Both Certn and Sterling are Background and Reference Checks tools. Certn is best for smb, while Sterling is best for enterprise. This page compares pricing, deployment, and features side by side to help you decide which fits your team.
Certn is a fast, digital-first background check platform with soft checks, criminal records, and identity verification.
Sterling is a global background check company offering criminal, employment, education, and identity verification services.
| Feature |
C
Certn
Background and Reference Checks
|
S
Sterling
Background and Reference Checks
|
|---|---|---|
| Scores (RecruitsAgent Score) | ||
| Support Score |
9.3/10
|
8.9/10
|
| Maintain Score |
9.0/10
|
9.0/10
|
| Platform Score |
8.5/10
|
8.2/10
|
| Key Specifications | ||
| Category | Background and Reference Checks | Background and Reference Checks |
| Best For | Smb | Enterprise |
| Pricing Model | Per user | Per user |
| Starting Price | From $9.99/check | Custom pricing |
| Free Trial | No | No |
| AI Features | ✓ Yes | No |
| Deployment | cloud | cloud |
| Category-Specific Features | ||
| Instant Checks | Some same-day | — |
| International Checks | Yes | — |
| ID Verification | Yes | — |
| Global Coverage | — | 240 countries |
| Drug Testing | — | Yes |
| I-9 Verification | — | Yes |
| View Full Details | View Certn | View Sterling |
It depends on your priorities. Certn stands out for: Certn includes AI-powered features. Certn is positioned for smb teams.
Both are Background and Reference Checks tools. See the full comparison table below for pricing, deployment, and feature differences.
Both use per user pricing — check each vendor's site for current rates.