Although record numbers of background checks are being performed on a annual basis in the United States, many people across the nation still have no idea what is actually contained within the background check. Many individuals assume that the background check contains every slightly legal-related item that has ever happened to them will be included in the report while others believe that the background checks are a sham and will never find any accurate information. Both of these beliefs are very far from the truth.

So, what is on a background check? The information that is contained within a background check greatly depends on the level of detail that is requested for the report with the more detailed reports costing a great deal more. The type of background checks requested for an individual will depend on the type of position that the person is applying for if the background check is employment related.

The majority of the background checks that are performed annually are basic criminal background reports that generally contain the person's name, list of known addresses, and any criminal convictions that the person may have had in the past. The background check can be limited to cover a certain geographical area or a certain number of years, depending on how stringent the employment requirements are. More expensive background check reports will generally contain the same information for a longer period of time and in much greater detail.