What Shows Up on an Employment Background Check?

It Depends on What You Order

There is no single "background check." A background check is a package of searches selected by the employer. Understanding what each component covers helps employers build the right package for each role.

Criminal History

Criminal searches are the most common component. They typically include:

• County criminal search: Records from the county courthouse where the candidate lived or worked. Most accurate source for criminal records.
• State repository search: Statewide criminal records held by state agencies. Coverage varies widely by state.
• Federal criminal search: Federal court records — crimes prosecuted under federal law such as bank fraud, drug trafficking across state lines, or federal weapons charges.
• National criminal database search: An aggregated database of records from multiple sources. Fast but not comprehensive — should always be supplemented with direct county searches.
• Sex offender registry: National and state-level sex offender registries.

Employment History

Employment verification confirms that the candidate actually worked where they claim, in the role they claimed, for the dates listed. It does not typically include salary history in most states, or reasons for leaving unless the former employer volunteers that information.

Employers are often surprised to find discrepancies here — inflated titles, extended dates of employment, or entirely fabricated positions.

Education Verification

Confirms degrees, dates of attendance, and field of study. Certificates from the National Student Clearinghouse return quickly. Physical diploma mills and foreign institutions take longer.

Motor Vehicle Records (MVR)

Shows the candidate's driving history: license status, license class, violations, accidents, and suspensions. Required for any role involving driving — and essential for DOT-regulated positions.

Professional License Verification

Confirms that the candidate holds the professional license they claim — nursing licenses, contractor licenses, securities licenses, CDL endorsements, etc.

Credit History

Available only for specific roles where financial responsibility is relevant — executive positions, roles with access to financial systems, or jobs requiring a security clearance. Most states restrict credit checks for employment purposes. Employers must have a clear business reason.

Drug and Alcohol Testing

Not technically part of a background check, but typically ordered at the same time. Urine, oral fluid, or hair follicle testing for a standard 5 or 10-panel drug screen.

What Does NOT Show Up

• Medical history or disability status
• Genetic information
• Bankruptcy filings older than 10 years (for most purposes)
• Expunged or sealed records (when properly handled)
• Juvenile records (in most states)

Building the Right Package

The right background check depends on the role. A CDL truck driver needs an MVR and DOT drug screen. A financial services role warrants a credit check. A healthcare worker needs license verification. A warehouse associate may only need a criminal search.

At Do It Right Screening, we help you build customized packages that cover your specific risk profile without unnecessary searches. Contact us to discuss your needs.