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Original
2026-01-01
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2026-02-28
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<p><strong><em><strong><em>In industries where sensitive information and high-value assets are part of the job, employers may want to conduct a federal criminal background check. This type of background check searches the federal court system for convictions and pending cases tied to federal crimes. This article provides a comprehensive guide to federal background checks, detailing their purpose, findings, and process.</em></strong></em></strong></p>
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<p><strong><em><strong><em><strong>Federal background checks analyze candidates’ qualifications and records to help employers determine their eligibility and qualifications for a role. They’re also beneficial for individuals who want to preview what their official background check may look like.</strong></em></strong></em></strong></p>
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<p>In today’s business world, where due diligence and caution are paramount, conducting federal background checks is an important aspect employers should consider when making hiring decisions. Keep reading to find out why federal criminal background checks are an important screening to include in a comprehensive background check.</p>
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<p>Employers typically include a federal background check as part of a more comprehensive background check to make more informed hiring decisions, support safety measures, and minimize legal risk. Individuals may also choose to run a federal background check on themselves to learn what’s on their report in advance. GoodHire offers FCRA-compliant federal background screenings for both employers and individual users.</p>
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<h2>What Is A Federal Background Check?</h2>
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<p>This guide to federal background checks covers how they work, what types of information may be reported, relevant compliance regulations, and the benefits of working with third-party background check providers.</p>
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<p>A<a>federal background check</a>, 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. So are crimes against federal employees like TSA agents and forest rangers, crimes involving banks, and those committed on federal land like national parks. </p>
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<h2>What is a federal background check?</h2>
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<p>A federal criminal background check is frequently used by companies in financial industries, as well as for executives and CPAs, to surface incidents involving fraud and embezzlement or identity theft. </p>
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<p>A<a>federal background check</a>is a type of criminal background check used to identify convictions for federal crimes, such identity theft, tax evasion, counterfeiting, and kidnapping. It may also show crimes against federal employees, like TSA agents and forest rangers; crimes involving banks; or crimes committed on federal land. It may also show pending criminal cases, though this can depend on different factors, like when the case was filed.</p>
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<p>Sectors that might benefit from-or require-a federal criminal background check on prospective candidates include law enforcement, education, finance and banking, healthcare, and jobs in the federal government and defense industry. What do these jobs and industries have in common? People in these positions handle sensitive information, deal with high-value assets, or work with vulnerable people. A federal background check provides an added layer of protection and assurance when making informed hiring decisions.</p>
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<p>During a federal background check, records across 94 federal US district and appellate courts are searched using the<a>Public Access to Court Records</a>(PACER) database. Federal background checks are commonly used to screen candidates in regulated industries, including finance, healthcare, law enforcement, or government. They can also be beneficial when hiring for roles that involve access to high-value assets or sensitive information.</p>
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<h2>What Is The Difference Between Federal & FBI Background Checks?</h2>
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<p>While often part of comprehensive pre-employment background checks, a federal background check doesn’t replace<a>state</a>,<a>county</a>, or national criminal record checks.</p>
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<p>Federal criminal background checks are different from FBI background checks because a federal background check involves searching federal criminal courts for convictions and pending cases and are often used by organizations when hiring for executive-level roles, and positions where the person is handling highly sensitive information.<a>FBI background checks</a>, on the other hand, go even deeper and often are limited to certain kinds of jobs in the federal government or at companies that contract with the federal government. This in-depth check finds all interactions an individual might have had with law enforcement, such as all felony and misdemeanor criminal convictions, arrests, traffic violations and even parking tickets.</p>
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<h2>How do federal background checks work?</h2>
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<p>Unlike a federal criminal background check, an FBI background check relies on fingerprints supplied by the job candidate. Those prints are then run through the FBI’s<a>Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IAFIS)</a>, a storehouse of fingerprints collected by law enforcement agencies, immigration agencies and previous employment screenings. The IAFIS database connects an individual’s data to fingerprints collected as part of both criminal and non-criminal circumstances.</p>
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<p>Employers can conduct federal background checks on their own or with the help of a background check service provider. Federal background checks are performed by accessing the PACER database, which provides public access to more than a billion federal court documents.</p>
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<p>In addition, the candidate’s fingerprints are run through the<a>National Crime Information Center (NCIC)</a>database which contains a wealth of information about criminal histories and wanted criminals. The fingerprints also are checked against databases of sex offenders and terrorists.</p>
