Some Handshake AI projects require a standard background check during onboarding. This FAQ explains why background checks are required, what information is collected, and how your data is handled. 

For a step-by-step overview of the process, refer to Understanding the Background Check Process.

Why is Handshake AI doing background checks now?

Handshake AI is growing, and we're partnering with organizations that require additional screening. Implementing background checks for specific projects helps us continue to offer high-quality, specialized opportunities to our fellow community.

What information do I need to provide, and why?

During project-specific onboarding, you'll be asked to provide basic identifying details, including your Social Security Number (SSN). The check may also look into your:

• Criminal history: Checking for past convictions.
• Identity verification: Making sure the person is who they say they are.
• Employment history: Confirming previous jobs and experience.
• Education verification: Ensuring degrees or certifications are accurate.

This information is used exclusively to verify your identity and ensure the background check is performed accurately. This is a standard requirement for professional verification services to distinguish between individuals with similar names and to ensure the results are correct.

What does Handshake AI do with my data? Who has access to it?

Your sensitive personal data, such as your SSN, is submitted through a secure interface provided by our specialized verification partner.

• Limited Access: Handshake Support and project staff do not have access to view your SSN and criminal records submitted through this process. Our partner, Yardstik, is able to view this information as needed while processing reports or in the event of a dispute. For further information about this, refer to Yardstik Security & Compliance.
• Purpose-Driven: The data is used solely to process the background check for your eligibility in the project.

How long does it take, and what happens while I wait?

Once you submit your information, the check typically takes up to 7 days to process. This process may be shorter or longer depending on specific circumstances.

• During the Wait: The check runs automatically in the background. You don’t need to take any further action. You may still work on the project in the meantime.
• When It Completes: When you pass the check, you will be cleared to proceed with your onboarding. There is no separate "Pass" notification; the background check step in your dashboard will simply mark itself as complete, allowing you to move forward.

What happens if there is an adverse finding in my background check?

Handshake determines the background check criteria based on our standards and our customers' requirements. The background check decision is made by Handshake, and if your background check contains results that are inconsistent with our requirements, you will receive a pre-adverse action notice through Yardstik. You're able to directly dispute the results with Yardstik. Learn more about this in How can I dispute the results of my report?

 The background check decision is made by Handshake, and if your results are inconsistent with our 

Is my information kept secure / shared with anyone outside what's necessary?

Your information is only shared with our trusted third-party verification vendor, Yardstik, for the purpose of completing the check. We use industry-standard encryption and security protocols to ensure that your data remains protected throughout the entire submission and processing window

What if I want to decline my background check?

If you choose to decline the background check, you won't be able to participate in specific projects. A background check is mandatory for certain projects.

My background check expired — can I get a new one?

The time to complete a background check doesn't expire. Reports stay in a created state on Yardstik until submitted.

What if I already completed a background check for another company?

You still must complete the background check for Handshake AI. We're unable to access or rely on other companies' processes.

What if I already completed a background check for Handshake AI?

Fellows are expected to complete only one background check for Handshake AI. The only time we may request a secondary background check is if there are inconsistencies found in your account or the information you provided. If you have received a second background check from Handshake AI in error, please reach out to your project lead.  

What if I believe there are inaccuracies in my background check?

If you have questions about the completion status of your background check or believe any information in your report is inaccurate, log in to profile.yardstik.com or email their support team at support@yardstik.com.

I would like to delete the data from my background check.

Please reach out to Yardstik directly for data deletion requests. You can email their support team at support@yardstik.com.

Will you sell my background check data?

Handshake AI will never sell your background check data. It's only accessible to our Trust & Safety team, who review results to determine your eligibility to participate in a project.

I'm not a U.S. fellow — do I still have to do a background check?