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Fill Out Your Standard 85 Form

The Standard Form 85 is a questionnaire used for assessing candidates applying for non-sensitive positions within the U.S. government. This form plays a critical role in the background investigation process, which helps ensure that individuals are reliable and trustworthy enough for government employment. It's essential to fill out the form accurately and comprehensively to avoid delays in your employment opportunities.

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Article Structure

The Standard Form 85 (SF-85) is a critical document utilized by the U.S. Government to conduct thorough background investigations for non-sensitive positions. This form is specifically tailored for individuals who have received a conditional offer of employment and need to provide essential information about their personal history, including residences, employment, education, and other pertinent details. Primarily, the information collected supports the government's effort to determine an applicant's suitability, trustworthiness, and reliability for federal employment or contractor work. Important instructions accompany the SF-85, emphasizing the necessity to answer all questions fully to avoid delays in the investigation process. It contains sections that require the applicant’s personal details, such as Social Security Number, birth date, and citizenship status. Additionally, the form mandates that previous employers may be contacted during the investigation, even if the applicant prefers not to have them contacted. It is also crucial to sign and date the certification statement, and failure to comply with the instructions could directly impact employment opportunities. Safeguards are in place to protect the information provided, underlining the importance of transparency and honesty throughout this procedure.

Standard 85 Example

Standard Form 85	Form approved:
Revised December 2013	OMB No. 3206-0261
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
5 CFR Parts 731 and 736

Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions

Follow instructions fully or we cannot process your form. Be sure to sign and date the certification statement on Page 5 and the release on Page 6. If you have any questions, call the office that gave you the form.

Purpose of this Form

The U.S. Government conducts background investigations to establish that applicants or incumbents either employed by the Government or working for the Government under contract, are suitable for the job. Information from this form is used primarily as the basis for this investigation. Complete this form only after a conditional offer of employment has been made.

Giving us the information we ask for is voluntary. However, we may not be able to complete your investigation, or complete it in a timely manner, if you don’t give us each item of information we request. This may affect your placement or employment prospects.

Authority to Request this Information

The U.S. Government is authorized to ask for this information under Executive Order 10577, sections 3301 and 3302 of title 5, U.S. Code; and parts 5, 731, and 736 of Title 5, Code of Federal Regulations.

Your Social Security Number is needed to keep records accurate, because other people may have the same name and birth date. Executive Order 9397 also asks Federal agencies to use this number to help identify individuals in agency records.

The Investigative Process

Background investigations are conducted using your responses on this form and on your Declaration for Federal Employment (OF 306) to develop information to show whether you are reliable, trustworthy, and of good conduct and character. Your current employer must be contacted as part of the investigation, even if you have previously indicated on applications or other forms that you do not want this.

Instructions for Completing this Form

1.Follow the instructions given to you by the person who gave you the form and any other clarifying instructions furnished by that person to assist you in completion of the form. Find out how many copies of the form you are to turn in. You must sign and date, in black ink, the original and each copy you submit.

2.Type or legibly print your answers in black ink (if your form is not legible, it will not be accepted). You may also be asked to submit your form in an approved electronic format.

3.All questions on this form must be answered. If no response is necessary or applicable, indicate this on the form (for example, enter "None" or "N/A"). If you find that you cannot report an exact date, approximate or estimate the date to the best of your ability and indicate this by marking "APPROX." or "EST."

4.Any changes that you make to this form after you sign it must be initialed and dated by you. Under certain limited circumstances, agencies may modify the form consistent with your intent.

5.You must use the State codes (abbreviations) listed on the back of this page when you fill out this form. Do not abbreviate the names of cities or foreign countries.

6.The 5-digit postal ZIP codes are needed to speed the processing of your investigation. The office that provided the form will assist you in completing the ZIP codes.

7.All telephone numbers must include area codes.

8.All dates provided on this form must be in Month/Day/Year or Month/Year format. Use numbers (1-12) to indicate months. For example, June 10, 1978, should be shown as 6/10/78.

9.Whenever "City (Country)" is shown in an address block, also provide in that block the name of the country when the address is outside the United States.

10.If you need additional space to list your residences or employments/self-employments/unemployment or education, you should use a continuation sheet, SF 86A. If additional space is needed to answer other items, use a blank piece of paper. Each blank piece of paper you use must contain your name and Social Security Number at the top of the page.

Final Determination on Your Eligibility

Final determination on your eligibility for a position is the responsibility of the Office of Personnel Management or the Federal agency that requested your investigation. You may be provided the opportunity personally to explain, refute, or clarify any information before a final decision is made.