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<p>The information returned in the report includes federal felony and misdemeanor convictions across all federal district courts. Once the report is received, employers generally review the records to see if the information reported disqualifies the candidate under the organization’s<a>background check policy</a>. Then the employer decides whether to move forward with the hiring process.</p>
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<p>FBI checks are generally limited to certain federal government and contractor roles. For most private employers, a federal background check provides sufficient data regarding federal offenses for informed hiring decisions.</p>
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<p>When<a>performing background checks</a>for employment, employers also must comply with local, state and federal guidelines. Employers that choose to partner with a consumer reporting agency (CRA), such as GoodHire, to conduct federal background checks are required to comply with regulations under the<a>Fair Credit Reporting Act</a>(FRCA). Plus, working with a CRA can help speed how long a federal background check takes.</p>
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<h2>Federal Background Check Requirements</h2>
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<p>Before an employer can run a federal background check, candidates must provide their written consent. Should the employer decide not to hire the candidate due to federal employment background check disqualifiers or other reasons, they must follow the<a>adverse action process</a>.</p>
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<p>Employers who work with a background screening provider to conduct pre-employment background checks must comply with federal laws and regulations, namely the<a>Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)</a>. This helps ensure candidates’ rights are protected throughout the background check process.</p>
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<h2>What does a federal background check include?</h2>
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<p>Under the FCRA, the candidate must be notified that you intend to run a background check. This is known as a<a>background check disclosure</a>. This should be provided in a self-contained document. Then, the candidate must give their permission for the background check to be conducted. </p>
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<p>Federal checks typically include convictions for federal crimes that may not show up on state or county-level criminal record checks. Common federal crimes employers might see on a federal background check include:</p>
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<p>A job candidate must be told in writing that any information shown in a background check can be used in decisions concerning employment eligibility and hiring. The same is true if information in a background check is used to screen a current employee (for example, for a promotion, or for annual re-screening). This information must be provided in a written document.</p>
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<ul><li>Fraud</li>
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<p>If a background check leads to a decision against hiring, retaining, or promoting a candidate, you must follow the FCRA’s<a>adverse action steps</a>. Using an FCRA-compliant screening provider, like GoodHire, can simplify compliance with the<a>adverse action</a>process through automated workflows that guide employers through every required step.</p>
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<li>Embezzlement</li>
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<h3>Federal Employment Background Check Disqualifiers</h3>
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<li>Bank robbery</li>
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<p>The federal government may conduct extensive background checks on potential employees to assess their suitability for federal service. These federal employment background checks can return information that may disqualify candidates from being hired.</p>
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<li>Tax evasion </li>
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<p>Common disqualifiers found in a federal background check include:</p>
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<li>Identity theft </li>
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<ul><li>Felony criminal convictions</li>
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<li>Counterfeiting </li>
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<li>Arrests for serious misdemeanors</li>
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<li>Kidnapping </li>
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<li>Financial issues indicating irresponsibility</li>
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<li>Embezzlement </li>
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<li>Dishonesty on resumes or applications</li>
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<li>Drug trafficking </li>
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<li>Serious mental health conditions</li>
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<li>Crimes against federal employees </li>
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<li>Substance abuse</li>
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<li>Crimes committed on federal property</li>
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</ul><p>Some federal agencies may also decline candidates who have significant foreign contacts or relationships that could lead to conflicts of interest.</p>
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<li>Crimes that cross state lines</li>
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<p>While federal agencies have some discretion in evaluating background check results, they also must follow guidelines on automatic disqualifiers. For example, convictions for crimes such as treason, terrorism, espionage, or murder would prohibit candidates from federal employment. Omissions or deception during the hiring process are also grounds for disqualification.</p>
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</ul><p>How far back a federal background check can go depends on who is conducting the search. While convictions can be reported indefinitely, the FCRA sets lookback limits on other types of records that may show up when employers use a CRA to perform the search.</p>
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<p>Ultimately, a federal employment background check aims to identify candidates who demonstrate integrity, responsibility, honesty and good judgment to serve US citizens in federal positions. Any red flags uncovered must be carefully evaluated by employers in compliance with federal regulations.</p>
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<p>Restrictions include:</p>
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<h2>What Does A Federal Employment Background Check Consist Of?</h2>
