This article explains each section of a background check report, what information it includes, and how to interpret it. By the end, you will know how to read a report accurately and identify key information quickly.
In this article:
Applicant Information
SSN/Person Search
County/State/Federal Court Record Search
Alerts
MultiState/National Criminal Record Database Search
Pending References
Completed References
Employment/Education Verification
Motor Vehicle Report
Sample Reports
Additional Resources
Applicant Information
The applicant information section shows basic details about the applicant and the report timeline. Use this section to confirm who the report belongs to, and when it was ordered and completed.
- Report Date: The date the report was completed.
- Order Date: The date the report was submitted.
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Applicant Information: Details provided by the applicant during the application process.
SSN/Person Search
The SSN/Person search lists names and addresses associated with the applicant’s Social Security number (SSN). Use this section to review address history and confirm where record searches were performed.
- Full Name: Names and Name Variations associated with the entered SSN.
- County: Counties identified based on SSN trace and Address history.
- Reported Dates: The timeframe when the address was associated with the SSN.
- Records: The number of public records associated with the address found.
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Source: The Source is where the address was found. Common source abbreviations:
- PS – Person Search
- CRD – Credit Report
County/State/Federal Court Record Search
The County/State/Federal court record shows criminal court search results by jurisdiction. Use it to confirm which courts were searched and whether any reportable records were found.
- If no records are found, the report displays: “No Reportable Records Found”.
- Jurisdiction will display the county searched.
- Search Scope will display how far back records were searched.
Alerts
The Alerts section highlights records that require attention. It includes offense details, case outcomes, and sentencing information when applicable.
When records are found, this section displays:
- Results: Records Found will display a Red Alert/Flag.
- Type: The degree of the offense (for example, misdemeanor, felony, or traffic).
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Disposition: The final outcome of the case. Common disposition types:
- Guilty: A conviction punishable by law.
- Dismissed: The case was closed with no finding of guilt.
- Adjudication Withheld: The case was closed with no formal conviction entered.
- Nolo Contendere (No Contest): The individual did not admit guilt but accepted punishment and waived the right to trial.
- Nolle Prossed: The prosecutor chose not to pursue the case.
- Deferred: Sentencing was postponed pending completion of probation or other conditions.
- Disposition Date: The date the judge or jury issued the final ruling.
- Sentence: The penalties imposed, such as imprisonment, probation, fines, or court costs.
- Offense: A description of the charge.
MultiState/National Criminal Record Database Search
The MultiState/National Criminal section shows results from a nationwide criminal database search. Use it to review name variations searched and confirm SSN validation details.
- Name variations searched in the National Criminal Database Search will display all the names that were used to search.
- SSN Validation Information: Displays whether or not the SSN is associated with a deceased person. Provides the state in which the SSN is issued and the year issued.
Pending References
The pending reference section tracks reference checks that are still in progress. Use it to review outreach attempts, timestamps, and contact notes.
Completed References
The completed reference section displays finished reference responses. Use it to review feedback and identify any concerns.
If negative feedback is provided, the reference will display a red alert flag.
Employment/Education Verification
The Employment/Education verification section compares applicant-provided information with verified results. Use it to confirm employment and education history accuracy.
- Subject-Provided Information: Details submitted by the applicant.
- Employer-Provided Information: Verified details received from the employer or educational institution.
Example Employment Report
Example Education Report
Motor Vehicle Report
The Motor Vehicle Report section provides driver license and driving history details. Use it to review license status, violations, and points issued.
- Licence Information: Displays driver’s license details, including license number, issuing state, duration, and full name.
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Status:
- Valid/Clear: The driver’s license is in good standing.
- Invalid/Suspended: The driver’s license is not valid.
- Displays Driver's License Issue and Expiration Date.
- Violation: Outlines Date of Violation, Accident, Infraction, Suspension.
- ADrLargeDescription/AdrSmallDescription: This will display the description of Violation.
- StateAssignedPoints: This displays points issued against drivers license.
Sample Reports
Review the sample reports below to see how information appears in different report types:
Drug E-Passport Report
Driver and Drug Report
Executive Report
Criminal Report
Professional Reference - Experience
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