How Far Back Does A Background Check Go?

At EDIFY Background Screening, one common question from clients seeking a new background screening provider is, “How far back is a background check?” This query is crucial for companies looking for a service that is comprehensive, fast, affordable, and adheres to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) as well as local and state laws. Understanding how deep into a candidate’s past these checks can go is essential for organizations to make informed hiring decisions.

The Importance of Background Checks for Employers

Background checks play a critical role in the recruitment process for several key reasons:

Risk Mitigation: Employers that perform thorough background checks can significantly lower the risk of hiring unsuitable candidates, potentially avoiding financial and reputational damage.
Safety and Security: These checks help ensure a safe work environment by identifying potential risks associated with past criminal behaviors of candidates.
Compliance and Due Diligence: Background checks ensure that businesses comply with legal requirements, thereby avoiding potential lawsuits and fines.

How Background Checks Work

The process of a background check involves several components designed to gather a comprehensive view of an applicant’s background:

Social Security Trace: Verifies the applicant’s identity and Social Security number.
Criminal Records Search: Searches for any criminal history across local, state, and federal jurisdictions.
Employment and Education Verification: Confirms the accuracy of the applicant’s stated employment history and educational credentials.
Public and Private Records Review: Includes checks on financial records and other public and private databases.

Duration and Depth of Background Checks

The extent to which background checks can reach into an applicant’s past varies:

General Rule of Seven Years: For most civil records, including civil judgments, liens, non-convictions, and collection accounts, the FCRA restricts reporting to the past seven years. This limitation aims to balance privacy rights with the need for employers to access relevant information.
Criminal Convictions: Unlike non-convictions, criminal convictions can be reported indefinitely in most instances unless specific state or local laws impose a limitation. For example, felonies and sex offenses often have no time restriction and can appear on a background check regardless of how much time has elapsed. Non-convictions and diversion sentences are generally limited to 7 years.
Credit History: Credit reports typically go back seven years, with bankruptcies being reported for up to ten years, depending on the bankruptcy type.

What Typically Shows Up in the Results of a Background Check

The results of a background check can include:

Criminal History: All convictions and, where allowed by law, pending criminal cases and non-convictions within the last seven years.
Employment History: Verifications of positions held, duration of employment, and reasons for leaving.
Educational Background: Confirmations of degrees and certifications obtained.
Credit History: Information on financial responsibility and stability, relevant for financially-oriented positions.

Conclusion

To answer the question, “How far back is a background check?” – While non-conviction information is typically reported for up to seven years due to FCRA limitations, convictions can be reported for much longer, depending on state or local laws. EDIFY Background Screening is equipped with the expertise and technology necessary to conduct thorough, efficient, and compliant background investigations. Our commitment to detailed, legally compliant screenings makes us the ideal partner for your background check needs, enabling you to hire with confidence and integrity.

By Zia Rhodes|2024-08-22T14:13:28-04:00April 11th, 2024|HOW|Comments Off

About the Author: Zia Rhodes

Zia Rodes is a dedicated Customer Success Manager at EDIFY Background Screening, where she plays a crucial role in ensuring client satisfaction across various screening services including employer background checks, tenant screenings, and comprehensive drug tests. With her deep expertise in conducting criminal background checks, evaluating eviction and credit histories, and ensuring accurate drug test results, Zia brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that aligns perfectly with Edify's commitment to service excellence and integrity. At EDIFY, Zia is renowned for her meticulous attention to detail and her ability to tailor solutions that meet the unique needs of each client, from small businesses to large corporations. Her approach is always grounded in the company’s core values of transparency, ethics, excellence, and compassion. She understands that every interaction is an opportunity to reinforce trust and reliability, ensuring that clients not only receive thorough background checks but also experience a process that is as smooth and transparent as possible. Zia’s extensive understanding of background screening processes, from criminal background histories to detailed checks of credit and eviction records, makes her an invaluable resource for clients needing diverse background check solutions. Her dedication to exceeding client expectations helps EDIFY stand out as a leader in comprehensive and trustworthy background screening services.