What does level 3 mean on a background check?

Asked by: Bernardo Jerde  |  Last update: November 15, 2025
Score: 4.7/5 (45 votes)

A Level 3 background check looks at serious felonies and misdemeanors but goes beyond that by checking for offenses such as identity theft, fraud, or other white-collar crimes. Here are some common disqualifying offenses: Felonies and Misdemeanors – Serious crimes such as assault, theft, or drug-related offenses.

What is a Tier 3 background check?

T3 is the investigation required for positions designated as non-critical sensitive and/or requiring eligibility for "L" access or access to Confidential or Secret information. T3R is the reinvestigation product required for the same positions. The Standard Form (SF) 86 is used to conduct these investigations.

What jobs require a level 3 background check?

Level 3 background checks are most commonly used for positions in government, military, aviation, and other security-sensitive industries. They may also be used for positions in healthcare, finance, and education.

What is a Level 3 search?

FACIS Level 3 Search

Level 3 FACIS checks search the databases from Level 1 as well as information from additional state sources and debarment lists. These include sanctioning boards in all states and U.S. territories, HEAT task forces, federal U.S. attorneys, state attorney generals, and more.

What do the levels mean on a background check?

Level 1 generally refers to a state only name based check AND an employment history check. Level 2 generally refers to a state and national fingerprint based check and consideration of disqualifying offenses, and applies to those employees designated by law as holding positions of responsibility or trust.

What Does an Employment Background Check Include?

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Why does my background check say level 3?

Level 3 Background Check

It includes employment verification, education verification, and sometimes even credit history. For example, if you've applied for a financial position, it's likely your prospective employer will order a Level 3 check to ensure that your credit history is solid.

What is level 3 on Sterling background check?

Level 3: Vulnerable Sector Check

The Vulnerable Sector Check includes both level 1 and level 2 searches, as well as a search for sexual offences listed in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Records Act subject to a record suspension (formerly known as a pardon).

What does A level level 3 mean?

Level 3 generally shows greater knowledge in a subject, and is often achieved in Years 12 and 13, or in centres for further education. Examples of Level 3 qualifications include: A level (grades A, B, C, D or E)

What is A level 3 background check on myself?

Level 3 Background Check

This level delves into employment history, education, and sometimes even credit reports. Positions involving financial responsibilities, like accounting or management roles, frequently require Level 3 checks.

What is A level 3 criminal?

Level 3: High Risk Level 3 offenders are considered to have a high risk to re-offend. They usually have one or more victims and may have committed prior crimes of violence. They may not know their victim(s). The crime may show a manifest cruelty to the victim(s) and these offenders usually deny or minimize the crime.

What level background check do most employers use?

Such checks are conducted on potential employees who hold positions of authority or trust. The most popular form of background check is Level 3 background check.

How far do background checks go UK?

The type of employment will determine how far into your past the employer will want to check. For most roles, you can expect screening companies to be interested in the past five years. The exception to this is when you require an enhanced DBS check, perhaps for a role in healthcare or working with children.

What is a III background check?

The Interstate Identification Index (III) is an index pointer system that ties computerized criminal history record files of the FBI and the centralized files maintained by each III participating state into a national system. This system serves as the vehicle for data sharing and integration across the country.

What makes you fail a background check UK?

1. Failing based on the result of a DBS check. The number one way to fail a background check is if details of past convictions appear on a DBS certificate. Any criminal behaviour can show up on a DBS check, depending on the level of the check carried out – basic, standard, or enhanced.

What is level 3 clearance?

Level 3 (Secret)

Level 3 security clearances are given to senior security and research personnel that require in-depth data regarding the source, recovery circumstances, and long-term planning for anomalous objects and entities in containment.

What causes a red flag on a background check UK?

One of the most significant red flags that companies encounter during background checks is the discovery of inconsistencies or inaccuracies on a candidate's resume. This can include false information regarding education, qualifications, work experience, or even gaps in employment.

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 shows up on a background check UK?

What is covered in a background check in the UK?
  • employment history.
  • education history.
  • right to work.
  • criminal record.
  • social media usage.
  • drug screenings.
  • medical history.
  • financial records.

What does 3rd level mean?

What does level 3 mean in college? Level 3 in college typically refers to the third year of study in a bachelor's degree program.

What is entry level 3 equivalent to?

Entry-level qualifications are equivalent to studying at a Foundation Diploma level. Level 1 qualifications are equivalent to GCSE grade D-G level. Level 2 qualifications are equivalent to GCSE grade A*-C level. Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to an A Level.

Is Level 3 better than A level?

The standard 18-unit extended BTEC level 3 diploma is equivalent to three A-levels, so plenty of unis will be happy to accept you with this qualification. If you're doing a 12-unit BTEC, most higher education courses will want you to have an A-level or AS-level too.

How do I know if I passed my sterling background check?

Check your screening status

Enter your email address and the last four digits of your Social Security Number that you provided as part of your screening. If Sterling is able to locate a screening that was performed within the last 30 days, you will receive an email notification informing you of the screening status.

How much is a level 3 background check?

Monitor and learn about changes in workers' criminal records in real-time. Search for adverse records against people and entities in the healthcare field. Prices vary by level of search: Level 1 ($6) and Level 3 ($15.50).

How serious is sterling background check?

Sterling is a reliable background check company to build a trustworthy workforce by thoroughly evaluating the character of potential hires based on their employment and legal history.