As with most products and services, screening providers market and sell their offerings in unique ways. This can sometimes lead to confusion, as search and screening package names vary between vendors—even when the offerings are identical.
While there is some standardization across the board, there is considerable nuance about how vendors name their packages and products. In an effort to simplify the complex catalog of screening offerings, some have chosen to present their services as having “levels” or “tiers.” While this is an effective way for companies to advertise a set of screening services, it may overlap with requirements set forth by specific states. There is no standardized or formalized background check level or tier system that is embraced nationwide. This vernacular often reflects either a state-specific requirement or a branding strategy.
State-Required Background Checks
Some states, such as Florida, use levels to communicate the type of background check required. For example, a “Level 1” background check is a state-only name-based background check, whereas a “Level 2” includes a fingerprint check with additional specifications.
Learn more about Florida background check requirements.
When speaking outside of specific state requirements, certain hiring situations often warrant screening solutions of varying depth and complexity. This creates a natural separation of services that can be represented by the terms “tier” or “level.” Let’s discuss what some of these may include.
How Many “Levels” of Background Checks Are There?
There is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to background checks. However, we have outlined various screening packages tailored to common needs. These packages represent common screening “levels” as advertised by some providers and serve as a good baseline for helping you determine what background check packages may be best for your organization. Again, While Peopletrail can help organizations (such as those in Florida) comply with state regulations, the “Levels” referred to in this article do not represent any specific requirement some may need to meet. This article is primarily intended for companies that aren’t subject to regulation in their scope.
For personal Background checks, we offer three packages tailored to various needs. To order an online background check, please visit our personal screening page.
Level 1
We would consider a “Level 1” screening to be a name-based background check that includes a nationwide database search and one jurisdictional (or county) court search —typically the area where the individual currently resides. A “Level 1” check can also include a single employment verification. This is a great background screening option for many organizations looking to cover the general bases for entry-level employees.
Learn the Difference Between Fingerprint And Name-Based Background Checks.
Level 2
A “Level 2” background check would be very similar to a “Level 1” background check with a greater emphasis on jurisdictional (or county) records retrieval and the addition of a federal criminal court search (learn more about federal records). This package would include a search for every county where the individual has lived, worked, or attended school in the past seven (7) years. County criminal searches are very reliable as information is pulled directly from the courts. This background check package is recommended for the majority of entry-level positions in a professional working environment.
Level 3
“Level 3” would represent the most common type of background check we offer. It consists of a comprehensive criminal history check (including the nationwide database, past seven (7) years of counties, and federal court search), education verification (highest degree obtained), previous employment history (up to 3 past employers), and reference checks (professional references are recommended). The “Level 3” background check reports also often involve drug tests. This background check package is recommended for most hires, including those in upper management.
Level 4
The “Level 4” background check tier would be the most comprehensive. These background checks are vital when hiring or promoting executives from within the company. “Level 4” checks are similar to “Level 3” checks with the addition of federal and county civil records searches, social media searches, financial screening, and a more comprehensive drug and health screening process (depending on the industry). This level of background check is most recommended for executive or high-security positions.
It’s worth noting that proper drug screening is recommended in almost every hiring scenario. This process could include pre-employment drug screening, random drug testing, reasonable suspicion drug testing, or post-incident screening.
Depending on the industry, fingerprint background checks may be included in a “Level 4” background check. This is typically due to regulation and is more common within the public (government) sector. You can learn more about fingerprint background solutions here.
Takeaways
To restate what was said above, we understand that certain employers (such as those in Florida) must comply with state regulations, requiring “Level 1” and “Level 2” background checks. We can provide these specific solutions. However, the “Levels” referred to in this article do not represent any specific requirement some may need to meet.
While we have structured our packages in this way for informational purposes and to help resolve confusion, every organization is unique. At Peopletrail, we can customize any solution you need, creating different packages for different departments within your company if necessary. No solution should be placed in a box and discussed rigidly.
We are happy to help with any questions regarding background screening services.