HRO Today has released its 2026 Pre-Employment Screening Baker's Dozen ranking, a list of top providers determined entirely by client feedback. The ranking, announced by SharedXpertise, the publisher of HRO Today, is based on an annual online survey distributed to buyers of screening services. This year, over 400 usable surveys were completed from 324 different client companies of the ranked providers, providing a robust data set for evaluation.
The top five providers in the 2026 ranking are JDP, InCheck, AccuSourceHR, Reliable Background Screening, and Validity Screening Solutions. These organizations earned the highest ratings from their customers for quality of service, breadth of service, and size of deals. HRO Today analyzes results across these three subcategories using a predetermined algorithm that weighs questions and categories based on importance, calculating scores in each area as well as an overall score.
“A ranking in the HRO Today Baker's Dozen for RPO providers reflects the strength of provider-client relationships and the quality and effectiveness of services,” said Elliot Clark, CEO of SharedXpertise and Publisher of HRO Today. “Recognition based directly on client feedback makes this achievement particularly meaningful.”
The ranking's reliance on buyer feedback distinguishes it from other industry lists. HRO Today collects feedback annually through an online survey distributed directly via its mailing lists and indirectly through service providers. Only organizations that earned the highest ratings from their customers are included. The ratings are not based on the opinion of HRO Today staff, ensuring that the list reflects the actual experiences of clients.
For employers, the ranking serves as a valuable resource when selecting pre-employment screening partners. In an era of increasing regulatory scrutiny and heightened focus on hiring accuracy, the quality of screening services can significantly impact compliance, time-to-hire, and overall risk management. Providers that excel in service breadth, deal size, and quality of service—as identified by this ranking—are likely to offer more reliable and comprehensive solutions.
The recognition can also benefit the ranked providers by enhancing their credibility and market positioning. A strong showing in the Baker's Dozen can be a powerful marketing tool, as it signals to prospective clients that the provider has consistently delivered high levels of satisfaction. For the industry, the ranking highlights the importance of client relationships and service effectiveness, encouraging providers to prioritize customer feedback and continuous improvement.
The full list of winners is available through the HRO Today Baker's Dozen ranking, providing employers with a comprehensive guide to the top pre-employment screening providers for 2026. As the hiring landscape evolves, such rankings help organizations make informed decisions and optimize their screening processes.
