There are many different answers for this question with different variables. A basic background check includes a felony and misdemeanor criminal check along with a Social Security Trace. Some companies also provide many other services ranging from Sexual Offender Checks, Motor Vehicle Reports, Employment and Education Verification, Federal Criminal Check, Professional Reference Checks and Professional License Checks.

Depending on what type of job the applicant is interested, different services will be chosen. For an hourly or entry level position, the most basic check will be performed. Although it is the most basic, it is thorough, so there is no worry that the information is inaccurate or missing. This usually includes an industry standard social security trace and Felony / Misdemeanor. The social security trace identifies a persons residential history. This trace is run from the past seven years until present. This checks the cities and counties in which the applicant has lived for felonies and misdemeanors. Sometimes a nation-wide sexual offender search is included in this package also.

The next level of background checks is for applicants desiring work as drivers or in the sales fields. This includes people who drive for their job or who travel and work independently. This includes a Motor Vehicle Report, which is important because some may reveal information not deemed a ‘crime’ by the courts, which can include alcohol related offenses.

For professional or management positions, this would include more in-depth and personal services. This ensures that degrees, certifications and credentials are validated and still current. These include the education and past employment verification. This allows a person to enter into a management position and also gives the chance for growth in the company.

The last type of check is the Due Diligence Check for businesses and executive positions. These are the most in-depth and important background checks. They allow a company to check someone’s background the most thoroughly, which is important when it’s related to the success of the business. This is also for information on another company looking to form new vendor relationships. This check includes many different services; Federal Criminal Check, Personal Reference Check, Professional License Verification, Civil Litigation, OIG Database, Media Search, Federal Civil Litigation and Federal Bankruptcy.

As you can see background checks are a complex matter, but they don’t have to be complicated. Usually you are able to pick and choose which services you want performed for your background check.