Background checks are a common part of the hiring process and employers and employees benefit from knowing what they are. Level two background checks are unique background checks that are found in the state of Florida.
In Florida, these background checks aren’t always required but they provide more in-depth information about applicants. When it comes to level two background checks, understanding what’s on them might make a big difference.
Fortunately, we’re here to help. We’ll take you through what you need to know about level two background checks. Additionally, we’ll cover traditional background checks, and how to run one on yourself in preparation for interviews.
What Is a Background Check?
A background check is a process that occurs when a company begins evaluating you to verify your identity. Background checks include several phases and there are several types of background checks. The information that comes up on background checks is on public records, so you can view this information on your own at almost any time.
Background checks may also search for specific things. Some background checks may focus on someone’s driving records, while others will check someone’s criminal history or sex offender status.
Companies and the government will both run background checks for most employment positions. As an employer, understanding background checks is also important to properly evaluate potential employees.
What Information Is Available Through a Background Check?
Background checks contain a lot of information about someone. Typically, background checks will reveal anything about someone that’s public record. Less in-depth background checks will only focus on things like court records and criminal records.
Below we list what might appear on a background check:
- Criminal records
- Court records
- Traffic records
- Social media accounts
- Sex offender status
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Identity verification
- Phone numbers
- Email Addresses
- Bankruptcies
- Credit history
Depending on the background check company, some or all of this information will appear on a background check.
How to Check Your Background
Checking your background before you apply for a job is a great way to be prepared. You can check your background through a background check company or view your information online with Information.com. Information.com has a background check tool that will show you everything you need to know about yourself. Anything that’s public record will come up with an Information.com background check.
What Is a Level Two Background Check?
Level two background checks are background checks that are unique to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). According to the FDLE, these background checks are based on information from fingerprints, so fingerprinting is required when going through a level two background check.
These background checks include information from state agencies but also agencies like the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Combining these records makes the background check process more in-depth and will flag people who have committed crimes anywhere in the United States.
These background checks are commonly used in Florida but some other states also have versions of level two background checks. You may also hear about background checks that are “Stage two.” Stage two background checks are traditional background checks with some extra information.
What Information Appears on a Level Two Background Check?
Level two background checks reveal a lot of information. While the traditional information that’s found on most background checks is available, other information is also common.
Things like criminal records are looked at on a national level and even crimes in other countries may appear on level two background checks. Employment history, educational background, and more will also show up on a level two background check.
Level Two Background Check Requirements
Level two background checks are more detailed and invasive than traditional background checks. Therefore, there are some additional rules that people must follow. The requirements for a level two background check include the following:
- Level two background checks can’t be against public policies
- Fingerprints for the background check have to go through the state repository first
- Government institutions must receive the reports
- The FBI sets the terms and the organization running the background check must agree to them
These extra requirements are for the safety of organizations and applicants.
Who Runs Level Two Background Checks?
Level two background checks are usually run by state agencies, police departments, and organizations that require work with children. These background checks are unique to many fields, so almost anyone can run a level two background check with the right clearance. That said, employees have the right to know what type of background check is being run, so we always recommend asking.
What Disqualifies You From a Level Two Background Check?
Level two background checks have a few key disqualifiers you should be aware of. These disqualifiers include the following:
- Sexual misconduct
- Abusing adults
- Conspiracy to abuse adults or children
- Manslaughter
- Murder
These will disqualify most people on a level two background check. You must speak with a potential employer before going through the background check if these items are on your record.
How to View a Level Two Background Check?
Viewing a level two background check is similar to viewing information from a regular background check. An Information.com background check search will reveal the information that will appear on a level two background check. You’ll find everything you need to know about criminal records, sex offender status, and much more. We always recommend running an Information.com search on yourself before going through the background check process.
Run a Background Check Today
Level two background checks include a lot of information, so it’s wise to know what will appear on the background check. Knowing what appears on a background check will help you speed up the process and prepare for interview questions. As an employer, knowing what a level two background check is may help you when evaluating employees in Florida.
When you need to see what information appears on a level two background check we always recommend an Information.com background check. It will show you what to expect on most background checks.
