What Disqualifies You From a Level 2 Background Check? Your Full Guide

Evelyn Sanderson - September 11, 2024

Background checks review an individual’s history to look for details that may disqualify them from getting a job. Generally, Level 1 background checks inspect the candidate’s employment history and criminal background. These checks are often done at the state level.

Level 2 background checks, also known as Tier 2 background checks, are much more extensive and involve a wider range of checks at the national scale. Since a lot goes into Level 2 background checks, many things may be a reason for disqualification.

This article will cover some of the exact offenses that may disqualify you from a level background check. Read on to learn more about what may disqualify you from a Level 2 background check.

What Is a Level 2 Background Check?

A Level 2 background check is more comprehensive than a Level 1 background check. It is a fingerprint-based background check that investigates the candidate’s details at the federal, state, and local levels.

Government agencies, healthcare organizations, security firms, educational institutions, and law enforcement agencies often require a Level 2 background check. In some states, Level 2 background checks are mandatory for specific industries. Florida, for example, requires healthcare workers to undergo a Level 2 background check.

However, any employer hiring for a position that involves trust or responsibility can require the candidates to undergo a Level 2 background check. It is ultimately up to the employer to decide on it.

While the extent of Level 2 background checks is more comprehensive than Level 1 background checks, it works like any other. The employer, whether the federal government or a security firm, decides on what components to include in the Level 2 background check.

Components of a Level 2 Background Check and Disqualifications

Below, you’ll discover what disqualifies you from a Level 2 background check, as well as a description of each component that goes into it.

Identity Verification

Identity verification is a vital part of any background check, including Level 2 checks. It verifies the identity of the candidate to ensure they are who they claim to be, which is essential for the reliability of subsequent checks.

Possible Disqualifications:

• Mismatch of Fingerprints: Since Level 2 background checks are fingerprint-based, a mismatch of fingerprints is a disqualifying factor that may flag the individual for identity theft.
• Inconsistent Information: Any inconsistencies in the personal information of the candidate, such as name, date of birth, and social security number, are disqualifying factors in a Level 2 background check.
• Troubles With Verification: If the candidate’s identity cannot be verified, it could result in disqualification. Even if it is due to a lack of accessible records, the employer may disqualify the candidate for troubles with identity verification.

Employment History

Employment history is standard in all types of employment background checks. Level 2 background checks don’t always conduct a more thorough investigation into a candidate’s previous work experience but may dive deeper into relevant employment details.

Nonetheless, you can expect a Level 2 background check to dig through employment history, dates of employment, positions held, reasons for leaving, and more.

Possible Disqualifications:

• Falsified or Inconsistent Information: As with any other part of any background check, falsified or inconsistent information about employment history is enough to disqualify a candidate. This not only applies to providing false information about previous job titles but also to inconsistencies in dates, duties held, and any other discrepancies between the candidate’s resume and employment records.
• Failure to Disclose Past Terminations: During the initial interview, the employer may ask the candidate about past terminations. If the candidate didn’t disclose these, and they appear on the background check, it can be a reason for disqualification.
• Inability to Verify: If the background check company has trouble verifying past employment and the candidate can’t provide verifiable documents or references, it can be a red flag about their identity and disqualify the candidate.

Education Verification

Education verification is critical to any background check – Level 2 background checks are no different. Background check service providers contact schools and higher learning institutions to verify the candidate’s academic qualifications to help employers ensure they meet the educational requirements for the job.

Possible Disqualifications:

• False Claims: As with other points above, false claims of educational credentials are a reason to disqualify anyone from a Level 2 background check. This also includes misrepresentations, such as claiming honors that weren’t earned.
• Diplomas From Unaccredited Institutions: Although this happens rarely – the candidate submitting a diploma from an unaccredited institution – diplomas from an educational institution without an accreditation status may disqualify a candidate from a Level 2 background check.
• Inability to Verify: If the educational institution cannot verify the candidate’s attendance or credentials, it can lead to a Level 2 background check disqualification. The same also applies to educational institutions that cannot be verified.

Criminal Background Check

Level 2 background checks are extensive and include criminal records at the federal, state, and local levels. Considering the kinds of jobs that require a Level 2 background check, it is one of the most important points employers consider before hiring.

Possible Disqualifications:

• Felony Convictions: Since Level 2 background checks are conducted for roles that involve responsibility and trust, any felony conviction, whether it is a violent crime, theft, or fraud, can disqualify a candidate from a Level 2 background check. However, Level 2 background checks don’t usually include expunged records but may show sealed court records.
• Traffic Violations: Depending on severity, driving offenses may disqualify an individual from a Level 2 background check. For positions that require operating a motor vehicle, employers may prefer an employee with a clean driving record. In these cases, traffic violations may disqualify the candidate.
• Failure to Disclose Criminal History: If a candidate fails to disclose criminal history when asked, and it appears on their Level 2 background check, it is a possible reason for disqualification. Even if it was minor, such as trespassing or public intoxication, failure to disclose can be a reason for disqualification.

Understanding What Disqualifies You From a Level 2 Background Check

As you can expect, the possible disqualifications for a Level 2 background check are different from those for a Level 1 background check.

Since the positions that require a Level 2 background check are usually security and safety-sensitive, something that could be considered minor for a Level 1 background check can be a disqualification for a Level 2 background check.

For example, an employer requiring a Level 1 background check may not think much of a misdemeanor that happened ten years ago, but another that requested a Level 2 background check might.

That said, understanding the possible disqualifications we mentioned above is crucial to self-assess and determine if you meet the requirements for a job that requires a Level 2 background check. 

If you’re curious about what might appear on yours, consider running a background check on yourself. It can be an easy way to reveal your chances of landing the job requiring a Level 2 background check.