When the job interview goes great and you get a job offer you may be overjoyed. Suddenly, the interviewer says something that bursts your bubble. The offer is dependent upon your background check comes back clean. In there is a black mark, you may want to know about how many years does a background check go back?

The amount of time a background check goes back depends on what is being checked. If the check is for a credit check, most of the information is held by the credit reporting agencies for less than seven years. There are two exceptions, the bankruptcies and judgments. These may be reported by the credit reporting agencies for up to ten years. In addition, court actions are permanently recorded in the county court records so they could come up, although it is unlikely.

The amount of time criminal records are reported will vary according to the jurisdiction. Felony records are generally kept in the system longer than other criminal activity. Additionally, innocent charges are generally not reported. Crimes from which you have been pardoned should not be reported.

Some of the background check will be looking for such thing as social security scams. If this is a part of the background check, the information is looking for current reports. If the incident took place several years ago and there were no criminal charges filed, it is likely that the information will not be reported.

Most records used for employment verification report information that is less than seven years old. Certain employers may keep records for a longer time, however the background check is normally only interested in this amount of time.

Education background checks are simple checks with institutions of higher education where you claim to have attended. If you were truthful in your application or resume, then there should be no red marks in this area.

How many years does a background check go back? The answer may best be found in the type of check that is being done. If there is something that may come up, it is best to be honest with the future employer before you begin a new job.

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