How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment? Check Now

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Background Checks | June 19, 2023

How far back does a background check go for employment a job seeker wonders while waiting in line during an interview for an employment background check while a blue magnifying glass searches different workers' backgrounds that are asking what is done in a background check for employment during the job application process.

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For people who are searching for a job for the first time in years, they may be wondering how far back does a background check go for employment?

This is especially important to people who may have criminal history records, which might limit their job opportunities. Luckily, there are numerous federal and state laws that dictate how far back a level 2 background check can go, as well as how far back an FBI background check can go.

To understand how far back a background check goes for employment, it’s just a matter of checking the right information, quickly and securely because the answer can depend on what type of background check is being performed, and where a person lives.

The process to check now is explained below.

How Far Back Do Background Checks Go For Employment?

Technically speaking, a background check is a check of an individual’s history, this can include a number of different aspects of their past such as employment, education, driving records, and most notably, criminal history.

Many people confuse a criminal history check with a background check. Although most background checks include a criminal history check, checking someone’s criminal history is just one of the things that are checked as part of a typical employment background check.

However, the criminal history check is arguably the most important check and the most common.

In general, there are no limits on how far back do background checks go, concerning education verification checks, employment checks, and checks of various registries such as sex offender registries. These searches do not have time limits associated with them. This means that an employer can be free to view an individual’s education credentials, from 10 years ago or even more in some cases.

However, when answering the question, “how far back does a background check go for employment,” most people are referring to a criminal history check, in which case, the answer is 7 years. Although not every state has an official 7 year rule, even in states that don’t legally outline it, most background check companies will report back 7 years.

Employment Background Check Exceptions

There are several exceptions and state laws that may impact how far a background check goes, but in general, background check companies cannot report on an individual’s criminal history record if it is more than 7 years in most states.

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), managed by the Federal Trade Commission is designed to protect both applicants and employers from background check (largely credit history) related discrimination. Although the FCRA has regulations regarding background checks, the FCRA does not set a specific time limit for how far back a background check can go. These time limits are determined by the state.

Federal Trade Commission screenshot outlining how far back does a background check go for employment

Besides laws set by the FCRA many states have adopted additional laws, some of which determine at what part of the hiring process an employer can ask an applicant about their criminal history as well as what specific questions can be asked. Ban the Box laws and others prevent undue discrimination against former felons.

It’s also important to understand that while there are regulations about what questions can be asked regarding an applicant’s criminal history, this does not prevent the employer from removing someone for consideration due to their criminal history.

What Is Done In A Background Check For Employment?

Background checks for employment vary widely based on a number of factors.

These checks tend to be specific to the job duties required, so even at the same company, different applicants may be required to undergo different types of background checks.

What Information is Included in an Employment Background Check?

There are a few basic checks that are a part of almost every name-based (level 1) employment background check. These include:

The identity and SSN verification are both done to ensure that the person applying for the position is who they say they are. This prevents individuals from using fake names to apply for jobs in an effort to conceal their identity. Both of these checks and the address history check are also necessary to run a proper criminal history check.

Social security number verification screenshot used for how far back do background checks go for employment

A typical background check company, which most employers choose to hire to perform background checks on applicants, uses the address history of an individual and their full name (including middle name) to narrow down their criminal history search. This allows the company to search for an individual’s criminal history information at a local level, in addition to searching national and sometimes federal databases for any useful information.

Background check companies will be able to locate any arrest and conviction records on an individual and report them back to the employer, assuming the charges were filed less than 7 years ago, including how to look up charges on someone.

However, background check companies will not be able to report on charges that were dropped or any records that are sealed, such as juvenile records searches.

Job Specific Background Checks

Many jobs, such as those in the retail and food industry will only run a name-based background check to minimize risk and protect their staff. However, other industries conduct enhanced level background checks, usually required by federal or local law.

The following jobs are likely to require additional checks:

  • Jobs involving vulnerable groups such as children or the elderly (Caregiver Background Checks)
  • Healthcare jobs (Nursing background checks, Level 2 Healthcare checks)
  • Jobs that deal with sensitive information
  • Jobs that deal with financial information
  • Jobs that require certain education or certifications (Professional License Verification)
  • Jobs that require the use of heavy machinery
  • Jobs with annual salaries above $75,000

Jobs involving children, such as teachers or daycare workers have their own federal and state requirements. These will include checks of more unique databases such as child abuse and neglect registries, as well as sex offender registries.

Healthcare jobs will also have their own set of background checks required by federal and local laws. Many of these surround drug abuse and fraud registries that are maintained by other healthcare agencies, such as the FDA Debarment list or FACIS checks.

Some jobs that deal with sensitive financial information may require credit history checks and additional checks to ensure that the individual has not been convicted of any financial crimes.

FDA Debarrment list screenshot for how far back do federal background checks go for employment

One of the most common additional checks is the verification of an applicant’s education credentials. This is common practice for positions that require college degrees or field-specific certifications. Hiring an individual who lied about their education can pose a risk to other staff members or customers in many fields, making this check relatively common.