Penalties for Inaccurate or False Statements

The U.S. Criminal Code (title 18, section 1001) provides that knowingly falsifying or concealing a material fact is a felony which may result in fines of up to $10,000, and/or 5 years imprisonment, or both. In addition, Federal agencies generally fire, or disqualify individuals who have materially and deliberately falsified these forms, and this remains a part of the permanent record for future placements. Your trustworthiness is a very important consideration in deciding your suitability. Your prospects of placement are better if you answer

all questions truthfully and completely. You will have adequate opportunity to explain any information you give us on the form and to make your comments part of the record.

Disclosure of Information

The information you give us is for the purpose of determining your suitability for Federal employment; we will protect it from unauthorized disclosure. The collection, maintenance, and disclosure of background investigative information is governed by the Privacy Act. The agency which requested the investigation and the agency which conducted the investigation have published notices in the Federal Register describing the systems of records in which your records will be maintained. You may obtain copies of the relevant notices from the person who gave you this form. The information on this form, and information we collect during an investigation may be disclosed without your consent as permitted by the Privacy Act (5 USC 552a(b)) and as follows:

PRIVACY ACT ROUTINE USES

1.To the Department of Justice when: (a) the agency or any component thereof; or

(b) any employee of the agency in his or her official capacity; or (c) any employee of the agency in his or her individual capacity where the Department of Justice has agreed to represent the employee; or (d) the United States Government, is a party to

litigation or has interest in such litigation, and by careful review, the agency determines that the records are both relevant and necessary to the litigation and the use of such records by the Department of Justice is therefore deemed by the agency to be for a purpose that is compatible with the purpose for which the agency collected the records.

2.To a court or adjudicative body in a proceeding when: (a) the agency or any component thereof; or (b) any employee of the agency in his or her official capacity; or (c) any employee of the agency in his or her individual capacity where the

Department of Justice has agreed to represent the employee; or (d) the United States Government is a party to litigation or has interest in such litigation, and by careful review, the agency determines that the records are both relevant and necessary to the litigation and the use of such records is therefore deemed by the agency to be for a purpose that is compatible with the purpose for which the agency collected the records.

3.Except as noted in Question 14, when a record on its face, or in conjunction with other records, indicates a violation or potential violation of law, whether civil, criminal, or regulatory in nature, and whether arising by general statute, particular program statute, regulation, rule, or order issued pursuant thereto, the relevant records may

be disclosed to the appropriate Federal, foreign, State, local, tribal, or other public authority responsible for enforcing, investigating or prosecuting such violation or charged with enforcing or implementing the statute, rule, regulation, or order.

4.To any source or potential source from which information is requested in the course of an investigation concerning the hiring or retention of an employee or other personnel action, or the issuing or retention of a security clearance, contract, grant, license, or other benefit, to the extent necessary to identify the individual, inform the source of the nature and purpose of the investigation, and to identify the type of information requested.

5.To a Federal, State, local, foreign, tribal, or other public authority the fact that this system of records contains information relevant to the retention of an employee, or the retention of a security clearance, contract, license, grant, or other benefit. The

other agency or licensing organization may	then make a request supported by
written consent of the individual for the entire	record if it so chooses. No disclosure

will be made unless the information has been determined to be sufficiently reliable to support a referral to another office within the agency or to another Federal agency for criminal, civil, administrative, personnel, or regulatory action.

6.To contractors, grantees, experts, consultants, or volunteers when necessary to perform a function or service related to this record for which they have been engaged. Such recipients shall be required to comply with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended.

7. To the news media or the general public, factual information the disclosure of which would be in the public interest and which would not constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.

8.To a Federal, State, or local agency, or other appropriate entities or individuals, or through established liaison channels to selected foreign governments, in order to enable an intelligence agency to carry out its responsibilities under the National Security Act of 1947 as amended, the CIA Act of 1949 as amended, Executive Order 12333 or any successor order, applicable national security directives, or classified implementing procedures approved by the Attorney General and promulgated pursuant to such statutes, orders or directives.

9.To a Member of Congress or to a Congressional staff member in response to an inquiry of the Congressional office made at the written request of the constituent about whom the record is maintained.

10. To the National Archives and Records Administration for records management inspections conducted under 44 USC 2904 and 2906.

