If hired for a federal job, you must at least go through a basic background check to make sure you're reliable, trustworthy, and suitable for the job. The background check process starts after you accept a job offer.
The hiring agency will ask you for the necessary personal information to start the background investigation process. The amount of information you'll need to give depends on the job.
Read the Background and security clearance section of the job announcement to see what security level is required. If you have questions about the background investigation process, contact the hiring agency for the job.
What type of information will I need to provide?
Regardless of the type of background check, you will at least need to answer questions about where you've lived, worked, went to school, and any military history or police records. You'll also need to have your fingerprints taken if you've never worked for the Federal Government.
Public Trust
Public Trust is a type of background investigation, but it is not a security clearance. Depending on the job, you must complete either the Standard Form 85 (SF85) or 85P (SF85P) questionnaire.
Security Clearance
Some jobs require a security clearance. The security clearance level depends on the type of access to classified information and secure facilities that you'll need to perform your job.
For jobs that require a security clearance, you'll need to provide at least 10 years of personal information and maybe more. You'll need to complete the Standard Form 86 (SF86).
Position sensitivity and risk
Most federal jobs are assigned sensitivity and risk levels, based on their responsibilities and duties. Sensitivity has to do with the position's potential impact on the national security of the United States. For example, a non-sensitive position has no impact on the national security. Risk has to do with a position's potential to damage the public's trust in the Federal Government.
A noncritical sensitive position has the potential to cause significant or serious damage to the national security.
A critical sensitive position has the potential to cause exceptionally grave damage to the national security.
A special sensitive position security has the potential to cause inestimable damage to the national security.
Risk
A low risk position is likely to produce some harm or noticeable damage to the public's trust.
A moderate risk position is likely to produce a fair amount of harm or serious damage to the public's trust.
A high risk position is likely to produce a substantial or even inestimable amount of harm or serious damage to the public's trust.
Trust determination process
If you're hired for the job, you'll undergo a background investigation. The type depends on the sensitivity and risk level of the job--the higher the sensitivity and risk, the higher the investigation level. Following the investigation, the Federal Government will make a trustworthiness determination.
Credentialing
This process determines if the Federal Government may issue you an identity card that allows access to federal facilities and information systems.
Suitability/fitness
This process determines if you have the required level of character and conduct necessary to work for the Federal Government.
National security
This process determines if your employment would constitute a risk to national security.
FAQs
What Is A Federal Background Check? A federal background check, or federal criminal background check, searches 94 federal US district and appellate courts to identify convictions and pending cases of federal crimes. For example, identity theft, tax evasion, counterfeiting, and kidnapping are all federal crimes.
What does a security clearance background check consist of? ›
What information do you evaluate in the security clearance investigation? During the background and security clearance investigation, investigators will review delinquency in paying debts, tax obligations, certain criminal offenses and the illegal use or possession of drugs.
What is a security clearance for a federal employee? ›
A security clearance is like a background check. It is required for individuals who are hired for US government jobs or any organization that handles information pertaining to national security. The security clearance process ensures your ability to securely access, manage, and protect classified information.
What disqualifies you from getting a security clearance? ›
You are not a U.S. citizen. You were dishonorably discharged from the military. You are currently involved in illegal drug use. You have been judged as mentally incompetent or mentally incapacitated by a mental health professional.
What can disqualify you from a government job? ›
You can't work for the Federal Government if you have a criminal record
- Certain federal laws, like those prohibiting treason, carry with them a lifelong ban on federal employment.
- Other federal laws prohibit federal employment for a certain number of years.
So, unless someone hacks into your account, they cannot see your history of internet searches. But even if your search information won't show up on a background check, experts recommend deleting the data that search engines gather about you as a way to protect your privacy in a more general sense.
What is usually checked in a background check? ›
The background check includes the following records searches: Criminal Felony and Misdemeanor (past 7 years, all counties, aliases, and maiden names revealed by a social security number trace), National Sex Offender, National Criminal Search, Education (highest degree), and Employment (past 7 years or previous two ...
How far back does security clearance go? ›
The SF-86 form requests information back 7 years for employment and residence; however, to comply with the investigative standards, 10 years is required.
What is included in a security clearance check? ›
A full security questionnaire. Checks on criminal records, credit and financial history, and Security Service records. A review of work history, including personal files, staff reports, sick leave returns and security records.
How do you pass a government security clearance? ›
Our process
- Receive a conditional offer of employment. ...
- Complete Standard Form 86 (SF-86) ...
- Take a polygraph. ...
- Get a psychological or medical evaluation. ...
- Perform credit check and National Agency Check (NAC) ...
- Conduct background investigation. ...
- Adjudicate and final job offer.
SCI classifications are only cleared for a few people and the background investigation process as well as the continual monitoring is extremely intensive. The amount of time it takes to receive a security clearance is usually between six months to one year, if all goes well.
How do I check my federal security clearance? ›
For assistance with completing the security clearance package for a Department of State investigation or to inquire about the status of your security clearance with the Department of State, email the DSS Office of Personnel Security and Suitability Customer Service Center at SecurityClearance@state.gov or call between ...
What is a red flag for a security clearance? ›
A history of drug addiction, drug involvement, or alcoholism can provide a barrier to receiving security clearance. Past issues with drugs or alcohol may disqualify you from receiving security clearance. Current, ongoing use of an illegal drug will automatically disqualify you.
What will fail a security clearance? ›
More specific conditions that may endanger your security clearance include: A history of deceptive or illegal financial acts like embezzlement, tax evasion, and fraud; Failure to satisfy your debts; and. Financial problems caused by gambling, drug abuse, or alcohol abuse.
What records does security clearance check? ›
The security clearance process typically includes a FBI reference check of former employers, coworkers, friends, neighbors, landlords, and schools along with a review of credit, tax, and police records.
How does the federal government verify employment history? ›
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) utilizes an automated employment verification service, allowing current and former DOL employees to have employment and salary information easily verified by third parties.
What does an IRS background check consist of? ›
Background Investigation Requirements currently consist of 4 primary components: Fingerprinting; Credit Checks; Citizenship Verification and Local Law Enforcement Checks.
Is a live scan a federal background check? ›
Live Scan is an automated service that the DOJ provides to agencies that require criminal history background checks from the DOJ and/or the FBI as a condition of employment, licensing, certification, foreign adoptions or VISA/Immigration clearances.
What is eQIP background check? ›
e-QIP is a web-based automated system that was designed to facilitate the processing of standard investigative forms used when conducting background investigations. e-QIP allows you to electronically enter, update, and transmit your personal investigative data over a secure internet connection to a requesting agency.
