Sterling vs Certn
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026). Last verified June 13, 2026.
The short answer
Sterling ranks higher on Top 11 (#4 vs #7) for Employers screening candidates. Best for its specialized solutions in healthcare, finance, and retail.
At a glance
| Sterling | Certn | |
|---|---|---|
| Top 11 rank | #4 / The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026) | #7 / The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026) |
| Score (out of 9.4) | 8.6 | 8 |
| Best for | Vertical-specific screening | Fast screening for tech companies |
| Pricing | $$$ (Quote-based) | $$ (Quote-based, starts ~$25) |
| HQ | New York, USA | Victoria, Canada |
| Founded | 1975 | 2016 |
Sterling
Best for its specialized solutions in healthcare, finance, and retail.
www.sterlingcheck.comSee full entry in The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026)
Certn
Best for speed, delivering basic checks in minutes through a modern platform.
certn.coSee full entry in The 11 Best Background Check Services (2026)
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.