A Level 2 background check is a type of screening that is typically used for individuals who are applying for positions that require a high level of trust and responsibility, such as those in the healthcare, education, or government sectors. This type of check is more comprehensive than a standard background check and involves a more detailed investigation into an individual's past, including their criminal history, employment history, and other relevant information.
What is Included in a Level 2 Background Check?
A Level 2 background check typically includes a range of checks and searches, including:
- Fingerprint-based criminal history search: This involves submitting an individual’s fingerprints to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) or other law enforcement agencies to search for any criminal history.
- State and local criminal history search: This involves searching for any criminal history in the state and local jurisdictions where the individual has lived or worked.
- Employment history verification: This involves verifying an individual’s employment history, including their job titles, dates of employment, and reasons for leaving previous positions.
- Education history verification: This involves verifying an individual’s education history, including their degrees, certifications, and other relevant qualifications.
- Professional license verification: This involves verifying an individual’s professional licenses, including their medical licenses, teaching certificates, or other relevant credentials.
Types of Level 2 Background Checks
There are several types of Level 2 background checks, including:
- Level 2 background check for healthcare professionals: This type of check is designed for individuals who are applying for positions in the healthcare sector, such as doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.
- Level 2 background check for education professionals: This type of check is designed for individuals who are applying for positions in the education sector, such as teachers, administrators, and other school staff.
- Level 2 background check for government employees: This type of check is designed for individuals who are applying for positions in the government sector, such as law enforcement officers, federal employees, and other government officials.
| Type of Check | Description |
|---|---|
| Level 2 background check for healthcare professionals | This type of check includes a fingerprint-based criminal history search, state and local criminal history search, employment history verification, education history verification, and professional license verification. |
| Level 2 background check for education professionals | This type of check includes a fingerprint-based criminal history search, state and local criminal history search, employment history verification, education history verification, and professional license verification. |
| Level 2 background check for government employees | This type of check includes a fingerprint-based criminal history search, state and local criminal history search, employment history verification, education history verification, and professional license verification, as well as a review of an individual's credit history and other relevant information. |
Benefits of a Level 2 Background Check
A Level 2 background check can provide a range of benefits, including:
- Improved safety and security: By conducting a thorough background check, organizations can help to ensure that they are hiring individuals who are trustworthy and do not pose a risk to others.
- Reduced risk of liability: By conducting a Level 2 background check, organizations can help to reduce their risk of liability in the event that an employee is found to have a criminal history or other relevant information that was not disclosed during the hiring process.
- Increased confidence in hiring decisions: A Level 2 background check can provide organizations with increased confidence in their hiring decisions, knowing that they have conducted a thorough investigation into an individual’s past.
Challenges and Limitations of Level 2 Background Checks
While a Level 2 background check can provide a range of benefits, there are also some challenges and limitations to consider, including:
- Cost and time requirements: A Level 2 background check can be more expensive and time-consuming than a standard background check, which can be a challenge for organizations with limited resources.
- Privacy concerns: A Level 2 background check may involve the collection and review of sensitive personal information, which can raise privacy concerns and require careful handling and storage.
- Accuracy and reliability: A Level 2 background check is only as accurate and reliable as the information that is available, which can be a challenge in cases where an individual has a common name or has lived or worked in multiple jurisdictions.
What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 background check?
+A Level 1 background check is a basic check that includes a name-based search of criminal history records, while a Level 2 background check is a more comprehensive check that includes a fingerprint-based search of criminal history records, as well as other checks and searches, such as employment history verification and education history verification.
How long does a Level 2 background check typically take?
+The time it takes to complete a Level 2 background check can vary depending on the type of check and the jurisdiction, but it typically takes several days to several weeks to complete.
What types of organizations typically require a Level 2 background check?
+Level 2 background checks are typically required for organizations in the healthcare, education, and government sectors, as well as for other types of organizations that require a high level of trust and responsibility, such as law enforcement agencies and financial institutions.
