Several things would make you fail a federal background check as unlike standard employer background checks, federal background checks for government employment, military service or security clearances will look at the "whole person".
Federal background checks use detailed questionnaires like the SF-85 or SF-86 to cross examine your past.
Common things that would make you fail a federal background check include omission of information, falsified credentials, contradictory statements, unfiled or unpaid taxes, high debt to income ratio, defaulted government loans, federal felonies, violent offenses, weapons violations and even recent illegal drug use, Marijuana Discrepancy and even drug trafficking.
Even foreign contacts, dual citizenship issues and anti government activity would make you fail a federal background check.
Having any involvement in groups or actions that are aimed at overthrowing of the United States Government by force or mishandling of classified information can cause you to fail a federal background check.
Holding a foreign passport can also raise "divided loyalty" concerns during high level security checks and cause you to fail a federal background check.
And any undisclosed, close relationships with foreign nationals, or holding of significant financial investments and real estate overseas can also result in you failing the federal background check.
Recent use of federally controlled substances can also cause you to fail a federal background check.
And because marijuana still remains illegal under federal law, recent use of marijuana can still cause a failure of a federal background check for federal positions, even if the marijuana is legal in your home state.
And any past history of selling, distributing, manufacturing or transporting illegal substances will cause you to fail a federal background check.
Having any weapons violations, including unlawful manufacturing, smuggling or possession of firearms and weapons and having a history of violent felonies, domestic abuse, sexual misconduct or crimes against children or any convictions for crimes like tax evasion, fraud, embezzlement, identity theft or bank robbery will also result in you failing a federal background check.
Financial Irresponsibility that can cause you to fail federal background checks include.
Being in default on federal obligations, like federal student loans, signals a lack of financial responsibility and having any substantial, unresolved debt or recent bankruptcies suggest that you would be vulnerable to bribery or financial coercion and lead to failing federal background check.
And even failing to file federal income taxes or owing significant back taxes without an approved IRS payment plan is also a very common reason for failure can result in failure of a federal background check.
And intentionally leaving out a past employer, an old address or a minor arrest is also considered a major red flag and will cause you to fail a federal background check.
And fabricating a degree, inflating a past job title, or misrepresenting employment dates will also lead to automatic disqualification and failure of a federal background check.
And having discrepancies between what you write on your federal application forms and what your references reveal during interviews can lead to failing a federal background check.