Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to common questions about background checks.
What shows up on a background check?
A background check may include criminal records, employment history, education, driving records, identity information, drug testing, or other records depending on what the employer requested.
How long does a background check take?
Turnaround time varies depending on the types of searches ordered and the sources involved. Many checks complete within one to three business days, but searches that require manual court record retrieval, international records, or education verification from institutions with slow response times can take longer.
Do I have to give permission for a background check?
For employment background checks, employers generally must provide a disclosure and obtain written authorization before requesting a consumer report.
Can employers run a background check before making a job offer?
It depends on the laws that apply. Some states and cities have fair chance or ban-the-box laws that restrict when criminal history may be considered.
Can I get a copy of my background check?
Yes. Applicants have rights under the FCRA to request information about a background check report and to dispute information they believe is inaccurate or incomplete.
What if I find an error on my background check?
You have the right to dispute inaccurate or incomplete information directly with the consumer reporting agency that prepared the report. The CRA is required to investigate and correct or delete information that cannot be verified. You may also dispute with the original source of the information.
Can an employer refuse to hire me because of a background check?
An employer may consider background check results as part of a hiring decision, but certain laws limit how criminal history can be used. Some states and cities require employers to conduct an individualized assessment before rejecting an applicant based on a criminal record. Employers must also follow adverse action notice requirements under the FCRA before making a final decision.
Can a background check include social media?
Some employers review publicly available social media as part of their screening process, but this practice carries legal risk. Using social media information in hiring decisions can expose protected class information and lead to discrimination claims. Social media searches conducted through a consumer reporting agency must also comply with FCRA requirements.
What is adverse action?
Adverse action is a negative employment decision based in whole or in part on information in a background check report. Employers usually must follow a specific notice process before making the final decision.
What is pre-adverse action?
Pre-adverse action is the step where an employer gives an applicant notice before making a final negative employment decision based on a background check report.
Should employers have a background check policy?
Yes. A written policy helps employers apply screening standards consistently and avoid making decisions that are unclear, inconsistent, or noncompliant.
Does a national criminal database search cover everything?
No. A national criminal database search is often used as a pointer search. County, state, or federal court searches may still be needed to verify records and obtain current case details.
What is a county criminal search?
A county criminal search retrieves records directly from a county court and is one of the most reliable methods for finding criminal case information. Because court records are not always captured in national databases, county searches are commonly used to verify records and obtain current case details for specific jurisdictions.
What is a federal criminal search?
A federal criminal search retrieves records from U.S. District Courts, which handle federal offenses such as fraud, tax crimes, drug trafficking, and other violations of federal law. Federal cases are separate from state and county court records and require a separate search to uncover.
How far back do criminal records show?
Reporting periods depend on the type of record, the job, the state, and applicable laws. Some states restrict certain records after seven years, while others allow longer reporting in some situations.
What is an SSN Trace?
An SSN Trace is a tool used to identify names and addresses historically associated with a Social Security number. It is typically used early in the screening process to help determine which jurisdictions to search for criminal records, not as a standalone background check.
What does disposition mean?
Disposition means the outcome or current status of a case, such as dismissed, convicted, pending, acquitted, or deferred.
What types of drug tests do employers use?
Employers may use urine, saliva, hair, or other testing methods depending on the policy, industry, position, and testing provider.
What is an MRO?
An MRO, or Medical Review Officer, is a licensed physician who reviews drug test results and evaluates whether there is a legitimate medical explanation before a result is reported to an employer.
What is employment verification?
Employment verification is the process of confirming a person’s previous or current employment, which may include job title, dates of employment, and sometimes other employment details.
What is education verification?
Education verification confirms information such as school name, degree, diploma, attendance dates, graduation status, or other education-related details.
What is a motor vehicle report?
A motor vehicle report, or MVR, is a record of a person’s driving history obtained from a state licensing agency. Employers typically request MVRs for positions that involve driving responsibilities. The report may include license status, license class, traffic violations, suspensions, and other driving-related information.
What is a credit report used for in employment?
Some employers request a credit report as part of a background check for positions that involve financial responsibility, access to sensitive assets, or fiduciary duties. Employment credit reports are regulated under the FCRA and differ from the credit reports used by lenders. Several states and cities restrict or prohibit the use of credit history in hiring decisions.
What is the FCRA?
The Fair Credit Reporting Act is a federal law that regulates how consumer reports, including many employment background checks, are obtained, used, and shared.
What is a consumer reporting agency?
A consumer reporting agency (CRA) is a company that researches and compiles information about individuals and provides consumer reports to third parties. Under the FCRA, most background check companies that serve employers are considered consumer reporting agencies and must follow specific legal requirements.