First, get a VIP membership, second do a search, third find a well reviewed/respected provider.
Be very careful, ID fraud is rampant these days. If you decide to give your real name, home and work phone #'s and are prepared to show your drivers license when you have your date, make sure you are seeing a respectable provider.
I've even heard of rare cases of extortion.
hi and welcome dano
the screening process is different for each and every provider and agency, but basically they are trying to determine if you are safe to meet privately, will not harm them in any way, and you are not a member of LE.
your best bet is to be up front and honest, open communication of expectations will make or break the first encounter for both of you. if you do not feel comfortable giving this information out, trust your gut instinct and find someone else. that's where a first contact to inquire about services and screening is sometimes helpful, before trying to set up the actual appointment. be prepared to be asked for full name, age, home address, phone #, as well as your work information, employer, address, phone #, etc. also, a personal reference from another provider you have seen recently is usually requested, if possible.
some will accept this over the phone, some prefer an email, or I've even been asked to fax from work. be careful who you give this information to of course, but understand any reputable provider is only asking for her own safety. despite all the advertisement that all this is kept confidential and used discreetly, don't be naive enough to believe that; some ladies may keep records, or even share this information (especially in that reference that they asked for). of course some clients/hobbyists create false identities use pay phone #, email account used only for hobby activity, etc.
above all, use this site for what it's here for, check reviews, read the boards, and learn as much as you can from it so you don't repeat any of our mistakes.
good luck and please for the love of God, BE SAFE
best regards, mr.man