The background check process is something that just about everyone has to go through when applying for a job. While this may be the case, federal background checks tend to be a little more complicated. This is due to the fact that the federal government has special requirements you need to meet before you can work for them, especially if you plan on working for the military.

Not only do federal background checks look for a lot of information, but they may also go farther back than other background checks. So, how far back does a federal background check go? In this guide, we answer that question and much more.

What Is a Federal Background Check?

A federal background check is a background check that someone has to go through for a federal job. So, if you want to work for the federal government, you’ll need to pass a federal background check.

While it may be called a federal background check, you’ll find that it’s not too different from a traditional background check. This means that the government will verify your identity, comb through criminal records, and contact references. Still, there may be some key differences between a federal background check and other types of checks.

What Information Shows Up on a Federal Background Check?

A lot of information shows up on a federal background check. You’ll find that the background check will verify your identity, comb through your criminal records, and check your educational background. However, this is only the tip of the iceberg, and you’ll find that a federal background check may also include:

• Employment history verification
• Reference checks
• Fingerprinting
• Drug tests
• Credit checks

Depending on the organization, you may have to pass more extensive background checks, along with tests or exams. In fact, for law enforcement agencies of the federal government, you’ll need to pass polygraph tests, so always inquire before you apply for a role.

How Far Back Does a Federal Background Check Go?

How far back a federal background check goes depends on the organization and what’s on your record. Due to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), you’ll find that some information can only show up for seven years.

Information that’s protected under this act includes non-conviction records, civil cases, and even your credit history; the one exception is bankruptcy, which will usually show up for around 10 years on your credit report.

When it comes to federal background checks, though, you’ll find that criminal convictions will show up indefinitely. What’s more, state laws may have an impact on what shows up on a federal background check, even if you’re working for a federal agency.

For these reasons, it’s always important to check with the agency you’re applying to in order to determine the full extent of how far back a federal background check will go.

How to Prepare for a Federal Background Check

Due to how far federal background checks go, it’s important to prepare for them. The good news is that there are plenty of tools that will help you prepare for these checks. We take you through a few quick tips to help you prepare for a federal background check below.

Check Your Public Records

The best way to prepare for a federal background check, or any background check, really, is to check your public records. Luckily, there are a handful of tools that help you check your public records by allowing you to run a background check on yourself.

One of our favorite examples is UnMask, which offers a comprehensive background check tool that helps you check all available public records with only your first and last name. You can view your criminal records, credit records, civil court records, and much more.

Check Your Credit

It’s also a good idea to check your credit. Depending on the position, there’s a chance that the government will look into your credit history to determine if you’re trustworthy. For this reason, it’s important to check your credit score and report before you apply.

If you notice things that are on your report that shouldn’t be, it’s a good idea to have that fixed before you apply.

How Far Back Does a Federal Background Check Go? Our Final Thoughts

So, how far back does a federal background check go? The short answer is that it depends, but you’ll find that many checks go back seven to ten years. However, criminal convictions tend to be the biggest exception because most federal agencies can view criminal records indefinitely.

That said, if you’re ever unsure about what will appear on your criminal record, you can always use a reliable public record search tool like UnMask to help you prepare.