What shows up on a level 1 background check?
Asked by: Ashleigh Auer | Last update: June 17, 2026Score: 4.1/5 (11 votes)
A Level 1 background check is the most basic screening, verifying identity and checking public records for criminal history (like misdemeanors) in local/state databases, often for entry-level jobs, confirming the person is who they say they are and has no immediate red flags. It typically includes identity verification, an SSN trace, and a criminal database search, but usually excludes deeper dives like credit checks or fingerprinting.
What is level 1 in background check?
The most basic form of screening, Level 1 checks include verification of identity and a simple criminal record search. Employers typically use this for entry-level positions or volunteer roles. It focuses on county-level records, but beware—these checks might not capture offenses from other states.
What disqualifies you from a level 1 background check?
Level 1 Background Check Disqualifying Offenses
Disqualifying offenses in a Level 1 check can include misdemeanors or more severe charges that are found in local criminal records. Some common disqualifying offenses include: Misdemeanors – Less severe crimes such as petty theft, disorderly conduct, or simple assault.
What jobs do level 1 background checks?
Level 1 background check jobs
- Inventory & Warehouse Clerk. Essential Healthcare Solutions LLC. ...
- Fill/Pack Operator 1. Infosoft, Inc. ...
- Warehouse Picker/Packer. Smith Millwork Inc. ...
- Warehouse Worker I. ...
- Data Entry Clerk/ warehouse. ...
- Create a profile on Indeed. ...
- Full-time Second Shift Security Officer. ...
- Janitor I - Portland.
What does a Tier 1 background check consist of?
Level 1. We would consider a “Level 1” screening to be a name-based background check that includes a nationwide database search and one jurisdictional (or county) court search —typically the area where the individual currently resides. A “Level 1” check can also include a single employment verification.
What Does an Employment Background Check Include?
What is the hardest background check to pass?
The hardest background checks are typically for high-security government roles (like Top Secret clearance), involving deep dives into finances, criminal history, personal references, and lifestyle, often requiring interviews with associates; these are far more stringent than standard employment checks and focus on trustworthiness for sensitive information access, extending to personal habits, foreign contacts, and potential vulnerabilities.
Is a Level 1 background check good or bad?
Overall, Level 1 Background Checks offer a balance of essential verification without the complexities and costs associated with more comprehensive background checks. They are invaluable for employers looking to make informed initial hiring decisions.
How long does a level one background check take?
If a candidate's criminal history is limited to one state, or one home country, then the check can take one to two business days. However, verifying international records takes much longer. If the candidate has emigrated or worked in different countries, this process can stretch up to, or past, 20 days.
What's the difference between a level 1 and level 2 background check?
Level 1 background checks typically include basic criminal history searches, employment verification, and reference checks without fingerprint requirements. Level 2 background checks require FBI fingerprint screening, comprehensive criminal database searches, and enhanced security clearance protocols.
What looks bad on a background check?
What looks bad on a background check includes criminal records (especially job-related ones like theft or fraud), significant discrepancies in your application (lying about degrees, titles, dates), unexplained gaps in employment, frequent job changes (job-hopping), poor credit history, and unprofessional social media activity, all of which signal potential dishonesty, instability, or poor judgment to employers.
What won't pass a background check?
You fail a background check due to criminal history, lying on your resume (inaccurate education, job titles, dates), failing a drug test, a poor driving record (especially for driving jobs), bad credit (for financial roles), negative references, or unverifiable employment/education, with serious offenses and discrepancies often leading to disqualification.
When would you fail a background check?
Multiple issues can cause you to fail a background check, including relevant criminal convictions, misrepresentations made on your resume or during your interview, a failed drug test, poor credit record, poor driving history, bad references, and unexplained employment gaps.
What does level 1 clearance mean?
Level 1 security clearances are typically granted to personnel working in clerical, logistics, or janitorial positions at facilities with containment capability or otherwise must handle sensitive information.
What does level 1 mean on a first advantage 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 can disqualify you on a background check?
Disqualifying offenses in background checks are crimes like felonies, violent offenses, fraud, drug crimes, domestic violence, and serious traffic offenses that prevent employment, especially in sensitive roles (e.g., childcare, law enforcement, federal jobs), with specific lists varying by jurisdiction and employer but generally targeting offenses showing poor judgment, risk to others, or lack of trustworthiness, also including non-criminal issues like bad credit or dishonesty in the application.
Can fingerprints be removed from the database?
Your fingerprints and police photo will not be destroyed unless you make an application to the police, as the destruction of records is not automatic, even where charges are withdrawn or where you are found not guilty.
How do you find out why you failed a background check?
If the background check uncovered adverse information that disqualifies you from the hiring process, potential employers are required by law to send you a notice of adverse action detailing the reasons why they're rejecting your application, along with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights under the Fair ...
What are 5 red flag symptoms?
Here's a list of seven symptoms that call for attention.
- Unexplained weight loss. Losing weight without trying may be a sign of a health problem. ...
- Persistent or high fever. ...
- Shortness of breath. ...
- Unexplained changes in bowel habits. ...
- Confusion or personality changes. ...
- Feeling full after eating very little. ...
- Flashes of light.
What is considered bad on a background check?
Common Issues That Can Arise During Background Checks
This can include misdemeanors, felonies, and any other criminal convictions. While not all criminal records are deal-breakers, certain offenses, particularly those related to theft, violence, or fraud, can significantly impact your job prospects.
How do people fail a background check?
You fail a background check due to criminal history, lying on your resume (inaccurate education, job titles, dates), failing a drug test, a poor driving record (especially for driving jobs), bad credit (for financial roles), negative references, or unverifiable employment/education, with serious offenses and discrepancies often leading to disqualification.
What triggers a red flag on a background check?
Common red flags on a background check include criminal records, false information on a résumé, poor credit history, and negative employment references.
How long does it take for a level 1 background check to come back?
How long do background checks take? Generally, a background check takes between 1 and 5 days to complete. However, the exact timescale is dependent on various factors. The type, complexity of the checks, and third-party availability can all impact the length of time it takes to return a comprehensive background check.