Federal Background Check: What You Need to Know

Evelyn Sanderson - December 31, 2024

Federal background checks can seem intimidating, and this may be one of the most stressful parts of being hired for a position in the government or other high-level positions. Some employers may be required by law to conduct a background check that looks through your criminal history, while others opt to do this as part of performing their due diligence for new hires. 

Our article tells you more about federal background checks, including what exactly these checks look at, to help you understand everything you need to know.

What Is a Federal Background Check?

The federal background check is a type of criminal background check that looks through federal criminal history records. 

Federal background checks typically occur as part of the screening process for job applicants, and some employers may be required by law to administer federal background checks. The criminal history records that federal background checks look at include records from every federal district court in the United States.

Is There a Difference Between Federal Background Checks and FBI Background Checks?

Even though these two things might sound similar, federal background checks and FBI background checks are two different types of reports. While a federal background check looks through criminal history in all US federal courts, an FBI background check is conducted by accessing the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.

An FBI background check may require fingerprinting, and it will also include arrest history reports, criminal convictions, and other items of sensitive personal information. An FBI background check is primarily conducted as part of a screening process for security clearance or before an individual is hired for a job that deals with sensitive and classified government information.

What Will a Federal Background Check Look At?

 A federal background check will look at the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) database. This database contains records from all U.S. Federal courts, and it provides details on both felonies and misdemeanors. Examples of federal offenses that may be viewable during your federal criminal background check include the following:

• Fraud, including embezzlement and counterfeiting
• Bank robbery or armed robberies
• Drug trafficking
• Kidnapping
• Violent crimes, such as homicide
• Sex offenses, including sexual offenses against minors

PACER also provides details on crimes that have occurred across state lines, crimes that fall outside of state jurisdictions, and crimes committed on federal property or federal lands. If a crime is committed against a federal employee, it can also be included in this database.

In addition to a review of the PACER database, your federal check may be combined with a background check that looks into your personal history and double-checks your references.

How Do I Fail a Federal Background Check?

Failing a federal background check can be subjective, as certain offenses may be disqualifying in some career fields but passable in others. In general federal crimes, including violent crimes, sex offenses, and crimes of a terroristic nature, will get you rejected from most job positions that require this kind of background check.

In some career fields, embezzlement or identity theft may disqualify you, while other careers may be willing to overlook misdemeanors, traffic offenses, or other minor crimes. 

That being said, it is likely that any criminal conviction on your record will be evaluated during the hiring process. You will be requested to provide further information on the circumstances surrounding the conviction.

How Long Do Federal Background Checks Take To Complete?

Federal background checks can take a few days or up to a week or two to fully complete. 

The amount of time it takes for a federal background check to be completed is affected by the agency running the background check. It may take longer if records need to be searched manually, or if the federal background check report is extensive and looks back at between ten and twenty years of history.

If you are worried about how long your federal background check is taking to complete, you can speak to the person requesting your background check to get an update on this timeline.

How Far Back Does a Federal Background Check Look?

How far back a federal background check looks depends on a few different factors, including state laws and regulations. 

In general, a federal background check will look back at least seven years, though it can include up to ten or even twenty years’ worth of history. Positions that are high security or deal with the federal government are likely to have a longer lookback period on your federal background check.

Will I Need to Pay for My Federal Background Check?

You may need to pay for a federal background check if one is requested from you. The cost of this type of background check depends on the agency conducting the search and whether or not any express service is needed. Typically, you will be charged by page, or you may pay a flat fee of around $50 to have this search conducted.

Speak with the individual requesting your report to learn more about the costs and if you need to pay to have this check completed.

FAQs About Federal Background Checks

Federal background checks tend to inspire a lot of questions. Below, we give you our answers to the most frequently asked questions about federal background checks.

Which Jobs Might Require a Federal Background Check?

Several different types of jobs might require a federal background check as part of the screening process for new applicants. 

Most of the time, federal background checks are required for career fields that deal with security, the government, and vulnerable populations. Jobs in the healthcare field, those in state or federal government agencies, and childcare workers or teachers may all be required to submit this type of background check.

How Long Will My Federal Background Check Be Good For?

In general, federal background checks will be administered once during the hiring screening process. Once an employee passes this check and is officially onboarded, it is typically up to the employer whether or not they want to rescreen individuals. There is no requirement for repeated screenings, but employers may choose to do this every two to five years.

Can I Pass a Federal Background Check if I Have a Criminal Record?

It may be possible to pass a federal background check even if you have a criminal record. Usually, misdemeanors are less likely to affect the outcome of your federal background check, though this does depend on the type of crime committed and any convictions received. 

That being said, certain careers and types of jobs may have disqualifying offenses. You will need to check directly with the person requesting your federal background check to understand more.

Will Sealed and Expunged Records Be Visible on a Federal Background Check?

In most cases, sealed and expunged records are not shown on federal background checks. However, some types of careers and jobs – typically those involving the federal government and national security – will also review sealed and expunged records. 

You can check with the employer requesting your background check and state laws to see if this will apply to your situation.

Are State and Federal Background Checks Different?

State and federal background checks are different, as state background checks look at criminal records at both the state and county levels. Federal background checks look primarily at federal crimes that are committed anywhere within the United States and heard in a federal district court.

Understanding Federal Background Checks

Federal background checks can be stressful, but understanding more about what is included in this type of check and when it might be requested can help you put your worries to rest. Review the details in our article about federal background checks so you stay informed about these reports before you are asked to submit one.