Sterling is a background check provider that many companies use to validate identity information. Drata supports a one-way connection that lets you upload background check results from Sterling. After upload, Drata maps the results to personnel records to support compliance tracking.
Prerequisites
Before you begin:
Ensure you can sign in to your Sterling account.
You must have permission to export background check reports in CSV format.
These permissions allow you to access and export the data required for compliance tracking.
Export the Sterling Background Check CSV
Exporting the report ensures you have the required data to upload into Drata.
Sign in to your Sterling account with administrator credentials.
Use the Find a Candidate search tool to locate a person (by name or ID).
Open the candidate’s profile.
In the Screening History section, locate the completed report.
Select the report icon next to the result.
Download the report in CSV format.
Your CSV must include the following columns:
Applicant email address
Order status
Full applicant name
Order completed date and time
These fields are used to accurately map the background check to the correct person in Drata.
Obtain the Sterling background check report URL (Optional)
Open the completed report in your browser.
Copy the URL from the address bar.
Save the link to include in Drata for reference.
Including this URL adds a reference back to the original report for auditing purposes.
Upload Background Check Results to Drata
Go to the Connections page in Drata.
Select the Available Connections tab.
Search for Sterling, then select Connect.
(Optional) Enter the Sterling background check report URL to store the source link in the Personnel page.
Upload your Sterling CSV file to add background check records.
Uploading this file allows Drata to track who has completed a background check and who has not.
Verification
To confirm successful upload and compliance mapping:
Go to the Personnel page.
Apply the filter: Not Compliant > Background Check.
This view highlights individuals who are missing background check data based on your Sterling upload.
This helps you quickly identify and address any compliance gaps in your personnel records.
To review all uploaded records:
Go to the Connections page.
Select the Sterling connection.
Choose Manage Background Check to view the imported records.
Reviewing uploaded records helps you verify the data transfer was successful and complete.
Next Steps
Repeat the Sterling export and upload process anytime new or updated background check results are available.
Regular updates help keep your compliance records accurate and audit-ready.