How deep is a Level 2 background check?
Asked by: Elsie Pfeffer | Last update: September 18, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (74 votes)
These checks can reveal both serious and minor offenses, including arrests, charges, convictions, and even cases that were sealed or expunged, depending on state laws. Level 2 background checks are commonly used to screen applicants for positions where there's a higher risk of harm if the wrong person is hired.
How far does a level 2 background check go?
Level 2 screenings can go back as far as records go, though most employers will choose to keep their search within the past ten years. Disqualifying offenses may not always rule a candidate out for their preferred job.
What fails level 2 background check?
Potentially disqualifying offenses for a Level 2 background check include serious criminal convictions such as violent crimes like murder, assault, and kidnapping; sexual offenses like sexual assault and child molestation; and major drug-related crimes such as drug trafficking and drug manufacturing.
What disqualifies you from a level 2 background check in Texas?
- Aggravated assault/battery.
- Arson.
- Battery of a vulnerable adult or minor.
- Child pornography.
- Crimes of domestic violence.
- Enticing/luring a child.
- Aggravated child abuse.
- Incest.
What is the difference between Tier 1 and Tier 2 background check?
Tier 1 investigations are requested using the Standard Form (SF) 85. Tier 2 is the investigation for non-sensitive positions designated as moderate risk public trust positions.
What Shows Up? Level 2 Background Check
What disqualifies you from a level 2 background check in Florida?
Several disqualifying offenses can prevent you from passing a Level 2 Background Check in Florida. These include: Sexual offenses: Such as sexual battery, unlawful sexual activity with minors, and lewd and lascivious behavior. Violent crimes: Including murder, manslaughter, and aggravated assault or battery.
What is a Tier 2 clearance level?
A FIS Tier 2 standard background investigation meets the suitability investigative requirement for non-sensitive positions designated as moderate risk public trust (requested using Standard Form 85P). Investigations conducted at Tiers 2-5 meet the minimum standard for an employee or contractor access to FTI.
How far back does a Level 2 background check go in Texas?
The standard for employment-related background checks in Texas is seven years, except for criminal convictions, which may be reported indefinitely. The seven-year limit applies to tax liens, suits or judgments, and most credit history. Records of bankruptcies may go back as far as 10 years.
Will a sealed record show up on a level 2 background check?
A Level 2 FBI Background Check
A Level 2 check will even uncover those sealed or expunged records – especially if they involve the mistreatment of children, the elderly, or the disabled.
What is a red flag on a background check?
A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.
What looks bad on a background check?
Warning signs on a background check include multiple periods of unexplained unemployment, inconsistent information, short periods of employment, minimal relevant job experience, no required education or training, professional license issues, dangerous criminal convictions, job-related criminal convictions, bad ...
Will an expunged record show up on a level 2 background check in Florida?
In most cases, sealed or expunged records will not appear on a Level 2 background check, as state law generally protects these records from standard employment background screenings.
How do you know if you don't pass a background check?
- Inconsistent employment history. ...
- Inaccurate resume information. ...
- A criminal history. ...
- Negative reviews from employers. ...
- Poor driving record. ...
- A failed drug or alcohol test. ...
- Poor credit history.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?
Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?
Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.
What does a level 2 background check consist of?
In addition to criminal history checks, Level 2 screenings include employment and education verifications, healthcare exclusions screening, sex offender registry search, and drug screening. Depending on the position, a licensing check may be included to reveal any disciplinary actions or other issues.
Can the FBI see an expunged record?
Even records that have been expunged or sealed can show up as an arrest only—with no additional information. An FBI search works differently. The FBI does not dig deeper or search other databases to help supplement incomplete information. They rely solely on the state.
Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years in Texas?
The Seven-Year Rule for Criminal Background Checks in Texas
However, if you are found guilty of the crime, you can expect the conviction to continue being reported on your criminal background check for the rest of your life unless you contact a Houston expungement lawyer.
How far back do most employers go for background checks?
In most cases, the lookback period for criminal background checks is seven to ten years. These checks can turn up publicly available arrest records, court records and criminal records for felony arrests and convictions as well as pending cases.
What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?
INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES
Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.
What is the hardest clearance to get?
Top secret clearance: This type of security clearance is the most restrictive and provides access to information that can cause grave damage to national security if disclosed without authorization. Must be reinvestigated for continued eligibility every five years.
What is a level 2 security clearance?
Level 2 security clearances are given to security and research personnel that require direct access to information regarding anomalous objects and entities in containment. Most research staff, field agents, and containment specialists hold a Level 2 security clearance.
What does Tier 2 level mean?
Tier 2 supports refers to the practices and systems that enable targeted interventions for students who are not successful with Tier 1 supports alone. The focus at Tier 2 is supporting students who are at risk for developing more serious unwanted behaviors before they start.