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<ul><li>Non-conviction records for arrests more than seven years old, including civil judgments, tax liens, and most credit report information </li>
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<p>The scope of a federal employment background check aims to fully examine a candidate’s history and character to determine their fitness to serve in a federal position or handle sensitive information. The specific searches of a federal employment background check vary among federal agencies and may be more or less extensive, depending on the position and necessary security clearance. For example, a background check at an agency that deals with national security might be more in-depth than a background check at one that handles less sensitive matters. </p>
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<li>Bankruptcies more than 10 years</li>
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<p>A federal employment background check may include:</p>
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</ul><p>However, these limits may not apply if the expected salary for the role is $75,000 or higher, or if the background check is conducted independently by the employer rather than with a CRA. State and local restrictions may also shorten lookback periods, depending on jurisdiction.</p>
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<ul><li><a>Criminal history</a>report to review federal,<a>state</a>, and<a>county</a>criminal records and databases. Felony convictions are considered automatic disqualifiers for federal employment.</li>
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<p>Navigating compliance regulations during background checks can be challenging. Consulting with legal counsel and partnering with a background check service provider can help employers mitigate risk. For example, GoodHire (a Checkr company) offers compliance support through built-in adverse action workflows and FCRA guidance.</p>
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<li><a>Credit check</a>to assess a candidate’s financial responsibility and any issues with excessive debt.</li>
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<h2>How much does a federal background check cost?</h2>
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<li><a>Employment verification</a>to confirm past work history and check for any misconduct or firings.</li>
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<p>The cost to conduct a federal background check often depends on how the check is conducted.</p>
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<li><a>Education verification</a>to verify degrees earned, certifications and professional licenses.</li>
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<p>When an employer chooses to search PACER independently, fees start at $30 per name or items searched. Here’s how<a>PACER costs</a>break down, including service fees, as of November 2025.</p>
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<li><a>Reference checks</a>to gain insight from personal and professional references.</li>
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<ul><li>$30 per name or item searched</li>
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</ul><p>A more in-depth federal employment background check may also include: </p>
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<li>$0.10 per page per document delivered electronically (maximum of up to $3 per document and five-document limit per search)</li>
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<ul><li>Searching the FBI’s fingerprint database</li>
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<li>$2.40 per audio file download</li>
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<li>Checking a candidate’s residential address history</li>
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</ul><p>A CRA, on the other hand, typically offers comprehensive packages for pre-employment checks. So it’s often more cost-effective for employers to use a CRA. With GoodHire, for example, packages start at $29.99.</p>
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<li>Interviewing spouses, relatives, friends, roommates, coworkers or acquaintances</li>
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<p>GoodHire works with small to mid-size businesses, offering quick turnaround times and accurate results. Packages typcially include common background screenings, like<a>criminal record checks</a>,<a>employment verification</a>,<a>driving record checks</a>, and<a>drug screenings</a>. Federal background checks can be included with any package as an add-on search.</p>
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<li>Examining a candidate’s social media profiles</li>
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<h2>What individuals should know</h2>
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</ul><h2>How Long Does A Federal Background Check Take?</h2>
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<p>Individuals and job candidates subject to pre-employment background checks can choose to run federal background checks on themselves. Here’s what you need to know.</p>
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<p>How long a federal background check takes depends on if you search on your own or work with a background check provider. Running a federal criminal background check on your own requires an online account with the<a>Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER)</a>system and manually searching this online database. Many employers choose to work with a CRA for faster results-the average<a>turnaround time</a>for a federal background check with GoodHire is one business day.</p>
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<h3>How can I review my public records?</h3>
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<h2>How Far Back Does A Federal Background Check Go?</h2>
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<p>Knowing what’s on your own background check helps you anticipate and address any concerns employers might have. Whether you want to verify accuracy or just stay informed, conducting a self-check can provide peace of mind and bolster your confidence throughout the job search process.</p>
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<p>Federal background checks conducted through a CRA, like GoodHire, must follow the regulations of the FCRA, which restricts non-conviction information to a 7-year lookback period for arrests, civil judgments, tax liens, and most credit report information. This restriction does not apply to bankruptcies, which may be reported for up to 10 years, or criminal convictions, which may be reported indefinitely. </p>
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<p>Like employers, individuals can conduct a personal federal background check using the PACER system. Users can search for federal criminal cases by setting up an online account. Or you can work with a background provider to conduct a<a>personal background check</a>.</p>
