What is a Level 1 Background Check?

Michelle Wilson - July 12, 2023

Whether you’re hiring within your company or looking for employment, everyone should consider a basic background check. Ordering a background check offers a basic snapshot of your history, which is crucial in many aspects in life. A level one background check is the most simplified version of personal verification. While there are different levels of background checks, the level 1 background check verifies the basic components of an individual’s life, from employment history to criminal records.

For employment, a hiring manager can pursue many different levels of background screening, depending on the requirements for the position. The minimum level is level one, which verifies applicant information in the state of hiring. Unfortunately, this level avoids national data, offering incomplete background details for an individual or company.

What Does a Level One Background Check Include?

The level one background check will review an applicant’s personal information, including potential aliases the individual has previously acquired. The details use the individual’s birth date, social security number, and name on file to generate a report. This check will also review an applicant’s employment history, confirming previous positions and titles.

Depending on the requesting party’s state, background checks may include a sex offender registry and criminal background checks. These resources are critical for making informed decisions, depending on why you’re ordering the report.

Why Should You Use a Background Check?

Knowing who you’re interacting with should always be a top safety concern, both in the workplace and privately. From a professional standpoint, not everyone is truthful on their resume, which leaves employers to struggle with validity and authenticity. A hiring manager should always cross-reference the person’s resume with the background check information to ensure the details match.

Personal background checks are valuable assets for anyone seeking employment or establishing new relationships. Confirming details that appear on your background report can validate the details a prospective employer may see, including employment history and criminal records. If you notice damaging information, take the time to correct these details before applying to jobs.   

How Many Background Check Levels Are There?

Background checks aren’t always a one-size-fits-all option. The contents of a report can vary considerably, including various depths and detail within the report. As such, there are many different levels of background reports to help navigate the process. Although these levels aren’t always consistent across background check companies, they’re a good starting point to consider.

Level One Background Check

A level one screening uses an applicant’s name to perform the investigation. These details often include a local and state-wide scan, using specific databases to retrieve the information. Occasionally, these background checks will consist of a national database. The level one review is frequently done in the jurisdiction where the applicant lives to retrieve the most current results. Most often, the level one screening is sufficient for verifying the applicant’s details, employment history, and performing a basic criminal search history.

Level Two Background Check

The level two background check is similar to the information included in the level one screening but significantly emphasizes jurisdictional record retrieval more. Additionally, this report will consist of federal criminal court searches, including all jurisdictions. The search efforts would include all cities of residence and locations of interest. Areas of interest include places of employment, education, or volunteering for the past seven years.

A county criminal search is very reliable, as background check companies pull the documents from the courts.

Level Three Background Check

The level three background check is perhaps the most common background screening with companies and employers. It should also remain standard for anyone wanting to confirm personal details before applying to new positions. This level of background screening is the most comprehensive, including a complete criminal history check (nationwide database, seven years with counties, federal court search, and state-wide records).

A level three report includes education verification, employment history, and reference checks. Most reports will also have the detailed results of a pre-employment drug test.

Level Four Background Check

Finally, the level four background check is the most comprehensive. These background checks are essential for companies hiring executives or promoting individuals from within the company. The information within this report is often beyond the standard reporting but is extensive for anyone wanting a full picture of an individual. The level four background reports will include all details from the level three screening, with the addition of county and federal civil records, social media accounts, financial credit reports, and a complete drug and health panel.

What Details Are Included in These Subsections?

Identity and Social Security Verification

Searching extensive databases, including the Department of Homeland Security and Social Security Administration records, confirms someone’s personal information, including a valid Social Security Number. Reports will include the complete history of who the SSN belongs to and whether anyone has previously used it. Personal verification may also include name, address, and phone number, which can detect inaccuracies.

Criminal History

The most immediate result of a background check is the criminal record. Background checks will closely examine all municipal, county, and federal records. If results appear, they will include arrest details, when the sentence was, the occurrence, and any fines or jail time. The criminal history allows the requesting party to learn whether someone may be a threat or a liability based on their history.

Credit Report

Credit bureaus prepare a credit report. These bureaus collect information from multiple sources, including credit card companies and other financial institutions. Your background check will list all open credit products, balances, delinquencies, payment history, and insolvency. Although many employers don’t require credit checks for available positions, this information offers a snapshot of someone’s financial responsibility.

Social Media Profiles

Most comprehensive background reports will summarize all social media accounts, including public information, photos, and details. Although an employer cannot request the username and password for a social media account, they are free to browse public profiles and base hiring decisions on the details they find. As such, an individual should always review their social media activity before applying to new positions.

Driving Record History

The driving record history will compile all information available on a licensed driver. This record includes specifics about an applicant’s license classification, current license status, any outstanding fines, or previous criminal convictions relating to vehicles (for example, driving under the influence).

Conclusion

While every background check company is unique in its reports, a level one background check should include personal verification. While background screenings are only part of the hiring process, they ensure all individuals are protected. Performing the background check for any potential employee helps mitigate risk and liability for the company while ensuring qualified individuals receive the available position. As an individual, confirming the details of your background check can protect your information and prepare you for the questions an employer might ask about the results.