What Form Is Used to Request a Background Investigation?

When undergoing a background investigation, the form required to initiate the process largely depends on the type of position being sought and the specific requirements of the hiring agency or organization. In the context of the United States federal government, the most common forms used to request background investigations are Standard Form 86 (SF-86), Standard Form 85 (SF-85), and Standard Form 85P (SF-85P). Each of these forms is used for different levels of security clearance or public trust positions, and understanding which one applies to your situation is crucial for ensuring a smooth investigation process.

1. Standard Form 86 (SF-86) – Questionnaire for National Security Positions

The SF-86, also known as the Questionnaire for National Security Positions, is the most widely recognized form for initiating background investigations related to positions that require a security clearance with the U.S. federal government. This form is used by individuals applying for positions in national security, including those that involve access to classified information.

The SF-86 is extensive and requires the applicant to provide detailed personal information spanning many years, including but not limited to:

• Personal Identification Information: Full name, Social Security number, date of birth, citizenship status.
• Employment History: A comprehensive record of past employers, including dates of employment, job titles, and job responsibilities.
• Educational History: Information on schools attended, degrees obtained, and relevant coursework or training.
• Criminal History: Details on any arrests, charges, convictions, or other legal matters.
• Financial History: Disclosure of any financial issues such as bankruptcies, outstanding debts, or tax problems.
• Foreign Contacts and Travel: Information on any foreign nationals with whom the individual has close relationships or significant business dealings, as well as travel to foreign countries.
• Military History: If applicable, the applicant must disclose military service details, including branches, dates of service, and discharge information.

The purpose of collecting such thorough information is to assess the applicant’s suitability for a position requiring access to sensitive or classified information. Inaccuracies, omissions, or falsifications on this form can lead to delays, disqualification, or even criminal prosecution, so it is essential to fill it out carefully and truthfully.

2. Standard Form 85 (SF-85) – Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions

For individuals applying for federal positions that do not require access to classified information, the SF-85 is typically used. This form is required for low-risk, non-sensitive positions that are part of the federal government or agencies that conduct public trust background investigations. The SF-85 is shorter and less detailed than the SF-86 but still requires the applicant to provide important information, such as:

• Personal Information: Name, contact information, date of birth, citizenship status.
• Employment and Education History: Including dates of employment, employers, and schools attended.
• Criminal History: Any past criminal activity or legal issues.
• Financial History: Information on any significant financial issues like bankruptcy or unpaid debts.
• Foreign Contacts: This section will ask if you have any foreign ties that may represent a security concern.

The SF-85 helps the government assess an applicant’s overall suitability for a position that does not require the same level of scrutiny as a national security position but still demands a background check.

3. Standard Form 85P (SF-85P) – Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions

The SF-85P, or Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions, is used for positions within the federal government that are classified as requiring public trust. Public trust positions are typically those that involve substantial responsibility, particularly in areas such as law enforcement, financial oversight, or public service, but they do not require access to classified materials.

This form is designed to assess the applicant’s trustworthiness in handling sensitive but unclassified information. It is similar to the SF-85 but may require additional questions about the applicant’s history that are more specific to positions of trust. Information typically gathered includes:

• Personal Identification and Employment History: Personal background, work history, and qualifications for the position.
• Criminal and Financial History: Any criminal convictions, bankruptcies, or financial problems that might impact the applicant’s reliability.
• Drug and Alcohol Use: Detailed questions about past or present substance abuse issues.
• Foreign Connections: In this case, the applicant is required to disclose any foreign financial interests, affiliations, or travel.

The SF-85P form is an essential tool in evaluating an applicant’s reliability and ability to perform in positions that have a significant impact on public trust, even though the position does not necessarily require access to classified materials.

Why Are These Forms Important?

The background investigation process is a crucial step in ensuring that individuals entrusted with sensitive government positions are reliable, trustworthy, and capable of handling critical responsibilities. The forms mentioned above, particularly the SF-86, SF-85, and SF-85P, are the starting points for this process, which helps to verify an applicant’s integrity and suitability for a position. It is important to understand which form applies to your application based on the type of role you are pursuing, as each form corresponds to different levels of scrutiny and background check requirements.

Failure to accurately and completely fill out any of these forms could result in delays in the hiring process, disqualification, or even revocation of previously granted security clearances. Therefore, it is essential to carefully read each question, consult with the requesting agency if necessary, and provide truthful, detailed information.

Conclusion

In summary, the form used to request a background investigation depends largely on the type of position and the level of clearance or trust required. The most common forms used are:

• SF-86 for security clearance positions,
• SF-85 for non-sensitive positions,
• SF-85P for public trust positions.

Each form serves a critical role in evaluating the suitability of an individual for a position and ensuring that all necessary information is disclosed in a clear and comprehensive manner. Properly completing these forms is a key step in the hiring process for federal and some state or local government jobs. Always ensure that you understand the specific requirements for your role and provide accurate information to avoid complications down the line.

If you’re looking for professional assistance in processing background checks or criminal record reviews, you can explore services offered by Protection Plus Solutions, which specializes in criminal record processing to support your background investigation needs.