everyone involved. 

Certification Levels and When to Use Them

A common misconception among many project leaders is that all background checks are the same. In reality, the level of screening required depends on the nature of the project and the level of access each subcontractor has. 

That’s why Certified Contractors offers multiple certification levels to fit your needs. 

Level 1 

Ideal for lower-risk roles requiring a basic local search for criminal history. 

Example: A general contractor overseeing a residential building project with locally based subcontractors. 

This certification includes: 

• Current name and location search 
• Misdemeanors – one year 
• Felonies – seven years 

Level 2 

A more comprehensive option for subcontractors who have greater access to people or resources. 

Example: A foreman managing a new commercial development. 

This certification includes: 

• Multiple name and location searches 
• Misdemeanors – five years 
• Felonies – seven years 

Level 3 

The most thorough level, designed for high-security or critical infrastructure projects. 

Example: A project lead responsible for a government facility build. 

This certification includes: 

• Multiple name and location searches 
• Misdemeanors – five years 
• Felonies – seven years 
• Continuous Criminal Monitoring 
• Medical Exclusions List Search 

What About Drug Screening? 

When handling power tools or heavy equipment, clarity and safety are essential. Background checks alone may not be enough. Drug testing can provide additional assurance. Certified Contractors offers a ten-panel drug test add-on to any certification level, screening for: 

Marijuana (THC, cannabinoids), Cocaine, Amphetamines (including meth), PCP, Opiates, Benzodiazepines, Barbiturates, Propoxyphene, Methadone, and Methaqualone.

Don’t Overlook Documentation and Attestation

Paperwork isn’t exciting, but confirmation of qualifications is just as important as background screening. Contractor attestation adds another layer of assurance by allowing subcontractors to verify that they meet specified training and safety criteria. 

Attestation helps you: 

• Simplify onboarding 
• Promote professional conduct on-site 
• Prepare for audits 
• Reinforce consistency and compliance 
  

Simplifying Certification Management

For project managers who don’t have time to manually track every certification and screening requirement, Certified Contractors provides a streamlined system. Our goal is to help you maintain consistent safety standards and keep your projects running smoothly. 

What We Offer 

• Consistency: Apply the same certification standards across all subcontractors. 
• Customization: Tailor screening and attestation to match your specific project requirements. 
• Speed: Most screenings are completed in less than a business day. 

The best part? Enrollment is free for project sites. 

Contact Certified Contractors today to start verifying subcontractor certifications with confidence.