11. To the Office of Management and Budget when necessary to the review of private relief legislation.

STATE CODES (ABBREVIATIONS)

Alabama	AL	Hawaii	HI	Massachusetts	MA	New Mexico	NM	South Dakota	SD
Alaska	AK	Idaho	ID	Michigan	MI	New York	NY	Tennessee	TN
Arizona	AZ	Illinois	IL	Minnesota	MN	North Carolina	NC	Texas	TX
Arkansas	AR	Indiana	IN	Mississippi	MS	North Dakota	ND	Utah	UT
California	CA	Iowa	IA	Missouri	MO	Ohio	OH	Vermont	VT
Colorado	CO	Kansas	KS	Montana	MT	Oklahoma	OK	Virginia	VA
Connecticut	CT	Kentucky	KY	Nebraska	NE	Oregon	OR	Washington	WA
Delaware	DE	Louisiana	LA	Nevada	NV	Pennsylvania	PA	West Virginia	WV
Florida	FL	Maine	ME	New Hampshire	NH	Rhode Island	RI	Wisconsin	WI
Georgia	GA	Maryland	MD	New Jersey	NJ	South Carolina	SC	Wyoming	WY
American Samoa	AS	District of Columbia	DC	Guam	GU	Northern Marianas	CM	Puerto Rico	PR
Trust Territory	TT	Virgin Islands	VI

PUBLIC BURDEN INFORMATION

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 30 minutes per response, including time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding the burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden to Reports and Forms Management Officer, U.S. Office of Personnel Management, 1900 E Street, N.W., Room CHP-500, Washington, D.C. 20415. Do not send your completed form to this address.

	Standard Form 85
	Revised December 2013	QUESTIONNAIRE FOR
	U.S. Office of Personnel Management	QUESTIONNAIRE FOR
	U.S. Office of Personnel Management	NON-SENSITIVE POSITIONS
	5 CFR Parts 731 and 736	NON-SENSITIVE POSITIONS

Form approved: OMB No. 3206-0261

OPM	Codes	Case Number
OPM
USE
ONLY

Agency Use Only (Complete items A through K using instructions provided by USOPM)

A Type of

B Extra

C Nature of

D Date of

Month

Day

Year

Investigation

Coverage

Action Code

Action

E Geographic

F Position

Location

Title

SON

SOI

I IPAC

J Accounting Data and/or

Agency Case Number

K Requesting

Name and Title

Signature

Telephone Number

Date

Official

(

)

Persons completing this form should begin with the questions below.

1	FULL	If you have only initials in your name, use them and state (IO).
	NAME	If you have no middle name, enter "NMN".
	Last Name		First Name

-If you are a "Jr.," "Sr.," "II," etc., enter this in the box after your middle name.

Middle Name

Jr., II, etc.

2DATE OF BIRTH

Month Day Year

3PLACE OF BIRTH - Use the two letter code for the State.

City

County

State

Country (if not in the United States)

4SOCIAL SECURITY

5OTHER NAMES USED

Give other names you used and the period of time you used them (for example: your maiden name, name(s) by a former marriage, former name(s), alias(es), or nickname(s)). If the other name is your maiden name, put "nee" in front of it.

Name

Month/Year

Name

Month/Year Month/Year

Name

Month/Year

Name

Month/Year Month/Year

SEX (Mark one box)

Female

Male

CITIZENSHIP

I am a U.S. citizen or national by birth in the U.S. or U.S. territory/possession. (Answer

Your Mother’s Maiden Name

items b and d)

Mark the box at the right that

I am a U.S. citizen, but I was NOT born in the U.S. (Answer items b , c and d)

reflects your current citizenship

status, and follow its instructions.

I am not a U.S. citizen. (Answer items b and e)

UNITED STATES CITIZENSHIP

If you are a U.S. citizen, but were not born in the U.S., provide information about one or more of the following proofs of your citizenship.

Naturalization Certificate (Where were you naturalized?)
Court	City

State

Certificate Number

Month/Day/Year Issued

Citizenship Certificate (Where was the certificate issued?) City

State

Certificate Number

Month/Day/Year Issued

State Department Form 240 - Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States

Give the date the form was Month/Day/Year Explanation prepared and give an explanation

if needed

U.S. Passport

Passport Number

Month/Day/Year Issued

This may be either a current or previous U.S. Passport.

			Country
d	DUAL CITIZENSHIP	If you are (or were) a dual citizen of the United States and	Country
	DUAL CITIZENSHIP
		another country, provide the name of that country in the space to
		the right.

	ALIEN If you are an alien, provide the following information:
e


		Place You	City	State	Date You Entered U.S.			Alien Registration Number	Country(ies) of Citizenship
		Place You			Month	Day	Year
		Entered the
		Entered the
		United States:

Page 1

8WHERE YOU HAVE LIVED

List the places where you have lived, beginning with the most recent (#1) and working back 5 years. All periods must be accounted for in your list. Be sure to indicate the actual physical location of your residence: do not use a post office box as an address, do not list a permanent address when you were actually living at a school address, etc. Be sure to specify your location as closely as possible: for example, do not list only your base or ship, list your barracks number or home port. You may omit temporary military duty locations under 90 days (list your permanent address instead), and you should use your APO/FPO address if you lived overseas.

