First Advantage is a background screening and identity verification company headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Founded in 2003 and publicly listed on NASDAQ under the ticker FA, the company serves more than 80,000 customers across 200 countries and territories. In 2024, First Advantage acquired Sterling Check for $2.2 billion, reinforcing its position as a major player in the screening analytics sector.
The company operates a platform combining background checks, criminal record screening, drug and alcohol testing, identity verification, fingerprinting, and continuous workforce monitoring. Its services rely on proprietary technology, advanced analytics, and artificial intelligence to support employer hiring decisions and ongoing compliance needs.
First Advantage's global reach and scale reflect the breadth of employment screening services required across different jurisdictions and industry verticals. The company's technology-driven approach and strategic acquisition activity position it as a significant infrastructure provider for organisations managing hiring and workforce verification at scale.






