How do I add a screening for my worker, or fix one that was ordered by mistake?

Last updated: October 6, 2026

Applies to: Staffing partners who order background checks, drug screens, or driving record checks for their workers through Ascen. Clients and workers cannot order screenings, so this does not apply to them.

Summary: You can add a screening for a worker who is already onboarded, for example a driving record check because the role now involves a company vehicle, either by ordering it from the assignment yourself or by emailing us and asking us to add it. You cannot cancel a screening yourself. If something was ordered by mistake, email support@ascen.com and we will cancel the invitation and add the right one.

Adding a screening after the worker has started

The simplest way is to email support@ascen.com with the worker's name, the client or assignment, and which screening you need. We will add it, and the worker receives an email invitation from the screening provider.

If your role on the account allows ordering screenings (Owners, Admins, Managers and Recruiters generally can), you can also do it yourself:

  1. Open the worker's assignment.

  2. Go to its Screenings tab.

  3. Click Create New Screening and choose the screening you need.

If you do not see the option, email us and we will add it for you.

Why a basic background check is pre-selected and will not untick

On many accounts every assignment has to carry a minimum background check. When it applies, the platform pre-selects a basic criminal check (marked as a required screening) and will not let you remove it. If you are ordering only a driving record check or a drug screen for someone who has already passed their background check, that can add a second background check you did not need.

To avoid that, email support@ascen.com and ask us to add just the screening you need. If a duplicate has already been ordered, tell us and we will cancel it. The worker can still complete the screening you actually wanted.

If the wrong screening was ordered

For example, two background checks were ordered when you meant a background check and a drug screen. Screenings can only be cancelled by Ascen, so email support@ascen.com with:

  • the worker's name and the client or assignment;

  • what was ordered; and

  • what should have been ordered.

We will cancel the invitation that should not have gone out and add the correct one. Let us know as soon as you notice, so the worker is not left working through an invitation they do not need.

Can the worker keep working while the new screening is pending?

That depends on the assignment and on what your client requires, so check with us before the worker starts the part of the job that needs the new screening, such as driving a company vehicle. Some roles, such as clinical healthcare, always need screenings cleared first. See Screening requirements for clinical healthcare assignments.

Tracking the new screening

Follow its progress from the worker's Background Checks tab, the same way as any other screening. See Tracking background check progress: the timeline view. For typical timings, see How long do background checks and drug tests take?.

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