The 2026 Pre-Employment Screening Baker's Dozen ranking from HRO Today places JDP at the top, followed by InCheck, AccuSourceHR, Reliable Background Screening, and Validity Screening Solutions in the top five. The ranking is significant because it is derived entirely from client feedback, offering a buyer-centric view of provider performance in a market where screening accuracy and speed are critical.
Unlike rankings that rely on analyst opinions or self-reported data, the Baker's Dozen is based on an annual online survey distributed to buyers through HRO Today's mailing lists and indirectly through service providers. This year, over 400 usable surveys were completed from 324 different client companies of the ranked providers. That volume of direct input gives the ranking a credibility that can influence procurement decisions, as organizations seek partners capable of handling high-volume, compliance-sensitive screening tasks.
HRO Today analyzes results across three subcategories: service breadth, size of deals, and quality of service. Using a predetermined algorithm that weighs questions and categories based on importance, the publication calculates scores in each subcategory as well as an overall score. Only organizations that earned the highest ratings from their customers for quality of service, breadth of service, and size of deals are included in the ranking. This methodology ensures that the list reflects the experiences of those who use the services daily, rather than the opinions of HRO Today staff.
Elliot Clark, CEO of SharedXpertise and Publisher of HRO Today, said, "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. Recognition based directly on client feedback makes this achievement particularly meaningful." Although Clark's comment references RPO providers, the principle applies equally to pre-employment screening: client satisfaction is a key indicator of service reliability and effectiveness.
The implications for the screening industry are clear. Providers that consistently earn high marks from clients can differentiate themselves in a crowded market, while buyers gain a trusted reference point for vendor selection. The ranking also highlights the importance of service breadth and deal size, suggesting that clients value providers who can scale and offer comprehensive solutions. For the full list of winners, visit HRO Today Baker's Dozen.