Jobs that require the use of heavy machinery including driving a car as part of the job duties will likely require additional checks such as a check of the individual driving record history, DOT Background checks, and certifications that allow them to operate forklifts or other machinery.

Finally, even in states that have the 7-year rule, jobs that make over $75,000 are one of the most common exceptions when it comes to “how far back does a background check go for employment.” Although the 7-year rule would normally apply, jobs that make above $75,000 are commonly able to report criminal history information for up to 10 years.

How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In All 50 States?

Although the FCRA does not dictate how far back a background check can go, several states have additional laws regarding how far back an employment background check can go.

In general, these laws allow for information to be reported as far back as 7 years from the initial filing, with exceptions that are specific to each state.

State Number of Years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In AlabamaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In AlaskaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In ArizonaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In ArkansasNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In California7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In Colorado7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In ConnecticutNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In DelawareNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In FloridaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In GeorgiaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In Hawaii7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In IdahoNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In IllinoisNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In IndianaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In IowaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In Kansas7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In Kentucky7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In LouisianaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In MaineNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In MarylandNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In Massachusetts7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In MichiganNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In MinnesotaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In MissouriNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In Montana7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In NebraskaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In NevadaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In New Hampshire7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In New JerseyNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In New Mexico7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In New York7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In North CarolinaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In North DakotaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In OhioNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In OklahomaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In OregonNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In PennsylvaniaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In Rhode IslandNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In South CarolinaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In South DakotaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In TennesseeNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In Texas7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In UtahNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In VermontNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In VirginiaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In Washington7 years
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In West VirginiaNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In WisconsinNo limit
How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment In WyomingNo limit

Background Check For Employment: How Long Does It Take?

How long does a criminal background check take? A typical employment background check should take less than a week to complete.

There are several instances where it can take longer than a week, such as jobs that require fingerprinting as part of the criminal history check.

How Far Back Do Federal Background Checks Go For Employment?

When wondering how far back a background check goes for employment, know that federal background checks must abide by the laws of the state where the check is taking place.

This means that technically, a federal background check can go back indefinitely, but in many states, it will only go back 7 years unless the position meets one of the state’s exceptions to the 7-year rule.

How Long is a Background Check Good For?

Background checks are good for as long as the employer determines they are. Many employers, if not most, will only conduct a single pre-employment background check. Once the applicant is hired, most jobs will not run a background check again. Just keep in mind this is not the case for all employers and some may continue to run period checks which can lead to a failed background check after a job offer.

In other words, certain job fields are required by local or federal laws to conduct background checks every few years. For example, federal law requires that child care background checks be conducted at least every 5 years. In addition to this, many states have laws that require child care background checks to be completed even more often. Such as in North Carolina, where they are required every 3 years.

Getting a background check for the first time in years can be intimidating. Luckily, understanding local and federal laws can make the process less frightening and make the process go a little bit smoother. For individuals that have been convicted of crimes, it’s important to “how far back does a background check go for employment,” in their particular state, to avoid any surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Far Back Does a Background Check Go for Employment

How far does a background check go back for employment

A typical employment background check will go back 7 years in most states. However this depends on the state where the check is performed as there are no federal laws regarding a background check time limit.

What disqualifies you from a job in a background check?

Disqualifications will vary by the job. Although some jobs may allow individuals who have been convicted of violent crimes, it is often up to the hiring manager to make the decision. Many job fields have specific laws that determine disqualifying information on a background check. For example, someone convicted of financial fraud would be disqualified from certain banking positions.

What is the most common background check for employment?

A typical employment background check will include:

  • SSN and Identity Verification
  • Address history verification
  • Criminal History Check

Furthermore, it may include previous jobs (how to find someone’s employment history).

What Are 10 Year Background Check States?

10 year background check states are states that allow background checks to go back as far as 10 years (indefinitely) if the position meets certain requirements. They include:

  1. Alabama
  2. Alaska
  3. Arizona
  4. Arkansas
  5. Colorado
  6. Connecticut
  7. Delaware
  8. Florida
  9. Georgia
  10. Hawaii
  11. Idaho
  12. Illinois
  13. Indiana
  14. Iowa
  15. Kentucky
  16. Louisiana
  17. Maine
  18. Michigan
  19. Minnesota
  20. Mississippi
  21. Missouri
  22. Nebraska
  23. New Jersey
  24. North Carolina
  25. North Dakota
  26. Ohio
  27. Oklahoma
  28. Oregon
  29. Pennsylvania
  30. Rhode Island
  31. South Carolina
  32. South Dakota
  33. Tennessee
  34. Utah
  35. Vermont
  36. Virginia
  37. Wisconsin
  38. West Virginia
  39. Wyoming

How far back does a criminal background check go?

Most criminal background checks will go back 7 years. However, this ultimately depends on the state as there are no federal laws regarding how far back a background check can go.

Are Employment Background Checks the Same as Criminal Background Checks?

Most employment background checks will include a criminal background check as part of the process. However, employment background checks will also include other types of checks in addition to criminal background checks.

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