Professional jobs typically require a background check. Depending on the job, it can be a few simple questions or something as serious as a fingerprint background check.
If you’re concerned about an upcoming fingerprint background check, we’ll teach you about what they are and how to pass them.
What Is a Fingerprint Background Check?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) stores over 70 million fingerprint records within its fingerprint identification system. Within this system, people’s criminal backgrounds are available as public records. So when companies or government agencies request a fingerprint background check, they pull information from these records to verify someone’s criminal history.
In the past, fingerprint checks were done with paper and ink, but everything is done with a scanner today. Employers that require fingerprint background checks will usually have employees visit offsite locations or third-party background check companies like Cisive.
What Information Does a Fingerprint Background Check Show?
Fingerprint background checks show a lot of information. It’s the most detailed background check, so employers will see the information we list below.
- Full name
- Date of birth
- Addresses
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Your criminal record or “rap sheet”
- Traffic violations
- Court cases
- Descriptions of crimes committed
- Sentences
- Social media accounts
- Dating profiles
- Spouses
- Marriages
Depending on the person, more or less information will show up on a fingerprint background check.
How Long Do the Results of a Fingerprint Background Check Take?
Every state has its own unique set of rules and guidelines for acquiring fingerprint background checks. That said, in most states, the results of a background check take between one and two weeks to process. When the results are complete, the information comes in the mail. Some companies also choose to have the information sent over electronically.
Is a Criminal Record Public Record?
Yes, someone’s criminal record is a public record. In fact, that’s where the information that comes from a fingerprint background check comes from. Crimes that are not sealed or removed from someone’s record are available to the public. In most cases, this information is also free of charge as long as you know where to look.
3 Ways To Pass a Fingerprint Background Check
When you’re trying to figure out how to pass a fingerprint background check, there’s no need to worry, as there are actually several ways to pass. Below are the top three methods for passing a background check.
People Search Engines
One of the best ways to pass a fingerprint background check is to know exactly what comes in the report. If you’ve committed crimes, you know what to expect and can prepare to explain them during the interview. On the other hand, if you’re unsure about what will be on the report, it’s wise to perform a people search on yourself.
The best place to do a background check on yourself is Information.com—a dedicated criminal background search tool that will show you what comes up on your criminal records. This is also useful for checking the following:
- Sex offender status
- Open or closed court records
- Traffic violations
- Crimes
- Jail sentences
Keep in mind that these are only some of the things you’ll find when using a people search engine like Information.com. You’ll also find things like social media accounts, email accounts, and more.
Overall, searching for your criminal background helps you prepare for the interview to pass the fingerprint background check.
Honesty
Passing a fingerprint background check will require a degree of honesty. This is because most employers will ask about your criminal history, and because it’s a public record, they have a right to know. Therefore, being honest will help prove that you’re trustworthy. Being honest also allows you to explain why you’ve committed crimes and how you’ve learned and grown from those experiences.
When being honest, though, we recommend getting ahead of possible problems. So, use a people search engine to see what comes up to help you cover it during the interview.
Following the Law
The best way to pass a fingerprint background check is to follow the law. When you follow the law and don’t have a criminal background, there is no reason to fail a background check.
However, some companies may check your credit score, and if it’s too low, you might not be able to work in financial institutions. In these cases, make sure your financial records are clear and work on improving your credit score.
Pass a Fingerprint Background Check
Thinking about how to pass a fingerprint background check is intimidating, especially if you have a criminal background. The good news is that there are ways to pass these background checks as long as you’re upfront and honest with your employer.
Plus, you have nothing to worry about if you’ve done nothing wrong and maintain a good credit score, so you should be able to pass a fingerprint background check easily.
