What Disqualifies You From a Level 2 Background Check?

Applying for jobs in healthcare, education, or childcare? You’ll likely need to pass a Level 2 background check. These screenings go beyond basic checks and rely on national fingerprint-based check systems to review criminal history, employment verification, and more. They’re often required for sensitive roles where employees have direct contact with children, seniors, or patients.

Knowing what disqualifies you from a Level 2 background check can help you avoid setbacks during the hiring process. Many applicants are unaware that even past offenses or gaps in employment can raise red flags. This guide explains what employers look for and how to prepare for these critical screenings.

What is a Level 2 Background Check?

A Level 2 background check is the most comprehensive screening process available for employment purposes. Unlike basic name-based searches, this thorough investigation uses fingerprint-based searches to access national databases and federal agencies’ records.

The Level 2 background check screening process reviews several key areas, including criminal history from state and federal databases, sex offender registry checks nationwide, child abuse and neglect records, employment history verification, and the status of any professional licenses and related violations.

Who Needs Level 2 Background Checks?

State laws require Level 2 screening for positions involving vulnerable populations:

• Healthcare workers (nurses, home health aides, medical assistants)
• Education professionals (teachers, school staff, substitutes)
• Childcare providers (daycare workers, camp counselors)
• Elder care staff (nursing home employees, assisted living workers)
• Government positions requiring security clearance

What Disqualifies You From a Level 2 Background Check

Understanding the specific disqualifying offenses helps you prepare for the hiring process and know what to expect. Criminal convictions are categorized by severity, with some offenses causing automatic disqualification.

Automatic Disqualifiers (Most Serious)

These serious offenses typically result in immediate disqualification:

Sexual Offenses

Sexual offenses that typically lead to automatic disqualification include sexual battery or assault, sexual misconduct with minors, registration on the sex offender registry, sexual performance involving children, and any other sex-related crimes.

Crimes Against Children

Crimes against children that often result in disqualification include child abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), child neglect or abandonment, child endangerment, and kidnapping of minors. These offenses are taken seriously due to the high level of risk they pose to vulnerable individuals.

Violent Crimes

Violent crimes that can lead to immediate disqualification include murder or manslaughter, aggravated assault and battery, domestic violence convictions, armed robbery, and kidnapping or false imprisonment. These serious offenses indicate a potential threat to safety and are closely reviewed by employers during the screening process.

Serious Disqualifiers

These criminal offenses often lead to disqualification but may allow for exemptions:

Drug-Related Offenses:

Drug-related offenses that may result in disqualification include felony drug offenses, distribution or trafficking of illegal drugs, manufacturing a controlled substance, and prescription fraud. These violations signal serious concerns about safety and reliability in sensitive job roles.

Financial Crimes:

Financial misconduct that may lead to disqualification includes embezzlement, identity theft, credit card fraud, and elder financial exploitation. These offenses raise red flags about trustworthiness, especially in roles handling money or sensitive information.

Other Serious Crimes:

Other serious offenses that may result in disqualification include burglary or breaking and entering, grand theft, arson, and weapons violations. These crimes are considered high-risk and can impact eligibility for positions requiring public trust. Employers often view such offenses as indicators of potential safety or security concerns.

Potential Disqualifiers (Depends on Circumstances)

Certain factors may lead to disqualification depending on the job position and state laws, such as misdemeanor criminal offenses, poor credit history in financial roles, failed drug tests, false information on applications, or ongoing patterns of employment issues. While not always automatic disqualifiers, these concerns can still influence hiring decisions based on the responsibilities of the specific job position.

The Level 2 Background Check Process

Understanding the Level 2 background check process can help you feel more prepared and avoid delays. It starts when your employer or licensing agency submits the request and provides the necessary forms. Then, you’ll schedule a fingerprinting appointment at an approved location to submit your digital fingerprints and ID.

After your biometric data is collected, federal and state databases, including the FBI’s National Crime Information Center, sex offender registries, and child abuse records, are searched. Results are usually available within 3 to 7 business days, but some cases may require further investigation before a final report is issued.