For any address in the last 3 years, list a person who knew you at that address, and who preferably still lives in that area (do not list people for residences completely outside this 3-year period, and do not list your spouse, former spouses, or other relatives).

	Month/Year	Month/Year	Street Address	Apt. #	City (Country)	State	ZIP Code
#1	To	Present
	To	Present
Name of Person Who Knows You			Street Address	Apt. #	City (Country)	State	ZIP Code
	Month/Year	Month/Year	Street Address	Apt. #	City (Country)	State	ZIP Code
#2	To
	To
Name of Person Who Knew You			Street Address	Apt. #	City (Country)	State	ZIP Code
	Month/Year	Month/Year	Street Address	Apt. #	City (Country)	State	ZIP Code
#3	To
	To
Name of Person Who Knew You			Street Address	Apt. #	City (Country)	State	ZIP Code
	Month/Year	Month/Year	Street Address	Apt. #	City (Country)	State	ZIP Code
#4	To
	To
Name of Person Who Knew You			Street Address	Apt. #	City (Country)	State	ZIP Code
	Month/Year	Month/Year	Street Address	Apt. #	City (Country)	State	ZIP Code
#5	To
	To
Name of Person Who Knew You			Street Address	Apt. #	City (Country)	State	ZIP Code

9WHERE YOU WENT TO SCHOOL

List the schools you have attended, beyond Junior High School, beginning with the most recent (#1) and working back 5 years. List all College or University degrees and the dates they were received. If all of your education occurred more than 5 years ago, list your most recent education beyond high school, no matter when that education occurred.

- Use one of the following codes in the "Code" block:

1 - High School

2 - College/University/Military College

3 - Vocational/Technical/Trade School

- For correspondence schools and extension classes, provide the address where the records are maintained.

	Month/Year Month/Year	Code
#1	To
	To
Street Address and City (Country) of School

Name of School

Degree/Diploma/Other

State

Month/Year Awarded

ZIP Code

	Month/Year Month/Year	Code
#2	To
	To
Street Address and City (Country) of School

Name of School

Degree/Diploma/Other

State

Month/Year Awarded

ZIP Code

	Month/Year Month/Year	Code
#3	To
	To
Street Address and City (Country) of School

Name of School

Degree/Diploma/Other

State

Month/Year Awarded

ZIP Code

Enter your Social Security Number before going to the next page

Page 2

10YOUR EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES

List your employment activities, beginning with the present (#1) and working back 5 years. You should list all full-time work, part-time work, military service, temporary military duty locations over 90 days, self-employment, other paid work, and all periods of unemployment. The entire 5-year period must be accounted for without breaks, but you need not list employments before your 16th birthday.

Code. Use one of the codes listed below to identify the type of employment:

1	- Active military duty stations	5	- State Government (Non-Federal	7	- Unemployment (Include name of	9 - Other
2	- National Guard/Reserve		employment)		person who can verify)
3	- U.S.P.H.S. Commissioned Corps	6	- Self-employment (Include business name	8	- Federal Contractor (List Contractor,
4	- Other Federal employment		and/or name of person who can verify)		not Federal agency)

Employer/Verifier Name. List the business name of your employer or the name of the person who can verify your self-employment or unemployment in this block. If military service is being listed, include your duty location or home port here as well as your branch of service. You should provide separate listings to reflect changes in your military duty locations or home ports.

Previous Periods of Activity. Complete these lines if you worked for an employer on more than one occasion at the same location. After entering the most recent period of employment in the initial numbered block, provide previous periods of employment at the same location on the additional lines provided. For example, if you worked at XY Plumbing in Denver, CO, during 3 separate periods of time, you would enter dates and information concerning the most recent period of employment first, and provide dates, position titles, and supervisors for the two previous periods of employment on the lines below that information.

