Understanding BGV Codes: Status, Report & Verification Result Codes
Background verification reports often use specific codes or status tags like "Green," "Yellow," or "Red." This guide decodes the most common BGV codes, helping HR teams interpret results accurately and make informed hiring decisions.
What Are BGV Codes?
BGV codes are standardized result indicators used by background verification companies to communicate the outcome of each check. They simplify complex verification data into easily understandable statuses, allowing HR teams to quickly assess a candidate's clearance level without reading through lengthy reports.
While terminology may vary slightly between vendors, most BGV providers in India use a color‑coded system (green, amber, red) or numeric/code‑based results (e.g., "Clear," "Minor Discrepancy," "Adverse"). Understanding these codes is critical to maintaining consistency and fairness in your hiring process.
The Color Code System in BGV Reports
Green
Clear / Verified
All details match; no discrepancies found. Candidate is cleared for onboarding.
Amber / Yellow
Partial Discrepancy
Minor inconsistencies found; may need additional review or candidate clarification.
Red
Adverse / Not Verified
Major discrepancy or fraud detected. Further investigation or rejection may be warranted.
Truevence uses a similar clear‑color coding plus a detailed remark section to ensure no ambiguity in candidate assessments.
Common BGV Status Codes & What They Mean
| Code / Status | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| CLEAR / GREEN | All information verified; no mismatch | Proceed with hiring |
| PENDING | Verification is in progress | Await final report |
| INCONCLUSIVE | Unable to verify due to lack of response or data | Request additional documents |
| MINOR DISCREPANCY | Small mismatch in dates, spelling, etc. | Review with candidate |
| ADVERSE / RED | Fake documents, criminal history, or employment gap misrepresented | Escalate to HR leadership |
| UNABLE TO VERIFY | Institution or employer not reachable | Alternative verification attempt |
Codes Specific to Verification Types
Some BGV reports include check‑type specific codes that provide granular insight.
Identity Check Codes
- • ID-VERIFIED: Aadhaar/PAN confirmed via UIDAI/NSDL
- • ID-MISMATCH: Name/DOB doesn't match official records
- • ID-FAKE: Document found to be forged
Education Check Codes
- • EDU-VERIFIED: Degree confirmed directly with university
- • EDU-NOTFOUND: University has no record
- • EDU-INCOMPLETE: Course not completed
Criminal Check Codes
- • CRIM-CLEAR: No adverse record found
- • CRIM-FLAGGED: Possible match; under review
- • CRIM-CONFIRMED: Criminal record confirmed
How to Use BGV Codes in Your Hiring Workflow
Establish an internal policy that clearly defines which status codes automatically clear a candidate, which require review, and which lead to rejection. This ensures fairness and consistency.
- ✓ Auto‑clear all "Green" reports for faster onboarding
- âś“ Review "Amber" cases with the candidate and hiring manager
- âś“ Escalate "Red" cases to a committee for final decision
Why Standardised BGV Codes Matter
Using clear, consistent verification codes eliminates confusion, reduces bias, and helps you scale your hiring without second‑guessing every report. It also makes vendor transitions easier, as you can map old vendor codes to new ones.
Want clear, actionable BGV reports?
Truevence delivers reports with intuitive status codes so you can make decisions in seconds.
Request a Sample Report