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<p>If a candidate’s expected salary is $75,000 or higher, or if the background check is conducted by the employer themselves, these limitations may not apply. </p>
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<p>With GoodHire, it’s easy to order your own federal background checks in just a few simple steps. Pricing is transparent, and once your report is ready, you’ll receive a notification and be able to access it online.</p>
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<p>Federal criminal background checks for employment conducted by federal government are extremely thorough and will delve deep into a candidate’s past. There is no defined limit on how far back the investigation can extend, as investigators have the authority to gather any information relevant to determining a candidate’s suitability.</p>
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<h3>Will an expungement show up on a federal background check?</h3>
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<h2>How Much Does A Federal Background Check Cost?</h2>
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<p>Generally, expunged or sealed records should not show up on a federal background check for employment. Certain employment, such as in national security, may require disclosure of all interactions with law enforcement, including expunged records.</p>
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<p>Leading background check providers typically charge $30-$50 per check. When conducting employment screenings, you can expect competitive pricing and customizable options with GoodHire. GoodHire,<a>now a Checkr company</a>, offers multiple packages starting at $29.99. If you’re hiring for specific roles that require a federal criminal background check, this search can be included in any package as an add-on search. By offering tiered pricing and customizable add-ons, GoodHire provides trusted and affordable federal criminal background checks to meet each employer’s unique screening needs. </p>
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<h2>FAQs about federal background checks</h2>
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<h2>How To Get A Federal Background Check On Yourself</h2>
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<p>In the process of applying for a job, some candidates may wonder, “Where can I get a federal background check on myself?” Like employers, candidates can conduct a personal federal background check using the PACER system. Users can search for federal criminal cases by setting up an online account. In addition, private investigators and third-party companies offer services to complete a background check on an individual’s behalf. </p>
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<p>Knowing what’s in your own background helps you anticipate and address any concerns employers might have. Whether you want to verify accuracy or just stay informed, conducting a self-check can provide peace of mind and bolster your confidence throughout the job search process.</p>
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<h2>FAQs On Federal Background Checks</h2>
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What shows up on a federal background check?<p>A federal criminal background check identifies criminal records that are not available at the state or county level. It may include convictions for federal crimes such as:</p>
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What shows up on a federal background check?<p>A federal criminal background check identifies criminal records that are not available at the state or county level. It may include convictions for federal crimes such as:</p>
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<ul><li>Tax evasion: Illegally attempting to avoid paying taxes</li>
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<ul><li><strong>Tax evasion:</strong>Illegally attempting to avoid paying taxes</li>
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<li>Identity theft: Using another person’s personal identifying information (e.g. name, Social Security number, etc.) without their permission to commit fraud or other crimes</li>
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<li><strong>Identity theft:</strong>Using another person’s personal identifying information (e.g. name, Social Security number, etc.) without their permission to commit fraud or other crimes</li>
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<li>Counterfeiting: Creating fake currency with the intent to pass it off as real </li>
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<li><strong>Counterfeiting:</strong>Creating fake currency with the intent to pass it off as real </li>
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<li>Kidnapping: Confining and/or transporting a person against their will </li>
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<li><strong>Kidnapping:</strong>Confining and/or transporting a person against their will </li>
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<li>Embezzlement: Withholding something of value from its rightful owner without their consent with the intent to appropriate it</li>
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<li><strong>Embezzlement:</strong>Withholding something of value from its rightful owner without their consent with the intent to appropriate it</li>
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<li>Interstate trafficking: Unlawfully importing goods, often controlled substances, across state lines</li>
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<li><strong>Interstate trafficking:</strong>Unlawfully importing goods, often controlled substances, across state lines</li>
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</ul>What’s the difference between state vs. federal background checks?<p><a>State background checks</a>look for violations at the state or county level from multiple state databases, whereas federal background checks look for federal crimes from the federal US district and appellate courts. </p>
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</ul>What’s the difference between state vs. federal background checks?<p><a>State background checks</a>look for violations at the state or county level from multiple state databases, whereas federal background checks look for federal crimes from the federal US district and appellate courts. </p>
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Can you pass a federal background check with a misdemeanor?<p>Yes, it’s possible to pass a federal background check with a misdemeanor on your record. However, the impact of the misdemeanor on your employment prospects depends on its nature and relevance to the job you’re applying for. What disqualifies you from a federal background check will depend on the employer’s background check policy.</p>
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Can you pass a federal background check with a misdemeanor?<p>Yes, it’s possible to pass a federal background check with a misdemeanor on your record. However, the impact of the misdemeanor on your employment prospects depends on its nature and relevance to the job you’re applying for. What disqualifies you from a federal background check will depend on the employer’s background check policy.</p>
