Table of Contents
- Myth: A national background check covers the entire US
- Myth: A national background check returns the most detailed results
- Myth: Background checks always return a complete criminal history
- Myth: All reports are equally comprehensive if the same scope is applied
- Myth: Screening vendors search all variations of a candidate’s name by default
- Don’t be fooled: Choose the best searches for your business needs
- Frequently asked questions
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Criminal background checks are the backbone of candidate screenings, helping to confirm candidate eligibility, understand organizational risk, and stay compliant with legal regulations. But not all background screenings are created equal. In this article, we’ll explore how common misunderstandings about employment screenings may lead to confusion about the results or create liability in your screening program.
A national criminal search is the most common background check–but it’s not the most comprehensive. A recent analysis of Checkr criminal record data comparing a national vs. county criminal search on the same population of candidates showed that more than half of the individuals had an additional record that would only surface if an unlimited county search was conducted.
Not only is it important to conduct background checks, but choosing the right searches is an important component of mitigating risk. Learn how scope, lookback periods, and aliases can impact your background check results and why comprehensiveness may not mean what you think.
Myth: A national background check covers the entire US
False! While a national criminal background check is extensive, it doesn’t cover every record in the US.
A national criminal search is often the foundation of a screening program. It searches millions of records sourced from state and county agencies nationwide to report crimes prosecuted in those courts. This may include state databases, some county and township records, Department of Corrections, and Administrative Office of Courts.
There are several limitations that affect the coverage of this search:
- Roughly 40% of counties report into these databases which impacts the comprehensiveness of the results.
- Only digitized records are included. Digitization efforts vary by state and the age of the record. This means in jurisdictions that still require a court researcher or assistance from a court clerk to search records will not return results on a national background check.
- Records may not show a person’s complete identifying information or the final disposition (outcome) of the case.
- Federal criminal history is not included which excludes any applicable records across the 94 federal United States district courts.
- Bottomline: Searches of the national criminal database without additional county-level searches may not meet your compliance or business needs.
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Myth: A national background check returns the most detailed results
False! National background checks may not include a person’s complete identifying information, detailed case information, or up-to-date disposition information. At Checkr, we think of a nationwide criminal search as a “pointer” search because it casts a broad net which can help identify which counties to search for a candidate’s potential criminal history. With that information, a county background check is often paired with this search to confirm potential hits and provide additional information.
- Bottomline: To ensure you’re taking action based on the most up-to-date information, national background checks paired with county checks will provide the most detailed results.
Myth: Background checks always return a complete criminal history
False! There are several nuances that may affect how far back a background check goes. In general, background checks include seven years of criminal and court records. The lookback period may also depend on your location, the candidate’s location, and the type of background screening you’re performing (criminal background checks may have a longer reporting period than MVR records).
When conducting background checks through a consumer reporting agency (CRA), the report must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
These regulations restrict the following to a 7-year lookback period:
- Arrests
- Civil judgments
- Tax liens
- Most credit report information.
These restrictions do not apply to:
- Criminal conviction information (may be reported indefinitely)
- The role’s expected salary is $75,000 or higher
- Bankruptcies, which have a 10-year lookback period
Additionally, state laws may impact reporting. For example, Massachusetts and Montana restrict the reporting of convictions to seven years.
Checkr’s compliance tools are built to account for federal, state, and local laws. All records that appear in a report are aligned to regulatory requirements. And, when it's necessary to take adverse action, compliance is built into the workflows for communicating with candidates.
- Bottomline: Lookback periods vary based on the search type, along with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Myth: All reports are equally comprehensive if the same scope is applied
False! Both screening type (i.e. national vs. county) and package selection may impact the comprehensiveness of the results.
To illustrate the scope of national vs. county searches, Checkr conducted an analysis of nearly 450,000 background checks to compare the results based on the scope. Here’s an example comparing Checkr’s Basic and Essential packages:
With this example, the same candidate population was screened across both packages using the same 7-year scope. Each sample returned accurate results but the Essential package delivered a more comprehensive view of the candidate population. In fact, 50% of individuals had an additional record that would only surface if an unlimited county search was conducted. By adding the Unlimited County Search, over 66,000 additional records were found. Nearly 60% of counties do not report into the National Criminal Database, which is why adding searches at the county level increases the comprehensiveness of the results.
