An employment background check shows only the searches the employer orders. Most include identity verification and criminal history, and many add employment and education verification, a driving record, drug test results, professional licenses and health care sanctions. Federal and state laws limit what can be reported. Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), most negative information older than 7 years can’t appear, though criminal convictions can.
New to screening? Start with our overview: what is an employment background check?
What each background check shows
| Check | What it shows | Common for |
|---|---|---|
| SSN trace / identity | Names and addresses linked to the SSN, used to decide where to search | Nearly all checks |
| Criminal history | Felony and misdemeanor convictions, pending charges, case dates and outcomes from county, state and federal courts | Most jobs |
| Sex offender registry | Registration status on state and national registries | Included in national criminal searches; key for roles with vulnerable people |
| Employment verification | Employers, job titles and dates | Most professional roles |
| Education verification | Schools, degrees and graduation dates | Roles that require a degree |
| Motor vehicle report (MVR) | License status and class, violations, accidents, suspensions and DUIs | Anyone who drives for work |
| Drug test | Results for the drug panel ordered | Safety-sensitive and DOT roles |
| Professional license | Whether a license is active, expired or disciplined | Health care, finance, trades |
| Health care sanctions | Exclusions from federal and state health programs (OIG, SAM, state Medicaid) | Health care employers |
| Employment credit report | Credit accounts, payment history, collections and bankruptcies, but not a credit score | Financial and fiduciary roles, where allowed |
What a background check doesn’t show
- Searches the employer didn’t order. A criminal check alone won’t show driving history, credit or education.
- Your credit score. Employment credit reports show credit history, not a score.
- Most old negative information. The FCRA bars background check companies from reporting most negative information older than 7 years.
- Medical records. These aren’t part of a standard background check.
How far back a background check goes
Under the FCRA, background check companies can’t report:
- Arrests that didn’t lead to a conviction, civil suits and civil judgments older than 7 years
- Collections and paid tax liens older than 7 years
- Bankruptcies older than 10 years
- Other negative information older than 7 years
Criminal convictions are the exception. Federal law doesn’t limit how far back convictions can be reported. The time limits also don’t apply to jobs with an annual salary of $75,000 or more. Some states set stricter limits on older records, so what appears can depend on where the candidate lives and works.
Candidate rights during a background check
- Consent first. The employer must tell you in a standalone written document that it may run a check, and get your written permission.
- A copy before a negative decision. If the report could cost you the job, the employer must give you a copy of the report and a Summary of Rights first.
- Notice after a decision. If the employer decides not to hire you, it must give you the background check company’s contact information and tell you about your right to dispute.
- The right to dispute errors. Contact the background check company, explain what’s wrong and include documents. The company must investigate, generally within 30 days, and correct or remove inaccurate information.
How employers should use background check results
- Order checks that fit the role. A driver needs an MVR. An accountant may need a credit report where state law allows it.
- Judge records against the job. Consider the type of offense, how long ago it happened and how it relates to the duties.
- Follow adverse action steps before acting on anything in the report. See our guide to FCRA-compliant background check services.
- Check state and local laws. Many cities and states limit when you can ask about criminal history or credit.
Wondering about timing? See how long a background check takes. Comparing providers? Read our guide to choosing a background check company.
How VICTIG helps
VICTIG runs criminal background checks (its national search includes sex offender registries), MVRs, drug screening, employment and education verification, employment credit reports and health sanctions searches, with a 1.8-day average turnaround. VICTIG is PBSA-accredited, and its US-based support team helps employers understand results and FCRA steps.
Frequently asked questions
What shows up on a background check for employment?
Usually identity verification and criminal history, plus any checks the role calls for, such as employment and education verification, a driving record or a drug test.
Does a background check show arrests?
Arrests that didn’t lead to a conviction can’t be reported once they’re more than 7 years old, unless the job pays $75,000 or more. Some states limit arrest reporting further.
How far back does a background check go?
Most negative information is limited to 7 years and bankruptcies to 10. Criminal convictions have no federal time limit, but some states set their own.
Does a background check show employment history?
Only if the employer orders an employment verification, which confirms past employers, job titles and dates. That’s different from an employment verification letter, which an employer writes at an employee’s request.
Does a background check show your credit score?
No. An employment credit report shows credit history, such as accounts and collections, but not a score.
Can I see my own background check?
Yes. If an employer may take adverse action based on your report, it must give you a copy first. You can also request your file from the background check company.
What if my background check has an error?
Dispute it with the background check company in writing and include documents. The company must investigate, generally within 30 days, and fix or remove inaccurate information.
