What Does Level 1 Mean in a Background Check?
The meaning of "Level 1" in a background check is not standardized. There's no universal definition across all background check companies or industries. The terminology used varies significantly. What constitutes a "Level 1" check at one company might be a "basic" or "pre-employment" check at another. Therefore, understanding the specifics requires directly referencing the documentation provided by the company conducting the background check.
To decipher what a "Level 1" background check entails, you must look at the specific description provided by the background check provider. This description should detail the types of checks included. Generally, a lower-level background check, which a "Level 1" might represent, will include fewer data points than a more comprehensive check.
What Information Might Be Included in a "Level 1" Background Check?
While the exact contents vary, a "Level 1" background check might typically include some or all of the following:
- Identity Verification: Confirming the applicant's identity using various data sources. This often involves checking Social Security Number validity and confirming name and date of birth.
- Criminal History Check: This may be limited in scope. It might only include checks of county-level records, or it might exclude certain types of offenses. It is crucial to understand the geographical limitations and types of offenses included in the search.
- Address History: Verifying past addresses provided by the applicant to assess residency stability.
- Employment History Verification: Contacting previous employers to verify dates of employment and job titles. Note that often only confirmation of employment is provided, not performance reviews or reasons for leaving.
What Information Is Typically NOT Included in a Lower-Level Background Check (like a potential "Level 1")?
More comprehensive background checks, often labeled "Level 2" or "Level 3" (again, this numbering is not standard), include additional information. A "Level 1" background check is unlikely to include:
- Credit History: Checks on an applicant's creditworthiness.
- Education Verification: Detailed verification of educational degrees and certifications.
- Professional License Verification: Checking for current licenses and certifications in regulated professions.
- Driving Records: Reviewing driving history and motor vehicle reports (MVRs).
- Drug Screening: Testing for the presence of illegal drugs.
- In-depth Criminal Background Check: A more extensive criminal history check encompassing state and national databases, potentially including sealed or expunged records (depending on state laws and the background check's scope).
How to Understand Your Specific "Level 1" Background Check
The best way to understand the meaning of "Level 1" in your specific context is to:
- Review the documentation: Carefully examine any paperwork or emails you received from the background check company. The report itself should detail the types of checks performed.
- Contact the background check company directly: If the documentation is unclear, reach out to the company to request clarification. They are the only definitive source of information about what their "Level 1" entails.
- Contact the entity requesting the check: If you're undergoing a background check for a job or other application, contact the requesting organization. They should be able to explain the meaning and scope of the "Level 1" background check they commissioned.
Without specific context from the background check provider, any further interpretation of "Level 1" is pure speculation. Always rely on official documentation and communication from the relevant parties.