National Background Check Shows
A national background check is an important tool for employers and landlords to help determine if a potential applicant or tenant has any criminal history. But it's important to understand exactly what information can be revealed in a national background check to know what to expect when one is performed on you.
Personal Information
The most basic element of a national background check is verifying your identity with personal information, such as your name, date of birth, address history, and Social Security number. This helps the screening company verify that they are looking at the correct person’s record.
Criminal Records/History
A national background check will reveal any criminal records at both the state and federal levels. This includes any arrests and convictions, as well as outstanding warrants or charges. Courts can also provide information about ongoing legal proceedings in which you are involved.
Credit Report and Score
A national background check will also include a review of your credit report and score, which can help employers or landlords gauge financial responsibility and trustworthiness. It’s important to note that this information is only used to make decisions related to renting or pre employment screening and should not be used for any other purpose.
Driving Record
Employers may require a driving record if the job requires driving a company vehicle, such as a delivery driver or sales representative who uses their own car for work-related tasks. The screening agency will look to see if an applicant has any violations or suspensions, as well as the length of time they’ve held a valid driver's license.
Education and Employment Verification
A national background check can also provide information about your education history and past employment history. Employers may use this to verify that applicants have the necessary experience for the job, and landlords can determine whether someone can pay their rent on time.
References
Landlords or employers may contact references provided by you to obtain additional information about your character. These would be people who know you personally or professionally, such as former colleagues or neighbors, and can provide insights into your trustworthiness and reliability when completing tasks.
Social Media
A national background check may also include reviewing your social media accounts and any public posts you’ve made. This is to ensure that nothing inappropriate or unprofessional has been shared online, as employers and landlords want to be sure they’re making the right decision when hiring or renting to someone.
Professional Licenses
If you are applying for a job in an industry that requires certain certifications or licenses, such as a doctor or nurse, the employer will use a national background check to verify these credentials before extending a job offer. It’s important to make sure your professional qualifications are up-to-date, so there won’t be any delays in getting hired.
About 1st Choice Fingerprinting
1st Choice Fingerprinting is a fingerprint and background check service provider in Reynoldsburg, Ohio. We are an authorized vendor for the Ohio Attorney General obtained through the National WebCheck. We provide background and criminal history check from both the FBI and BCI (Ohio’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation).
A national background check is an important part of the hiring and rental process, so it’s important to know exactly what will be revealed in a background check before you apply. By understanding what a national background check shows, you can make sure that you present your best self when applying for jobs or renting property.
Checkout our other services, 1CFS and 1CFS Shop
FAQ's
What is the difference between national and federal criminal background checks?
A national background check searches criminal records from all over the country, while a federal background check focuses specifically on federal crimes, such as those committed on federal property or involving law enforcement agencies. The latter is often more comprehensive, as it searches databases that are not available to the general public, including the FBI's criminal history database.
What is the national criminal background check information?
A national background check refers to a process of verifying an individual's criminal, financial, and personal history by searching various databases and records across the country. This type of background check is often used by employers, landlords, lenders, and other organizations to make informed decisions about an individual. The information collected during a national background check can include criminal records, credit reports, driving records, pre employment background checks, and more. The specific information that is included in a national background check depends on the company providing the service and the purpose of the check.
What kind of things show up on a Criminal background check?
The information included in a background check can vary depending on the type of check and the purpose for which it is being conducted, but it can typically include the following:
Criminal records: This can include arrests, convictions, and pending charges for theft, assault, and drug offenses.
Employment of professional licenses: Depending on the individual's line of work, a background check may show if they have a valid license and if there have been any disciplinary actions taken against them.
Credit history: This can include information on past-due debts, bankruptcies, foreclosures, and other financial issues.
Employment of government security clearance: For some jobs, especially those in government or related to national security, a background check may include a review of an individual's security clearance status.
Driving record: This can include information on traffic violations, accidents, and any suspensions or revocations of a driver's license.
Employment of work authorization: For individuals who are not U.S. citizens, a background check may include verification of their legal right to work in the country.
Employment of military service: For individuals who have served in the military, a background check may include information on their discharge status and any rank they held.
It's important to note that not all background checks include the same information, and the level of detail provided can vary depending on the company that is conducting the check.
What will make you fail a federal background check?
There are several factors that can result in failing a federal background check. Some common reasons include the following:
Criminal history: Conviction for a serious crime, such as a violent crime, drug trafficking, or espionage, can result in a failed federal background check.
False information: Providing false or misleading information on a security clearance application can result in a failed background check.
Financial instability: A history of serious financial problems, such as bankruptcy, can raise concerns about an individual's trustworthiness and reliability.
Substance abuse: A history of drug or alcohol abuse, especially if it's recent or ongoing, can raise concerns about an individual's judgment and reliability.
Unlawful activities: Involvement in illegal activities, such as espionage, treason, or terrorism, can result in a failed background check.
It's important to note that each case is evaluated on its own merits, and the specific circumstances surrounding a potential issue will be taken into consideration when determining the outcome of a federal background check.
