CODESP Background and Reference Investigations 4

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the purpose of a 'ban the box' policy?

Accepted Answer

Delaying inquiry into criminal history until later in the hiring process after initial screening

Answer

Prohibiting employers from conducting any criminal background checks

Answer

Requiring all convictions to be automatically disclosed on job postings

Answer

Limiting background checks to positions with security clearances only

Question 2

When a reference provides highly negative and potentially defamatory information about a candidate, the investigator should:

Accepted Answer

Document the information objectively and note it as one source's perspective, subject to verification

Answer

Immediately share the information with all hiring panel members

Answer

Discard the information to protect the candidate

Answer

Ask the reference to put their comments in writing and sign them

Question 3

Which federal agency provides guidance on how employers should use criminal records in hiring decisions to avoid discriminatory impact?

Accepted Answer

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Answer

The Department of Labor (DOL)

Answer

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Answer

The Department of Justice (DOJ)

Question 4

The primary difference between an 'arrest record' and a 'conviction record' in background investigations is:

Accepted Answer

An arrest indicates an accusation but not guilt, while a conviction represents a legal finding of guilt

Answer

Arrests are more serious than convictions for employment purposes

Answer

Convictions can be hidden from employers but arrests cannot

Answer

Only convictions can be discovered through criminal background checks

Question 5

For positions requiring a federal security clearance, background investigations are conducted by:

Accepted Answer

Authorized federal investigative agencies such as the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or DoD

Answer

The hiring agency's HR department independently

Answer

Private background check companies under contract with the candidate

Answer

State law enforcement agencies in the candidate's home state

Question 6

Which situation represents an appropriate use of social media screening during a background investigation?

Accepted Answer

Verifying publicly shared professional accomplishments and detecting potential misrepresentations

Answer

Searching for the candidate's political opinions to assess cultural fit

Answer

Using social media to determine a candidate's race or religion

Answer

Creating a fake profile to gain access to a candidate's private posts

Question 7

In a background investigation, 'third-party verification' refers to:

Accepted Answer

Confirming information through sources independent of the candidate, such as employers, schools, or agencies

Answer

Having three different employees review the candidate's application

Answer

Requiring three personal references in addition to professional references

Answer

Using a third-party vendor to conduct the background investigation