Month/Year

Code

Employer/Verifier Name/Military Duty Location

Your Position Title/Military Rank

Present

Employer’s/Verifier’s Street Address

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Street Address of Job Location (if different than Employer’s Address)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Supervisor’s Name & Street Address (if different than Job Location)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

PERIODS

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

ACTIVITY

(Block #1)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

Month/Year

Code

Employer/Verifier Name/Military Duty Location

Your Position Title/Military Rank

Employer’s/Verifier’s Street Address

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Street Address of Job Location (if different than Employer’s Address)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Supervisor’s Name & Street Address (if different than Job Location)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

PERIODS

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

ACTIVITY

(Block #2)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

Month/Year

Code

Employer/Verifier Name/Military Duty Location

Your Position Title/Military Rank

Employer’s/Verifier’s Street Address

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Street Address of Job Location (if different than Employer’s Address)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Supervisor’s Name & Street Address (if different than Job Location)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

PERIODS

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

ACTIVITY

(Block #3)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

Enter your Social Security Number before going to the next page

Page 3

YOUR EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES (CONTINUED)
Month/Year Month/Year	Code Employer/Verifier Name/Military Duty Location	Your Position Title/Military Rank

Employer’s/Verifier’s Street Address

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Street Address of Job Location (if different than Employer’s Address)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Supervisor’s Name & Street Address (if different than Job Location)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

PERIODS

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

ACTIVITY

(Block #4)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

Month/Year

Code

Employer/Verifier Name/Military Duty Location

Your Position Title/Military Rank

Employer’s/Verifier’s Street Address

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Street Address of Job Location (if different than Employer’s Address)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Supervisor’s Name & Street Address (if different than Job Location)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

PERIODS

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

ACTIVITY

(Block #5)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

Month/Year

Code

Employer/Verifier Name/Military Duty Location

Your Position Title/Military Rank

Employer’s/Verifier’s Street Address

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Street Address of Job Location (if different than Employer’s Address)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Supervisor’s Name & Street Address (if different than Job Location)

City (Country)

State

ZIP Code

Telephone Number

(

)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

PERIODS

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

ACTIVITY

(Block #6)

Month/Year

Position Title

Supervisor

11PEOPLE WHO KNOW YOU WELL

List three people who know you well and live in the United States. They should be good friends, peers, colleagues, college roommates, etc., whose combined association with you covers as well as possible the last 5 years. Do not list your spouse, former spouses, or other relatives, and try not to list anyone who is listed elsewhere on this form.

Name	Dates Known			Telephone Number
#1	Month/Year	Month/Year			Day	(	)
#1		To			Night	(	)
Home or Work Address			City (Country)					State	ZIP Code

Name	Dates Known			Telephone Number
#2	Month/Year	Month/Year			Day	(	)
#2		To			Night	(	)
Home or Work Address			City (Country)					State	ZIP Code

Name	Dates Known			Telephone Number
#3	Month/Year	Month/Year			Day	(	)
#3		To			Night	(	)
Home or Work Address			City (Country)					State	ZIP Code

Enter your Social Security Number before going to the next page

Page 4

12 YOUR SELECTIVE SERVICE RECORD

Yes

aAre you a male born after December 31, 1959? If "No," go to 13. If "Yes," go to b.

bHave you registered with the Selective Service System? If "Yes," provide your registration number. If "No," show the reason for your legal exemption below.

		Registration Number	Legal Exemption Explanation
		Registration Number	Legal Exemption Explanation

	YOUR MILITARY HISTORY			Yes	No
13	YOUR MILITARY HISTORY			Yes	No

aHave you served in the United States military?

bHave you served in the United States Merchant Marine?

List all of your military service below, including service in Reserve, National Guard, and U.S. Merchant Marine. Start with the most recent period of service (#1) and work backward. If you had a break in service, each separate period should be listed.

Code. Use one of the codes listed below to identify your branch of service:

1 - Air Force

2 - Army

3 - Navy

4 - Marine Corps

5 - Coast Guard

6 - Merchant Marine

7 - National Guard

O/E. Mark "O" block for Officer or "E" block for Enlisted.

Status. "X" the appropriate block for the status of your service during the time that you served. If your service was in the National Guard, do not use an "X"; use the two-letter code for the state to mark the block.

Country. If your service was with other than the U.S. Armed Forces, identify the country for which you served.

Month/Year Month/Year

Code

Service/Certificate #

Status

Country

Active

Inactive

National

Active

Guard

Reserve

(State)

ILLEGAL DRUGS

Yes

In the last year, have you used, possessed, supplied, or manufactured illegal drugs? When used without a prescription, illegal drugs include marijuana, cocaine, hashish, narcotics (opium, morphine, codeine, heroin, etc.), stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines, etc.), depressants (barbiturates, methaqualone, tranquilizers, etc.), hallucinogenics (LSD, PCP, etc.). (NOTE: Neither your truthful response nor information derived from your response will be used as evidence against you in any subsequent criminal proceeding.)

If you answered "Yes," provide information relating to the types of substance(s), the nature of the activity, and any other details relating to your involvement with illegal drugs. Include any treatment or counseling received.

