07/22/2026
What are the pros and cons of a WebCheck BCI/FBI background check?
Pros
Fingerprint-based accuracy
• WebCheck uses fingerprints rather than just name matching, reducing false matches and helping verify identity more accurately.
Comprehensive criminal-history search
• A BCI check searches Ohio criminal-history records.
• An FBI check searches national records from participating states and federal sources.
Often required for licensing and employment
• Many schools, healthcare facilities, daycare centers, and licensed professions require BCI and/or FBI checks.
Electronic submission
• WebCheck transmits fingerprints electronically, which generally speeds processing compared with older paper-card methods.
Better protection for employers
• Helps employers make informed hiring decisions, especially for positions involving children, patients, or vulnerable populations.
________________________________________
Cons
Cost
• Fees vary by vendor and location, and getting both BCI and FBI checks costs more than a single check.
Can reveal old criminal records
• Past arrests or convictions may appear and could affect employment or licensing opportunities, depending on applicable laws and employer policies.
Possible delays
• Processing can take additional time if fingerprints are unreadable, records require review, or the requesting agency has a backlog.
Not a complete picture of a person
• A background check primarily reports criminal-history information; it does not necessarily reflect current character, job performance, or rehabilitation.
Results depend on the scope requested
• A BCI check focuses on Ohio records, while an FBI check has broader national coverage. If only one is ordered, records outside that scope may not be included.
Bottom line
For most employers and licensing agencies, the biggest benefit of a WebCheck BCI/FBI screening is its identity-verified, fingerprint-based accuracy and broad criminal-history coverage. The main drawbacks are cost, potential processing delays, and the possibility that older criminal records may affect opportunities even when they are not directly related to the position.