What Shows Up on Level 2 Checks

A Level 2 background check reveals detailed information, including all criminal convictions, arrests, and pending charges, sex offender registry status, child abuse or neglect findings, professional license violations, and in some cases, expunged records. This level of screening is designed to ensure candidates meet the highest standards for roles involving trust and safety. Employers use this information to make informed decisions and protect vulnerable populations.

State-Specific Requirements

Different states have varying requirements for Level 2 background checks, though most follow similar patterns.

Florida Requirements

Florida’s Department of Law Enforcement conducts Level 2 background checks under Chapter 435 of state law. This screening reviews criminal records at both the state and federal levels, along with entries in the Department of Children and Families abuse registry, and flags any sexual offenses, violent crimes, or serious drug-related felonies.

Other State Variations

• California: Uses LiveScan technology for fingerprinting
• Texas: Requires checks through the Department of Public Safety
• New York: Processes through Division of Criminal Justice Services

Most states recognize Level 2 clearances from other states, though some require additional screening for certain positions.

Exemptions and Appeals Process

Not all disqualifying offenses permanently prevent employment. Many states allow exemptions for individuals who demonstrate rehabilitation.

Exemption Eligibility

You may qualify for an exemption if 2–3 years have passed since completing your sentence, you can show rehabilitation through work, education, or community service, the offense isn’t automatically disqualifying under state law, and you haven’t committed any new offenses.

Appeal Process

If you believe your disqualification is incorrect:

1. Review the report for accuracy and completeness
2. Gather documentation proving rehabilitation or disputing errors
3. Submit an appeal through the appropriate state agency
4. Provide evidence of good character and community involvement

The appeal process typically takes 60-90 days and may require legal assistance for complex cases.

What to Do If You’re Disqualified

Facing disqualification from a Level 2 background check doesn’t mean your career is over. Start by requesting a copy of your background check, reviewing it for errors, and understanding the exact reason for disqualification. If needed, speak with an employment attorney to explore your rights and next steps.

In the long term, options like expungement, certificates of rehabilitation, or shifting to careers with less strict screening can help. You can also focus on building new skills and gaining experience that highlights your growth and value as a candidate.

Processing Timeline

Level 2 background checks come with specific processing timelines that are important to understand. Standard processing usually takes 3 to 7 business days, while rush processing, if available, can shorten that to 1 to 3 days. Timely submission of all required documents can help prevent unnecessary delays.

If you’re appealing a disqualification or applying for an exemption, expect a longer wait. Appeal reviews typically take 60 to 120 days, and exemption decisions may take 90 to 180 days, depending on the complexity of your case. Patience and preparation are key during this stage.

Conclusion

Understanding what disqualifies you from a Level 2 background check is essential if you’re pursuing a role in healthcare, education, childcare, or any sensitive position. From serious criminal offenses to state-specific regulations, knowing what shows up and what you can do about it can help you avoid setbacks and take control of your future. Even if you face disqualification, options like appeals, exemptions, or alternative paths may still lead you to a meaningful career.

Need a reliable and accurate background screening service? Sapphire Check offers fast, FCRA-compliant Level 2 background checks with national fingerprint-based systems and clear reporting. Whether you’re an employer or job seeker, our team is here to help you navigate the process with confidence. Contact us to get started.

FAQs

What causes you to fail a level 2 background check?

You can fail due to certain disqualifying offenses like sexual crimes, violent felonies, child abuse, drug trafficking, or providing false information on your application. Being on the sex offender registry or having convictions involving vulnerable populations are automatic disqualifiers.

What does a level 2 background check look for?

It conducts a criminal background check using fingerprint identification to search national databases for your criminal history, sex offender status, child abuse records, and employment verification. The screening focuses on crimes that could pose risks to vulnerable populations like children or elderly individuals.

How far back does a Level 2 background check go?

Level 2 checks typically examine your entire criminal history without time limits, and under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, they can potentially go back decades. Some states may limit certain non-violent offenses to seven years, but serious crimes remain visible indefinitely.