Sterling vs Certn
Side-by-side from the Top 11 ranking of The 11 Best Background Check Services. 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 | #7 / The 11 Best Background Check Services |
| 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 |
Methodology and scoring weights live at /methodology. No vendor pays for placement — see about.