What does the FBI look at when doing a background check?

Asked by: Hilbert Gutmann  |  Last update: January 24, 2026
Score: 4.7/5 (22 votes)

The FBI background check will include a comprehensive criminal record check against the FBI's national database, which will include arrest and conviction history, as well as traffic violations and even parking tickets.

What does an FBI background check look at?

During a background check, the FBI searches its databases for any records or information that may be relevant to the individual in question. This can include criminal records, arrest records, wanted posters, and other information. A background check does not typically include an individual's search history.

What disqualifies you from a federal background check?

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.

How far back do FBI background checks go?

In states like California, criminal background checks go back seven years. However, some states allow a deeper look into your past if the job pays a higher salary (usually over $75,000).

What causes 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? FBI Background Check Part II

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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 ...

Can a job hire you then fire you because of your background?

Upon offering you a job, the employer may then conduct a criminal history check on you. However, under the law, the employer is not allowed to withdraw the job offer without conducting an individualized assessment about your criminal conviction history.

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.

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.

What do government background checks look for?

Background evaluations, sometimes referred to as background investigations, seek information about an applicant's employment, criminal, and personal history in an effort to investigate behavioral reliability, integrity, and personal adjustment.

Should I be worried about my background check?

When in doubt, prepare and be honest. An employment background check is a normal part of the screening process for many jobs. If you've gotten this far in the hiring process and have been honest with your potential employer, you likely don't have to stress about what employers look for in a background check.

How strict is a federal background check?

The federal background check expectations and disqualifiers are generally far more serious crimes than state ones. They can include the distribution of drugs, illegal possession of firearms, arson, kidnapping, embezzlement, tax evasion, counterfeiting, bank robbing, and other major felonies.

Can felons get federal jobs?

People with criminal records are eligible for employment in the vast majority of federal jobs. For a few positions, they may not be eligible because specific laws or statutes prohibit employment, depending on the crime committed.

What is a Level 2 background check for the FBI?

Level 2 background checks are more in-depth. The process for these checks will involve fingerprinting performed on a national scale rather than only within the state boundary. This screening level will provide insight into federal offenses and uncover any hidden or expunged records candidates may have.

Can FBI see expunged records?

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.

Will OnlyFans show up on a background check?

Unless you're actively using your OnlyFans account in a professional setting or it's linked to public records, it's unlikely to show up. However, more thorough background checks, like those for security clearances or certain licenses, might dig deeper and potentially uncover your online sex work profiles.

How do I know if I'll pass a background check?

7 Tips for Ensuring You Pass Employment Background Checks
  • Make sure you're well-prepared for these checks. ...
  • Check your credit. ...
  • Review your driving record. ...
  • Be informed about banned substances. ...
  • Contact former employers and ask for copies of your employment records. ...
  • Research local employment laws. ...
  • Beat employers to it.

What is the 7 year rule?

The 7 year rule

No tax is due on any gifts you give if you live for 7 years after giving them - unless the gift is part of a trust. This is known as the 7 year rule.

What is the 7 year look back rule?

The FCRA's seven-year rule restricts the reporting of certain types of information for jobs paying less than a minimum salary threshold. Additionally, several states have seven-year restrictions on reporting criminal convictions.

How far back do most criminal background checks go?

Employment background checks can typically go back as far as seven to ten years, though that timeframe can vary depending on the type of check, the position being applied for, industry regulations and state or local laws.

How to find out if your criminal record has been expunged?

You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed.

Do misdemeanors show up on a background check?

In California, a background check will typically reveal if somebody was convicted of a misdemeanor or felony, such as common crimes like driving under the influence (DUI) or Penal Code 243.4 PC domestic battery.

What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?

A conviction for a serious offense, such as fraud, theft, violence, or drug-related crimes, may raise questions about an individual's reliability, trustworthiness, and potential risks to the workplace (especially workplace safety), ultimately resulting in disqualification from the hiring process.

What does a yellow flag mean on a background check?

Yellow— A mentor's application, interview or other interaction gives screening pause and the situation is of moderate concern. A yellow flag may require follow up but does not necessarily mean the applicant will be rejected. Rule of thumb: should there be any doubt with an applicant, always flag.

Do companies tell you if you passed a background check?

How do you know if you passed your background check? After the employer receives a background check report, the hiring manager might take a few days to review the report. If you pass it, the hiring manager will likely send an email to you with your job offer or contact you by phone.