Month/Year Month/Year

Type of Substance

Explanation

Continuation Space

Use the continuation sheet(s) (SF86A) for additional answers to items 8, 9, and 10. Use the space below to continue answers to all other items and any information you would like to add. If more space is needed than is provided below, use a blank sheet(s) of paper. Start each sheet with your name and Social Security number. Before each answer, identify the number of the item.

After completing this form you should review your answers to all questions to make sure the form is complete and accurate, and then sign and date the following certification and sign and date the release on Page 6.

Certification That My Answers Are True

My statements on this form, and any attachments to it, are true, complete, and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. I understand that a knowing and willful false statement on this form can be punished by fine or imprisonment or both. (See section 1001 of title 18, United States Code).

Signature (Sign in ink)

Date

Enter your Social Security Number before going to the next page

Page 5

Standard Form 85	Form Approved
Revised December 2013	OMB No. 3206-0261
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
5 CFR Parts 731 and 736

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR NON-SENSITIVE POSITIONS

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

AUTHORIZATION FOR RELEASE OF INFORMATION

Carefully read this authorization to release information about you, then sign and date it in ink.

I Authorize any investigator, special agent, or other duly accredited representative of the authorized Federal agency conducting my background investigation or reinvestigation to obtain any information relating to my activities from individuals, schools, residential management agents, employers, criminal justice agencies, credit bureaus, consumer reporting agencies, collection agencies, retail business establishments, or other sources of information to include publically available electronic information. This information may include, but is not limited to, my academic, residential, achievement, performance, attendance, disciplinary, employment history, and criminal history record information.

I understand that, for some sources of information, a separate specific release will be needed, and I may be contacted for such a release at a later date.

I Authorize the Social Security Administration (SSA) to verify my Social Security Number (to match my name, Social Security Number, and date of birth with information in SSA records and provide the results of the match) to the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) or other Federal agency requesting or conducting my investigation for the purposes outlined above. I authorize SSA to provide explanatory information to OPM, or to the other Federal agency requesting or conducting my investigation, in the event of a discrepancy.

I Authorize custodians of records and other sources of information pertaining to me to release such information upon request of the investigator, special agent, or other duly accredited representative of any Federal agency authorized above regardless of any previous agreement to the contrary.

I Understand that the information released by records custodians and sources of information is for official use by the Federal Government only for the purposes provided in this Standard Form 85, and that it may be disclosed by the Government only as authorized by law.

Photocopies of this authorization with my signature are valid. This authorization is valid for two (2) years from the date signed.

Signature (Sign in ink)	Full name (Type or print legibly)	Date signed (mm/dd/yyyy)
Other names used		Social Security Number
Current street address Apt. #	City (Country) State ZIP Code	Home telephone number

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Form Characteristics

Fact Name	Description
Form Purpose	The Standard Form 85 is used to gather information for background investigations to assess the suitability of candidates for non-sensitive federal positions.
Governing Law	This form is governed by Executive Order 10577 and Title 5 U.S. Code, sections 3301 and 3302, along with 5 CFR Parts 731 and 736.
Voluntary Submission	While providing information is voluntary, failure to do so can delay or hinder background investigations, affecting employment prospects.
Parts Requirement	The form requires full completion of all questions; blanks must be marked with "None" or "N/A" where applicable.
Social Security Number	A Social Security Number is necessary for maintaining accurate records, reducing the chances of error due to name similarities.
Final Eligibility Determination	The Office of Personnel Management or the requesting Federal agency will make the final determination regarding an applicant’s eligibility.
Penalties for Inaccuracy	Providing false information can lead to severe penalties, including fines or imprisonment and jeopardizes future employment opportunities.
Privacy Protections	Information collected is protected under the Privacy Act, ensuring confidentiality and limiting unauthorized disclosures.
Completion Time	Respondents can expect to spend an average of 30 minutes completing the form, which includes reviewing instructions and gathering necessary data.
State Codes	Participants must use designated state codes for geographic locations; improper addresses can lead to processing delays.

Guidelines on Utilizing Standard 85

Completing the Standard Form 85 is an essential step in the background investigation process for non-sensitive positions within the U.S. Government. This form gathers personal information required to assess your suitability for federal employment. Pay careful attention to detail and ensure you provide accurate and complete answers.

