When you’re applying for a job, there’s a good chance that you’ll have to go through some type of background check. For this reason, it helps to understand the various types of background checks that are out there. This way, you never have to worry about being unprepared for your next interview.
For the focus of this article, we’ll be covering the live scan background check. So, what is a live scan background check? Read on to have your questions answered in this guide.
What Is a Background Check?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand what the background check process is. Typically, the background check process involves verifying someone’s identity. This is done by checking Social Security records, contacting references, and looking into work history and education history.
You’ll also find that background checks can uncover criminal records or look for specific information, like credit records, and much more. For these reasons, it’s important to understand the different types of background checks that are out there and the requirements they have.
In fact, some background checks may even require fingerprinting, drug testing, and other tests that someone needs to pass. Always check with your potential employer to determine which type of background check you’ll be going through.
What Is a Live Scan Background Check?
Now that we’ve established what a background check is, it’s important to focus on the specific live scan background check. This is a background check that requires fingerprints. The purpose of fingerprint collection is to explore someone’s criminal history.
That said, the main difference between a live scan background check and other types of checks is the method of fingerprint collection. In a live scan background check, fingerprints are collected electronically and immediately sent for review. This provides quicker results than more traditional fingerprinting methods.
What Jobs Require a Live Scan Background Check?
Live-scan background checks aren’t always required, but some jobs are more likely to require them. These jobs tend to include positions where someone will be in a position of power, volunteering to help the disabled, or where a professional license is necessary.
Some examples of jobs that require these checks include:
- Healthcare roles, like doctors, dentists, and home health assistants.
- Individuals who work in education or in schools.
- Police officers, firefighters, and other law enforcement or public safety roles.
- Security guards.
- Federal government employees.
- Contractors.
- Licensed exterminators.
- Bus drivers.
- People who work as notaries.
It’s important to note that this list isn’t exhaustive, so you’ll find that additional roles may also require a live scan background check. Always check with your employer before applying to determine if this applies to you.
How Long Does a Live Scan Background Check Take?
A live scan background check usually takes around 24 to 72 hours from start to finish. Due to the electronic fingerprinting method, you’ll find that these background checks are a lot faster than traditional methods, so be prepared for quick results. If you don’t hear anything after a few days, well, then you may want to ask the interviewer.
How to Prepare for a Live Scan Background Check
Whether or not you pass or fail a live scan background check can be the difference between getting a job and failing to get one. The good news is that you don’t have to blindly walk into a background check. Instead, you can use a background check tool to comb through your public records before someone else gets a hold of them.
For example, you can enter your name into UnMask’s background check tool and run a search. This will help you uncover all available public records associated with you. If you find criminal records or something that shouldn’t be there, you can address any issues before they cause problems for you.
What Is a Live Scan Background Check?
So, what is a live scan background check? Ultimately, a live scan background check is a unique type of background check that involves a quick fingerprint scan. These background checks tend to be used during the hiring process for employers who put people in positions of trust or responsibility.
While they’re not used for every background check, it’s always helpful to know which type of background check you may be going through before you apply. It’s also a good idea to prepare for a live scan background check, or any other type of background check, with a reliable background check tool, like UnMask.
