Criminal record check
The criminal record check is an important part of risk-based pre-employment screening. In Germany, this is carried out on the basis of the "Führungszeugnis", which serves as official proof of any previous convictions. DISA supports companies in selecting the appropriate "Führungszeugnis" and in verifying the documents submitted. For international candidates, comparable evidence from other countries may also be taken into account.
What is a criminal record check?
A criminal record check serves to determine whether there are any relevant criminal convictions that were not disclosed during the application process. It helps companies to identify potential risks and create greater transparency in the recruitment process.
In Germany, criminal record checks are carried out on the basis of a certificate of good conduct. The certificate of good conduct is an official document based on the Federal Central Register. It lists the criminal convictions that are relevant under the statutory requirements.
It thus forms the official and reliable basis for carrying out a criminal record check in Germany.
Types of certificates of good conduct
The type of certificate of good conduct required depends on the requirements of the specific role and the area of work. DISA supports companies in selecting the appropriate certificate of good conduct and ensures that the legally required documentation is requested in each case. A basic distinction is made between a standard and an extended certificate of good conduct:
Standard Certificate of Good Conduct
The standard certificate of good conduct is used for most employment relationships. It lists certain criminal convictions that are required to be included in the certificate under the law.
For most employment relationships, the standard certificate of good conduct is sufficient and forms the basis of a standard criminal record check. It lists the criminal convictions relevant under the statutory requirements.
Extended certificate of good conduct
The extended certificate of good conduct is intended for roles involving children, young people or other particularly vulnerable individuals. It contains additional relevant entries and may only be requested where there is a legal basis for doing so.
How DISA assists with criminal record checks
DISA supports companies throughout the entire criminal record check process, from selecting the appropriate certificate to verifying the documents submitted. The process usually comprises the following steps:
The company commissions DISA to carry out the check. The candidate is involved in the screening process and is informed transparently about the nature, scope and purpose of the screening.
DISA advises companies on selecting the appropriate criminal record certificate based on the role and the legal requirements.
DISA supports candidates throughout the application process. In selected countries, DISA even submits the application directly on behalf of the company.
Upon receipt of the certificate of good conduct, the candidate uploads the document to the DISA portal. DISA then checks its validity, authenticity and suitability for the relevant position.
The results are incorporated into the final screening report. DISA reports solely on the basis of the documents submitted and does not carry out any personal assessment or interpretation.
Criminal record checks for international candidates
A German certificate of good conduct covers only criminal records from Germany. It does not contain information on relevant convictions or proceedings from other countries.
To ensure that international periods in a candidate’s career or personal history are adequately covered, DISA assists with obtaining the relevant documentation from more than 50 countries. This enables the criminal record check to take international periods into account and provide a more comprehensive picture of the candidate’s history. Requirements and procedures vary considerably from country to country. DISA has the necessary experience to guide companies through these processes and to efficiently obtain the required documentation.
In selected countries, DISA handles the entire process of applying for the necessary certificates on behalf of the company. Candidates simply need to give their consent for this.
Criminal record checks in accordance with German compliance standards
Criminal record checks are carried out by DISA in compliance with the GDPR and applicable German legislation. Before each check, we ensure that the type of criminal record certificate requested is appropriate for the role in question and legally permissible. Not every role justifies the requirement for an extended criminal record certificate.
For every criminal record check, DISA documents the legal basis or legitimate interest and advises companies on the permissible scope of the check before the screening begins. Candidates are informed transparently about the purpose, procedure and scope of the criminal record check and have the right to view the results, provided these may influence a decision in the application process.
All data is processed securely within the European Union and in accordance with the GDPR. In this way, DISA ensures that the entire screening process protects both the interests of companies and the rights of candidates, and is carried out transparently and in compliance with the law at all times.
Why carry out criminal record checks with DISA
Extensive experience
With more than 25 years’ experience in pre-employment screening, DISA supports companies throughout the entire process, from selecting the appropriate criminal record check to verifying submitted documents and providing objective, legally compliant reports.
International reach
DISA provides support for criminal record checks in more than 50 countries, enabling comprehensive coverage of international residence and employment histories. In selected countries, DISA also handles the entire application process on behalf of the company.
Effiziente Entlastung durch DISA
From selecting the appropriate criminal record check, through verifying the documents submitted, to providing the results in the screening report, DISA supports the entire process. This gives companies a reliable basis for well-informed HR decisions.
The importance of pre-employment screening
A criminal record check is a key component of pre-employment screening. It helps companies determine whether there are any relevant criminal records relating to candidates that were not disclosed during the application process. Criminal record checks are particularly relevant for positions involving access to vulnerable groups, sensitive data or financial responsibilities, as well as for roles that require a high degree of trust. For certain positions, it is not merely recommended but required by law.
As the criminal record check in Germany is based on the ‘Führungszeugnis’ (certificate of good conduct), obtaining and verifying this document is therefore of crucial importance. As part of a pre-employment screening process, the criminal record check is often combined with other checks, such as identity verification, reference checks or verification of educational qualifications.
DISA ensures that every check meets the requirements of the respective position and is carried out in compliance with the applicable legal requirements. A thorough pre-employment screening lays the foundation for well-informed recruitment decisions and protects both companies and candidates alike.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on criminal record checks
In Germany, a criminal record check is carried out on the basis of the certificate of good conduct. The certificate of good conduct is the official document required to carry out the check, whilst the criminal record check refers to the actual checking process. DISA supports companies from selecting the appropriate certificate of good conduct right through to verifying the submitted document.
The standard certificate of good conduct is used for most employment relationships.
An extended certificate of good conduct is only required for certain roles, such as those involving children, young people or other vulnerable individuals, and may only be requested where there is a legal basis for doing so.
DISA advises companies on selecting the appropriate certificate of good conduct.
A certificate of good conduct reflects only criminal records recorded in Germany. If candidates have lived or worked abroad, DISA assists in obtaining the relevant documentation from more than 50 countries.
In selected countries, DISA applies for the necessary documents directly on behalf of the company.
In Germany, it usually takes five to ten working days to issue a certificate of good conduct.
For certificates from abroad, processing times vary depending on the country. DISA informs companies of the expected timeframes before the screening begins and supports the process through to completion.
Yes. Requesting a certificate of good conduct is permissible if it is justified by the requirements of the relevant position and data protection regulations are complied with.
DISA ensures that criminal record checks are carried out in accordance with the GDPR, the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) and the applicable legal requirements.
Yes, candidates may object to a criminal record check. However, if the check is legally permissible or required for the relevant position, an employer may decide not to proceed with the application process.
DISA supports companies in informing candidates at an early stage about the purpose and legal basis of the check.