Follow the instructions provided by the person who gave you the form and any additional clarifying instructions.
Type or print your answers clearly in black ink. If the form is illegible, it will not be accepted.
Answer every question on the form. If a question does not apply, indicate this with "None" or "N/A." If you can't recall exact dates, estimate and mark as "APPROX." or "EST."
Initial and date any changes made to the form after signing.
Use state codes provided on the back of the form. Do not abbreviate city names or foreign country names.
Include the 5-digit postal ZIP codes to expedite processing. The office that provided the form can assist with this.
Include area codes with all telephone numbers.
Format all dates in Month/Day/Year or Month/Year format, using numbers to represent months (e.g., 6/10/78 for June 10, 1978).
When asked for "City (Country)" in an address, ensure you also provide the country name for addresses outside the U.S.
If you need additional space for residences, employment, or education, use continuation sheet SF 86A, and for other items, use a blank piece of paper with your name and Social Security Number at the top.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the purpose of the Standard Form 85?

The Standard Form 85, also known as the Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions, is designed for individuals who are applying for jobs with the federal government or under government contracts. This form collects essential information to facilitate background investigations. Such investigations ensure that candidates meet the standards of reliability, trustworthiness, and good conduct that are crucial for federal employment. It’s important to complete this form only after receiving a conditional job offer, as it directly influences your employment prospects.

Who is required to fill out the Standard Form 85?

Anyone applying for a non-sensitive position with the U.S. Government must complete the Standard Form 85. This includes not only direct hires but also contractors and employees working under government contracts. By gathering relevant personal information through this form, the government aims to verify your suitability for the role you are considering. Ensure you fill this out thoroughly if you are serious about the position.

What happens if I do not provide all the requested information?

While providing information on the form is voluntary, omitting details can lead to significant problems. If the information requested is not complete, your background investigation may be delayed or even left unfinished. This incompleteness could negatively impact your chances of securing the job you’re applying for, as the investigation is a critical step in the hiring process. Be sure to follow all instructions carefully to avoid complications.

Can I modify my answers after I have submitted the form?

Yes, but with some conditions. If you make changes to your form after signing it, you must initial and date each modification. This step is crucial to maintain the integrity of the information you provided. Keep in mind that only certain limited adjustments may be allowed by the agency, so it’s best to ensure accuracy before submission. Staying transparent about your information is important for your trustworthiness.

How is my information protected once I submit the form?

Your information is stringently protected under the Privacy Act. The details you provide are solely for the purpose of determining your suitability for federal employment and will be safeguarded against unauthorized disclosure. There are strict regulations surrounding the collection and maintenance of your personal information, ensuring that it is treated with the utmost confidentiality. Be aware, though, that some disclosures may occur as permitted by the act, particularly for legal or official purposes.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Standard Form 85 can be a straightforward process, but many people make common mistakes that can delay their background investigation. One significant error is failing to answer all questions. The form clearly indicates that every question must be answered. If an item is not applicable, individuals should mark it as “None” or “N/A.” Leaving questions blank can lead to processing delays, as investigators will need to reach out for clarifications.

Another mistake people make is neglecting to provide dates accurately. Dates on the form must be presented in the proper format: Month/Day/Year. Using incorrect formats can confuse the investigators and potentially result in a return of the form for corrections. When individuals estimate dates, they should indicate this with “APPROX.” or “EST.” This transparency helps to avoid complications in the accuracy of their information, which is crucial for the investigation.

In addition to the above, many individuals overlook the importance of legibility. The instructions emphasize that responses must be typed or printed in black ink. If the form is difficult to read, it may not be accepted. Therefore, taking extra care to ensure that answers are clear and legible can save time and enhance the efficiency of the background check process.

Lastly, people often forget to sign and date the certification statement on Page 5 and the release on Page 6. This step is crucial. Without a signature, the form is incomplete, and the investigation cannot proceed. It is essential to ensure that all documents are thoroughly reviewed and signed before submission.

Documents used along the form

When completing the Standard Form 85, several related forms and documents are often necessary. These documents can help ensure a smooth background investigation process. Understanding each document's purpose can help you prepare adequately.

OF 306 - Declaration for Federal Employment: This form collects basic personal information, including employment history and military service. It is often a key component in the background check process.
SF 86 - Questionnaire for National Security Positions: If a position requires a security clearance, this form is crucial. It gathers comprehensive details about personal history, relationships, and financial status.
SF 85P - Questionnaire for Public Trust Positions: Similar to the SF 86, this form is used for positions that require a public trust. It assesses character and fitness for public trust roles.
SF 85A - Supplemental Questionnaire for Non-Sensitive Positions: This is a continuation form that provides additional information if the SF 85 lacks sufficient space for all required data.
Privacy Act Statement: This document explains how personal information will be used and protected during the background investigation. It's essential to understand your rights regarding this information.
Background Investigation Release Form: This form authorizes the investigation of your background. It allows agencies to contact your references, employers, and educational institutions for information.

