Can an employer charge a prospective employee for his/her background check?

I am considering a job with Huntington Learning Center.
As a condition of my employment, I have to submit to a criminal background check. I'm not opposed to that at all.

However, the HR person told me that I would have to pay for it, to which I replied "That's a business cost of Huntington Learning Center - It is not my responsibility".

What's the law on this? Any thoughts?

Just to clarify...
The cost of the background check is deducted from my first paycheck.

I gave my reply in a respectful manner.

Some very good responses, thanks!
Keep them coming.

I don't think there is a law, but I certainly wouldn't work for them. The reason is obvious, they are cheap and probably treat their employees with the same type of wages, benefits and treatment.

Peace

Jim

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Its legal. I've been charged for a drug screen and physical at an application for electrical work...

It's perfectly legal. You acted like a smart alec to the HR person. If you don't want to pay it, work somewhere else.

I don't know the law, but that sounds cheesey. Depending on the potential salary and the cost of the background check, it might be worth it in the long term. But it sounds cheesey to me.

well, so much for your job prospects with huntington.next time be smart,law has nothing to do with it if you are informed of the cost in front.

I've never heard of that. Sounds a little fishy to me. If you have to pay for that, don't you have to pay for the drug test too? I'm sure you have to take a drug test. I'd ask her to show me where in their policies that you have to pay for that. That's pretty cheapskate to me. Hope there going to pay you a good salary, cause I'd tell her to kiss my ***.

I'm actually surprised they would accept a background check that you paid for. On the other hand, they can refuse to hire for any reason not specifically protected by law. I don't recall the complete list (race, gender, age, etc), but I am certain refusal to pay for pre-employment screening is NOT on the list.