What is the minimum number of references required for a new hire or re-hire?

Two -if an applicant has at least five years of employment history, then management should obtain references for the past five years of employment history. references from multiple employers totaling the last five years of work experience are acceptable. if an applicant has less than five years of employment history, then a reference should be obtained from the previous employer(s) the applicant lists on the application, plus one professional/educational/civic reference. if an applicant has no prior employment history, then at least two professional/educational/civic references should be obtained.