How do I enable Refapp's new standard forms for my organization?
If you have administrator access in Refapp, you will receive two new standard forms from Refapp: Essential and Comprehensive.
These forms are designed as an updated version of Refapp's previous standard forms and are recommended for use going forward. They are built on research-based methodology and provide access to benchmark data and deeper insights in Refapp's reports.
1. Preview the new forms
To review the new forms:
- Go to Forms in Refapp.
- Select Private forms.
- Find the Essential and Comprehensive forms.
- Select Preview to review the questions and structure.

The forms are designed to be ready to use as they are, so you can publish them without making any changes.
2. Customize the forms if needed
If you want to add or remove questions to better suit your organization's needs, you can create a copy of the form and customize it.
Access our full guide on How to edit a Refapp form.
Please note that the Characteristics and Counterproductive Work Behaviours (CWB) sections cannot be modified. These sections need to remain consistent to ensure benchmark comparability and the report insights available in Refapp.
3. Make the forms available to your organization
Once you are happy with the forms, make them Public.
This will make the forms available for users in your organization to select when creating a new reference check.
If your organization uses multiple subaccounts, you can choose which subaccounts should have access to the new forms.
Your existing forms will remain available, so you can continue using them alongside the new standard forms.
Which form should I use?
Both forms use the same research-based methodology, but they differ in how many characteristics they assess.
Essential 🚀
The new alternative to the old 'Quick' form.
Choose Essential when you want a shorter reference check while still gaining meaningful insights into the candidate's work performance.
💡Recommended when: you want a faster, more focused reference check.
Comprehensive 🔎
The new alternative to the old 'Deep' form.
Choose Comprehensive when you want a more in-depth assessment of the candidate's work style, motivation, and collaboration.
💡Recommended when: you want a broader and more detailed assessment of the candidate.
Why use the new standard forms?
The new standard forms are designed to make reference checking more reliable, research-based, and comparable across recruitments.
By using the standard forms, you can benefit from:
- Research-based behavioural questions
- More structured and objective feedback
- Benchmark data for comparing results
- Deeper insights in Refapp reports
- A consistent approach across recruitments
Good to know
- Your existing forms will not be removed.
- You are not required to use the new standard forms.
- Custom forms are still fully supported.
- We recommend using the standard forms whenever possible to benefit from the latest research-based methodology and benchmark data.
For more information about the new standard forms and the research behind them, see New standard forms in Refapp.