Refchecks is an Australian-built screening platform with deep local integrations, AI fraud detection, and native ATS connections. Certn is a Canadian-founded international platform that acquired CVCheck to bolt on Australian capabilities — a solid option, but one that lacks the Australian-specific depth of a purpose-built platform.
For most Australian employers, Refchecks offers the better combination of features, pricing, and fraud protection compared to Certn.
Features
| Feature | Refchecks | Certn |
|---|---|---|
| Reference Checks | Automated with AI fraud detection and cross-referencing | Automated digital reference checks |
| Police Checks (ACIC) | Via CVCheck acquisition | |
| ID Verification | DVS-based document verification | Global identity verification |
| Right to Work (VEVO) | Automated VEVO portal integration — no manual steps | Available but manual process |
| Financial / Credit Checks | Deep credit history, AFSA bankruptcy search, ASIC directorship check | Basic credit check available |
| Medical Screening | Sonic HealthPlus integration with automated clinic booking | |
| Psychometric Testing | ||
| AI Fraud Detection | Cross-reference database catches inconsistent referee claims | |
| International Checks | International criminal checks and screening available | Coverage across North America, UK, and APAC |
| ATS Integrations | Native integrations with Bullhorn, JobAdder, Greenhouse, Lever, Manatal, Monday.com | API-based integrations and some native connectors |
| API Access | REST API with webhook support | Well-documented API with webhooks |
| Mining / Construction Certs | SOC, white card, and state-specific licence verification | |
| Candidate Portal | Branded portal for candidates and referees | Candidate experience portal with mobile support |
| White-Label Portal | Agencies can brand the candidate portal with their own logo, colours, and company name | Full white-label platform available for partners |
| Sanctions & PEP Screening | DFAT Consolidated List, UN Security Council sanctions, and PEP database screening | Global sanctions and watchlist screening via Certn compliance module |
| Continuous Monitoring | Automated re-screening on configurable schedules (VEVO, police, sanctions, adverse media, licences, credit) |
Pricing
| Tier | Refchecks | Certn |
|---|---|---|
| Starter | $8.50/check — pay as you go | From ~$30/check for basic packages |
| Professional | $7.00/check — volume pricing from 50+ checks/month | Custom pricing — volume discounts available |
| Enterprise | Custom pricing with dedicated account manager | Custom pricing with white-label options |
Analysis
Verdict
Certn is a well-funded international platform, and their acquisition of CVCheck gave them instant Australian market access. The candidate experience is polished, the API is solid, and the white-label option is attractive for large staffing firms.
But here's the thing: Certn's Australian capabilities are inherited from an acquisition, not built from the ground up. Refchecks was designed specifically for the Australian compliance landscape, and that shows in every feature. Automated VEVO checks that actually hit the portal without manual steps. Sonic HealthPlus integration that books medical appointments directly. Mining and construction certification verification for SOC, white cards, and state-specific licences. AI fraud detection that catches fabricated references. Deep credit checks with AFSA bankruptcy and ASIC directorship lookups. Psychometric testing. These aren't features you get from adapting a Canadian product for the Australian market.
Both platforms offer sanctions screening and white-label portals — but Refchecks now goes further with continuous post-hire monitoring across six check types on fully configurable schedules: VEVO monthly, police annually, sanctions quarterly, adverse media quarterly, professional licences bi-annually, and credit annually. Certn has no equivalent ongoing monitoring capability, which means your compliance exposure grows over time with a Certn-only approach.
Then there's pricing. Certn's basic packages start around $30 per check. Refchecks starts at $8.50 with no bundling or minimum commitments. For a mid-size recruiter running 100 checks a month, that's a substantial difference.
Our recommendation: Refchecks is the stronger choice for Australian hiring teams. You get deeper local integrations, more screening types, AI fraud protection, continuous compliance monitoring, and dramatically better value. Choose Certn only if heavy North American screening is a core requirement for your business.
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