Being prepared with these forms will help expedite the investigation process. Ensuring accuracy and complete information is vital to avoid delays in your employment eligibility. Promptly addressing any questions about these documents can also prove beneficial.

Similar forms

The Standard Form 85 (SF 85) is utilized for background checks for non-sensitive positions within the U.S. Government. Several other forms and documents serve similar purposes in terms of gathering essential information for background investigations. Each of these serves to help determine suitability for federal employment, ensuring candidates meet the necessary criteria. Below are six documents that share similarities with the SF 85 form:

Standard Form 86 (SF 86): This is a more detailed questionnaire for national security positions. Like the SF 85, it collects personal information and details about education, employment, and background, but demands greater disclosure due to the sensitive nature of the jobs it applies to.
Declaration for Federal Employment (OF 306): This form, which is also submitted for federal employment, gathers vital information regarding an applicant's employment history and personal background. It shares the purpose of determining eligibility for federal positions.
Standard Form 85P (SF 85P): The SF 85P is a questionnaire for public trust positions. Similar to the SF 85, it is used to perform background checks, but is tailored for roles with significant responsibility for public trust.
Form SF 87: Known as the Fingerprint Record Card, this form is used in conjunction with the SF 85 and must be completed for federal employees. It collects fingerprint data to verify identities, complementing the background information collected.
Standard Form 178 (SF 178): This is a pre-employment medical questionnaire that may be required for certain positions. It evaluates the physical eligibility of candidates, similar to the promise of trustworthiness in the SF 85.
Form OPM 118: This form concerns the Privacy Act Notice. While it does not gather information, it is essential for notifying applicants about how their collected data will be used and the rights they have, consistent with the data collection purposes outlined in the SF 85.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Standard Form 85, it is crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Here’s a concise list of dos and don’ts that will help you through the process:

Do follow the provided instructions carefully, including any clarifying notes from the person who provided you the form.
Don’t leave any questions unanswered. Indicate “None” or “N/A” if a question does not apply to you.
Do use black ink to type or write your answers legibly. Illegible forms will be rejected.
Don’t abbreviate city names or foreign countries. Utilize the state codes from the form instead.
Do ensure to sign and date your form. All changes made after signing must be initialed and dated.
Don’t forget to format all dates as Month/Day/Year. For example, write June 10, 1978, as 6/10/78.
Do provide complete addresses for all residences, including ZIP codes and country names for addresses outside the U.S.

Completing the form accurately will facilitate your background investigation and expedite your employment process. Stay diligent and thorough.

Misconceptions

Standard Form 85 is only for sensitive positions. This is not true. The Standard Form 85 is specifically designed for non-sensitive positions. Many people mistakenly believe that this form is used for roles requiring high-level security clearances, but that's not the case.
Completing the form is mandatory. While it's essential to provide complete and accurate information, filling out the form is technically voluntary. However, not submitting the requested information could affect your employment prospects and the timeliness of your background investigation.
Your Social Security Number (SSN) is optional. In fact, your SSN is crucial for maintaining accurate records. Using your SSN helps distinguish you from others with similar names or birth dates, ensuring that your background check is precise and thorough.
Providing false information will not have consequences. It's critical to understand that knowingly providing inaccurate or misleading information is a serious offense. It can lead to criminal charges, fines, or even imprisonment, in addition to potentially jeopardizing your eligibility for employment.
The investigation only considers information from the form itself. This is a misconception. The background investigation will also include comments from your current employer and other corroborating information from your Declaration for Federal Employment. Therefore, honesty and thoroughness are vital.

Key takeaways

Here are key takeaways for filling out and using the Standard Form 85:

Follow Instructions: Adhere to all instructions provided with the form. Incomplete forms will be rejected.
Signature Required: Ensure you sign and date the certification statement on Page 5 and the release on Page 6.
Answer All Questions: Every question must be answered. Use "None" or "N/A" where applicable.
Provide Accurate Information: Use your Social Security Number accurately to avoid confusion with others who may have similar names.
Legibility Matters: Use black ink for typing or printing your answers to ensure legibility.
Include Accurate Dates: Dates must be formatted as Month/Day/Year or Month/Year. Follow this format strictly.
Utilize Continuation Sheets: If additional space is needed for residences or jobs, use SF 86A or blank pieces of paper.
Contact Employer: Your current employer will be contacted during the investigation process, even if you prefer otherwise.
Disclosure of Information: Be aware that information provided may be disclosed under specific circumstances as outlined by the Privacy Act.
False Information Penalties: Know that providing false statements may lead to significant legal consequences.

Utilize these takeaways to navigate the Standard Form 85 process effectively and ensure a smoother application experience.

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