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Will an expungement show up on a federal background check?<p>Generally, expunged or sealed records should not show up on a federal background check. But some types of employment, particularly those involving national security, may require disclosure of all interactions with law enforcement, including expunged records.</p>
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Will an expungement show up on a federal background check?<p>Generally, expunged or sealed records should not show up on a federal background check. But some types of employment, particularly those involving national security, may require disclosure of all interactions with law enforcement, including expunged records.</p>
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How long is a federal background check good for?<p>This depends on the employer and the nature of the position. While there is no set expiry date for a federal background check, many companies choose to rescreen employees periodically, especially those in positions of trust or roles handling sensitive information.</p>
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How long is a federal background check good for?<p>This depends on the employer and the nature of the position. While there is no set expiry date for a federal background check, many companies choose to rescreen employees periodically, especially those in positions of trust or roles handling sensitive information.</p>
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Does a federal background check include a drug test?<p>Federal background checks do not generally include drug testing. However, certain government positions may require drug testing as a condition of employment.</p>
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Does a federal background check include a drug test?<p>Federal background checks do not generally include drug testing. However, certain government positions may require drug testing as a condition of employment.</p>
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Are federal background checks required for all jobs?<p>No, federal background checks are not necessary for all jobs. They are typically used for positions where the individual handles sensitive information or high-value assets, including sectors like finance, healthcare, law enforcement, education, government, and defense.</p>
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Are federal background checks required for all jobs?<p>No, federal background checks are not necessary for all jobs. They are typically used for positions where the individual handles sensitive information or high-value assets, including sectors like finance, healthcare, law enforcement, education, government, and defense.</p>
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<h2>Get A Federal Background Check Today</h2>
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<h2>Run a background check with GoodHire</h2>
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<p>In conclusion, federal criminal background checks provide a vital layer of security and integrity in the hiring process essential to maintaining the trust, safety, and reputation of your organization. Particularly for positions handling sensitive information or high-value assets, these checks offer a comprehensive view of a candidate’s past interactions with the federal court system. </p>
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<p>Running a federal background check helps employers view a more complete picture of a candidate’s criminal history, including information about past interactions with the federal court system. Individuals can also benefit from checking their own federal court records to understand what employers may see and update inaccurate information if needed. </p>
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<p>Navigating federal background checks can be complex, and adhering to compliance measures is essential. Leveraging a trusted third-party service, like GoodHire, can help streamline this process, without compromising due diligence. GoodHire offers hundreds of<a>background screening options</a>including federal checks, state and county-level criminal records, and more.<a>Get started today.</a></p>
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<h3>For employment purposes</h3>
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<p>Employers that run background checks with GoodHire receive access to our compliance-first approach and easy workflows. GoodHire offers small-business friendly pricing for comprehensive background checks, along with robust integrations with popular human resources and ATS platforms. Start your first<a>federal background check with GoodHire</a><em>.</em></p>
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<h3>For personal use</h3>
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<p>GoodHire’s personal background check service offers easy self-service access to federal records and other common background check screenings. Knowing what’s on your background report can provide peace of mind and an opportunity to correct errors to be reflected on your report from GoodHire. Order your<a>personal background check today</a><em>.</em></p>
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<p>Disclaimer</p>
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<p>Disclaimer</p>
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<p>The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We advise you to consult your own counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.</p>
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<p>The resources provided here are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. We advise you to consult your own counsel if you have legal questions related to your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.</p>
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<h3>About the Author</h3>
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<h3>About the Author</h3>
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<p>As GoodHire’s managing editor, Sara Korolevich produces educational resources for employers on a variety of employment screening topics, including compliance and screening best practices, and writes about GoodHire’s company and product news. Sara’s experience stems from 20+ years working as a B2C and B2B PR and communications professional.</p>
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<p>Sarah writes about small business topics and corporate communications. She has written on a wide range of topics, including background checks, hiring trends, company culture, and employee training and development. Her work includes educational articles, press releases, newsletters, and employee onboarding collateral.</p>
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