Screening questions, answered.

ID verification confirms the authenticity and validity of a candidate's identification documents — SA IDs, passports, visas, permits, and biometric fingerprints. We verify each document against the relevant issuing authority to confirm that the identity is legitimate and the details match.

For SA IDs and passports, provide a copy of the relevant document and a signed consent form. For visas and permits, provide a copy of both the passport and the visa or permit. For fingerprint checks, the candidate must visit their closest Postnet or Jetline store for biometric capture.

SA ID checks are returned in 1 working day. Passport checks take 5–10 days. VISA checks take 7–21 days. Permit checks take 5–10 days. Fingerprint checks take 2 days after the biometric capture has been completed.

A positive result means the document has been confirmed by the relevant issuing authority — Home Affairs for SA IDs and permits, the issuing country's authority for passports, and Home Affairs for visas. The details submitted match the records held.

If a document cannot be confirmed, a written outcome report is issued and the candidate is given 21 days to provide proof that the document is legitimate. Documents detected as fraudulent are reported to SAFPS and the Department of Home Affairs. A blacklisted ID can only be unblocked by Home Affairs directly.

Risk screening covers criminal records (checked via SAPS and AFISWitch for fingerprints), SAFPS fraud listings, social media reviews, and lifestyle screening. Each check type has its own requirements and turnaround times and can be ordered individually or in combination.

You'll need a signed consent form and a copy of the candidate's ID or passport. For fingerprint-based criminal checks, the candidate must visit their closest Jetline or Postnet store. For international criminal checks, contact us first — each country has its own application requirements and the average turnaround is 60 working days via the relevant consulate or embassy.

Standard criminal checks take 36 hours. Priority checks take 6 hours. Premium checks take 2 hours. SAFPS checks take 1 day. Social media screening ranges from 1 day (Basic) to 5 days (Comprehensive). Lifestyle screening timelines are custom to each engagement.

A clear result means no criminal records were matched to the candidate, their fingerprints are not linked to any past or existing criminal cases, and there are no fraud listings against them on the SAFPS national database.

If a record is found, SAPS will issue a SAPS 69 outcome report within 6 weeks once the fingerprint match has been verified. The report includes the case number, police station or court district, the offence and charge number, and the case status. If the candidate is flagged as a wanted suspect, contact your closest police station urgently.

We verify matric certificates (pre- and post-1992), red seal trade qualifications, tertiary qualifications, certificates, and skills programmes via UMALUSI/SACAI, the Labour Department, QCTO, training providers, and relevant SETAs. We also verify international qualifications — your account manager will confirm the SLA and any additional charges.

You'll need a signed consent form, a copy of the candidate's ID or passport, and a copy of the certificate or qualification being verified. Some universities require their own consent form — your account manager will provide this if it applies.

Matric (pre-1992) takes 5–21 days. Matric (post-1992) takes 5–7 days. Red Seal checks take 10–21 days. General qualifications take 5–7 days. Certificates take 3–5 days. Skills programmes take 5–10 days.

A confirmed result means the candidate's qualification has been verified by the relevant issuing authority and the details submitted match the records they hold.

An unconfirmed result means the issuing authority cannot validate the certificate, no student record exists, or the certificate was obtained fraudulently. We recommend requesting additional supporting documents from the candidate and escalating in line with your disciplinary policy if the matter cannot be resolved.

Operational screening verifies routine employment-related documents and credentials, including memberships, driver's and professional licenses, FSP clearances, PSIRA clearances, sick note investigations, employment references, LPC clearances, and psychometric assessments.

You'll need a signed consent form and a copy of the candidate's ID or passport. Depending on the check, also provide the membership or license number, a copy of the sick note, or the relevant reference details.

Membership verification takes 2–5 days. License verification takes 1–2 days. FSP clearance takes 5 days. PSIRA clearance takes 2 days. Sick note investigations take 3–5 days. Employment reference checks take 2 days. LPC clearance takes 10 days. Psychometric assessments are scheduled on request.

A confirmed result means the document, license, or membership has been verified by the relevant issuing authority and the details submitted match their records.

Flagged results include an inability by the issuing authority to validate the document, a certificate found to have been issued to someone else, no record of the member, or an expired license. We recommend requesting additional documentation from the candidate and following your disciplinary policy if the matter cannot be resolved.

KYB (Know Your Business) verifies the legitimacy, ownership structure, and financial standing of a business entity. KYC (Know Your Customer) verifies the identity, background, and creditworthiness of an individual customer. Both are used to ensure legal and regulatory compliance and to protect against fraud and money laundering.

Both KYB and KYC are available in three tiers. Basic covers CIPC, conflict of interest, PEP and international sanctions checks, and tax clearance. Advanced adds SAFPS listings, a KISS report, and a director search or director ITC check. Complete includes everything in Advanced plus additional screening products agreed with your account manager.

For KYB, you'll need a copy of the company registration certificate, a completed KYB form, and any applicable accreditations. For KYC, you'll also need FICA documents, confirmation of banking details, and financial or bank statements if requested by your account manager.

Basic packages for both KYB and KYC take 2–5 days. Advanced packages take 3–7 days. Complete packages are scoped on request in consultation with your account manager.

A negative KYB outcome indicates discrepancies in the business's registration, an unclear ownership structure, financial instability, or potential fraud links. A negative KYC outcome indicates issues with the individual's identity, financial background, or creditworthiness. In both cases, escalate the findings to your compliance or legal team before proceeding.