A background check is a search of historical information on an individual. A background check can contain any number of items depending on the type of background check, including credit history, job history, criminal history, and driving history.

Background checks have become commonplace in many situations, from pre-employment screening to corporate vetting to governmental or military service. The purpose of a background check is to verify claims a person has made about his or her past and to qualify their character. In short, background checks help employers and others reduce risk.

Many types of background checks are available. Consumer credit background checks detail an individual’s credit and loan payment history and contain personal data such as names and addresses. Criminal background checks contain arrests and convictions. Driver background checks contain moving violation and vehicle history. Educational background checks contain attendance dates, grades and disciplinary action. Medical background checks contain health and treatment history. Employment background checks contain job titles, dates of employment, and possibly job performance evaluations. Military background checks contain dates of service and status. There are many other types of background checks that contain information pertinent to the subject and the check itself.

If you’d like to conduct a background check on yourself or anyone else, there are many websites that allow you to conduct instant background searches. Conducting a background check online is quick and easy and will get you the information you’re looking for.