<p>In this blog, we look at the differences between verification and attestation and discuss the importance of verification within recruitment. If you would like to understand the differences between credentialing and privileging, check out our detailed blog post <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/the-difference-between-credentialing-and-privileging" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>
<h2>What Is Verification?</h2>
<p>Verification is the process of establishing whether something is true, accurate, or valid. Verifications are usually a formal assertion of the truth in some form of an inspection or review. There are also different types of verification processes. While a form of verification may be carried out, it does not necessarily mean that it was done thoroughly. Whether you verify candidates pre-hire, employees once hired, or when outsourcing contractors and consultants, it’s essential to use the right tools and processes for this task, particularly in high-risk environments such as <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/the-importance-of-employee-verification-in-the-healthcare-industry" target="_blank">healthcare</a>, engineering, finance and <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/why-verified-credentials-are-crucial-for-executive-education-programs" target="_blank">education</a>. </p>
<p>Legally, suspects in a criminal case could be asked to verify their whereabouts at the time of a crime through CCTV, alibi and witnesses. Lawyers should verify evidence in advance of its use in court. Similarly, employers should seek verification of a job candidate’s claimed credentials and professional experience during the <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/whitepaper-the-costs-of-an-ineffective-hiring-process">hiring process</a>. </p>
<h2>What Is Attestation?</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="535" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_1536232352-1024x535.jpg" alt="What Is Attestation" class="wp-image-12249" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_1536232352-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_1536232352-300x157.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_1536232352-768x401.jpg 768w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_1536232352.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<p>Attestation is the act of when an authorized person or official bears witness to the signing of a formal document and then signs the same document to approve the signatures of the parties bound to that document and its content. It may simply be a declaration that something exists or is the case. An educational degree is an excellent example of a document that needs attestation at least once during its holder’s life. </p>
<p>In a court of law, attesting would involve stating that you believe something to be true. In the workplace, a colleague or employer could attest to the reliability or character of an employee or peer. Attestations are usually in writing. For example, a witness will testify to a will by signing it, confirming that they witnessed the testator sign the same will. Attestation is usually done on the reverse side of a document. </p>
<p>Other words for attestation include confirmation, evidence, proof, documentation and testament. </p>
<h2>Differences Between Verification and Attestation</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/digital-verification-and-blockchain-the-perfect-pair" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Verification</a> is usually done by the party asking for evidence of information provided. This could be an employer or recruiter during the hiring process.</p>
<p>Attestation is typically requested by the party that owns a document, such as a potential employee. </p>
<p><strong>Common documents for attestation include</strong>:</p>
<ul><li>degree certificate</li><li>personal documents</li><li>birth certificate</li><li>marriage certificate</li><li>police clearance report</li><li>medical report</li><li>wills </li><li>commercial documents such as company registration </li></ul>
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<p><strong>Common documents for verification include:</strong></p>
<ul><li><a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/identity-fraud-verifying-candidates-when-hiring-remotely" target="_blank">Identity</a> documents (passport, official ID)</li><li>Education (official mark sheets, transcripts, degrees)</li><li>Work experience</li><li>Professional license</li><li>Good Standing Certificate (GSC)</li></ul>
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<h2>Attestation and Verification – What comes first?</h2>
<p>Attestation is evidence to state that a document is attested. Once something, a document, for example, is attested, it will undergo verification to determine its authenticity and validity.</p>
<h2>Verification Within Recruitment</h2>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1024" height="535" src="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_548912677-1024x535.jpg" alt="Verification within recruitment" class="wp-image-12250" srcset="https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_548912677-1024x535.jpg 1024w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_548912677-300x157.jpg 300w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_548912677-768x401.jpg 768w, https://production-prod-trueprofile-blogassets-origin.s3.ap-southeast-1.amazonaws.com/uploads/2021/09/shutterstock_548912677.jpg 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption>PSV is the process in which individual documents or credentials are verified directly from their original source</figcaption></figure>
<p>As a process required by most regulators across <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/cv-fraud-which-industries-are-most-at-risk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">high-risk industries</a>, many employers use <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/using-primary-source-verification-psv-as-industry-best-practice" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Primary Source Verification (PSV)</a> during the hiring process to validate the legitimacy of documents submitted by job applicants. </p>
<p>Primary Source Verification is the process in which individual documents or credentials are verified directly from their original source, known as an <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/interview-with-apurva-tandon-part-2-of-3-why-issuing-authorities-should-create-opportunities-for-alumni" target="_blank">issuing authority</a> (IA). PSV reduces and mitigates risks for staff, employers, clients, stakeholders and reputations. </p>
<p>Particularly at a time where the demand for hiring professionals from overseas to stem skills shortages is high, the risk of dishonest candidates puncturing inefficient hiring processes is even higher. Implementing PSV as best practice is essential. </p>
<p>With TrueProfile.io, Members’ verified documents are <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/how-trueprofile-io-uses-blockchain-technology" target="_blank">securely stored on the Ethereum blockchain</a> and are known as TrueProofs. <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner/resources/what-is-a-trueproof-2" target="_blank">TrueProofs</a> are portable credentials that expedite trust, accountability and transparency between <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/partner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">TrueProfile.io Business Partners</a> and <a href="https://www.trueprofile.io/member" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pre-verified Members</a> during the hiring process.</p>
<p><strong>If Primary Source Verification (PSV) is something you need to add to your hiring process, TrueProfile.io can offer you tailored solutions:</strong></p>
<ul><li>If you’re hiring <strong>pre-verified</strong> candidates, sign up for your TrueProfile.io Recruiting <a href="https://lp.trueprofile.io/recruit-medical-staff-free-trial/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">7-day FREE trial here</a>. </li></ul>
<ul><li>If you want to <strong>verify</strong> a new employee, contact a member of our team via <a rel="noreferrer noopener" href="mailto:businesspartner@trueprofile.io" target="_blank">businesspartner@trueprofile.io</a> today!</li></ul>
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<h2>The Difference Between Blogs</h2>
<ul><li><a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/difference-between-identity-verification-background-screening/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Difference Between Identity Verification and Background Screening</a></li><li><a href="https://blog.trueprofile.io/the-difference-between-credentialing-and-privileging/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Difference Between Credentialing and Privileging</a></li></ul>
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