Checkr is committed to delivering the most accurate background checks. We utilize machine learning to analyze data quickly and accurately, while also continuously incorporating feedback to improve accuracy in real-time. Incorporating process automation reduces errors and inconsistencies, improving the final reports' accuracy.
- Bottomline: Data shows that limiting your search to a national background check will return accurate, but not comprehensive, results.
Myth: Screening vendors search all variations of a candidate’s name by default
False! When a candidate provides their consent to conduct a background check, they often only provide their common name which may be the only name a screening provider will search. If the candidate has changed their name or entered a nickname, their other names will not be searched for results.
For example, Mia Wong may provide her name as such, though her aliases may include her full name “Maria” or her maiden name. In this instance, only results that match “Mia Wong” would be returned.
- Bottomline: Requesting aliases, and including them with your searches, will help ensure more comprehensive results.
Don’t be fooled: Choose the best searches for your business needs
The type of background checks your organization requires may vary depending on your industry, the different positions for which you are hiring, and your risk tolerance. This makes understanding what each screening entails critical to be able to interpret the results and make informed hiring decisions.
Checkr makes it easy to create your ideal suite of background searches. We offer several packages to get you started, and you can customize them with add-on screenings to ensure both comprehensive and applicable results for your organization. No matter your business size or background check needs, Checkr helps improve your efficiency, reduce costs, and provide accurate results. Get started.
Ready for better background checks with Checkr?
Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself here >
Frequently asked questions
Does a national background check cover all criminal records in the US?
No, it doesn’t. A national criminal search pulls from millions of records across state and county agencies, but only about 40% of counties report into these databases. Records also have to be digitized to appear on a background check. Also, federal criminal history across the 94 US district courts isn’t included at all, which means a national search alone can leave significant gaps in what you see.
If a national search is not enough on its own, what should I pair it with?
Checkr recommends pairing a national criminal search with county-level checks. Think of the national search as a starting point that helps identify which counties to look at more closely. The county search then confirms potential hits and fills in details the national database may have missed: more complete case information and up-to-date disposition records.
How far back does a background check typically go?
Most background checks cover seven years of criminal and court records. Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, arrests, civil judgments, tax liens, and most credit information are limited to that seven-year window. Criminal convictions can be reported indefinitely, and bankruptcies have a ten-year lookback period.
State laws can also affect these limits. Massachusetts and Montana, for example, restrict conviction reporting to seven years. The right lookback period for your situation depends on the role, the candidate’s location, and the type of screening you’re conducting.
Will two background check packages return the same results if they use the same lookback period?
Not necessarily. The scope of the search matters just as much as the timeframe. In an analysis of nearly 450,000 background checks, Checkr found that 50% of candidates had an additional record that only appeared when an unlimited county search was added. A national-only search returns accurate results, but not necessarily complete ones. County-level searches give you a fuller picture of each candidate.
Does a background check automatically search all of a candidate’s names?
No. Most screening providers search only the name a candidate provides when they give consent. A nickname, a former name, or a maiden name left off the consent form won’t be searched. Requesting aliases upfront and including them in the search helps you find relevant records tied to a different version of the candidate’s name.
What types of records are not included in a standard national background check?
Quite a few aren’t included in national checks. Federal criminal records from US district courts aren’t included, nor are records from counties that don’t report into national databases, records that haven’t been digitized, or complete disposition information for every case. These gaps are why Checkr treats the national search as a pointer rather than a complete result.
How do I know which background check package is right for my business?
It depends on your industry, the roles you’re hiring for, and your organization’s risk tolerance. Checkr offers several packages to get you started, and you can add screenings to match your specific needs.
Disclaimer
The resources and information provided here are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Always consult your own counsel for up-to-date legal advice and guidance related to your practices, needs, and compliance with applicable laws.
Kate leads workforce research and editorial content at Checkr, covering HR strategy, background screening, compliance, and HR technology. She helps business and HR leaders translate industry trends into operational decisions and is passionate about expanding opportunity through fair chance hiring.
