Does CVS do background checks?

Yes, CVS conducts background checks on all new hires. The check occurs after a conditional offer of employment, not during the initial application process. The standard check includes criminal history, SSN verification, and employment verification.

How far back does the CVS background check go?

The CVS background check typically goes back 7 years, though this varies by state. States like California, New York, and several others limit employment background checks to 7 years by law. In states without such limits, the check may go back further.

Can I be a pharmacy technician at CVS with a felony?

It depends on the felony and your state. Pharmacy technician positions require state pharmacy board licensure, which has its own rules about criminal records. Drug offenses, theft, and fraud are commonly disqualifying for pharmacy licenses. Check your specific state's pharmacy board for details, as some states allow waivers.

CVS drug testing policies vary by position and location. Pharmacy positions typically require pre-employment drug testing. Front-store positions may or may not require drug testing depending on the state and local regulations. CVS distribution center positions generally require a drug test.

What disqualifies you from working at CVS?

CVS does not publish a list of automatic disqualifiers for front-store positions. They use individualized assessment considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. For pharmacy positions, state pharmacy board rules determine disqualifying offenses. Active warrants, pending charges, or sex offenses on the registry are likely disqualifying.

Does CVS ask about criminal history on the application?

No. CVS removed the criminal history question from job applications in 2015 as part of their Ban the Box commitment. You will not be asked about your criminal history until after receiving a conditional offer of employment.

How long does the CVS hiring process take?

The CVS hiring process typically takes 1-3 weeks from application to start date. The background check portion usually takes 3-7 business days. If there are issues with the background check that require further review, the process may take longer. You will be notified if additional time is needed.

Does CVS Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Sometimes

CVS has been Ban the Box compliant since 2015 and considers applicants with records individually, but pharmacy-related positions have strict state licensing requirements that may exclude people with certain convictions.

CVS does hire people with felony records, but it depends heavily on the position and the nature of the conviction. Front-store roles like cashier, shift supervisor, and stock associate are the most accessible for people with criminal backgrounds. CVS adopted Ban the Box policies in 2015, meaning they removed the criminal history question from initial job applications. Background checks happen later in the process, after a conditional offer. However, pharmacy technician and pharmacist positions are regulated by state pharmacy boards, which have their own rules about criminal records — and these are often much stricter. If your record involves drug offenses or theft, pharmacy roles will be very difficult to obtain. For front-store positions, CVS uses an individualized assessment that weighs the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and relevance to the job.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Front Store Associate / Cashier	Yes	Yes — standard background check	Most accessible role; non-violent felonies generally accepted if time has passed
Shift Supervisor	Case-by-case	Yes — standard background check	Key-holder position with register access; theft-related convictions may be disqualifying
Pharmacy Technician	Varies	Yes — enhanced check plus state pharmacy board review	State pharmacy board licensing required; drug and theft felonies are typically disqualifying
Beauty Consultant	Case-by-case	Yes — standard background check	Customer-facing role; similar hiring standards to front-store associate
Distribution Center Worker	Yes	Yes — standard background check	Warehouse roles at CVS distribution centers; physically demanding, more openings
Delivery Driver	Case-by-case	Yes — driving record check plus background check	Clean driving record required; DUI/DWI within past 3-5 years is typically disqualifying

CVS Ban the Box Policy

CVS Health was one of the first major retail pharmacy chains to adopt Ban the Box policies, removing the criminal history checkbox from job applications starting in 2015. This means that when you apply at CVS, you will not be asked about your criminal record on the initial application. Instead, CVS waits until after a conditional offer of employment has been made before conducting a background check. This is significant because it means your application will be evaluated on your qualifications and experience first, and your criminal history is only reviewed in the context of an existing job offer. CVS has publicly stated that they believe in fair chance hiring and that a criminal record should not be an automatic barrier to employment. The company evaluates each applicant individually, considering the nature of the offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether it is relevant to the job duties.

Pharmacy Positions and State Licensing

Pharmacy technician and pharmacist positions at CVS are subject to state pharmacy board licensing requirements, which are separate from and often stricter than CVS's own hiring policies. Each state has its own pharmacy board that determines who can be licensed to work in a pharmacy, and many states have specific criminal convictions that are disqualifying. Drug-related felonies, theft, fraud, and certain violent offenses are commonly disqualifying for pharmacy licensure. Even if CVS would be willing to hire you, you cannot work as a pharmacy technician without a state license. If you are interested in pharmacy work, check your state's board of pharmacy website first to see if your specific conviction is disqualifying. Some states do offer waivers or have processes for rehabilitation review, so do not assume you are automatically excluded without checking.

Background Check Process at CVS

CVS uses a third-party background check provider to conduct pre-employment screening. The check typically includes a criminal history search, Social Security number verification, and employment verification. For pharmacy positions, there is an additional check through the state pharmacy board. The standard background check at CVS generally looks back 7 years, though this can vary by state — some states limit background checks to 7 years, while others allow longer lookback periods. CVS follows EEOC guidance on the use of criminal records in hiring, which means they consider the nature and gravity of the offense, the time that has passed, and the nature of the position. If adverse information is found, CVS is required to provide you with a pre-adverse action notice and a copy of the background report before making a final decision, giving you a chance to dispute any inaccuracies.

Which Convictions Are Most Problematic at CVS?

While CVS uses individualized assessment, certain types of convictions are more likely to affect your hiring chances. Theft-related offenses (shoplifting, larceny, burglary) can be a concern for retail positions where you handle merchandise and cash registers. Drug offenses are particularly problematic for pharmacy-related roles due to state licensing requirements and the access to controlled substances. Violent felonies may be a concern for customer-facing positions. Financial crimes like fraud or embezzlement may affect positions with financial responsibilities. However, for non-violent, non-theft felonies that are several years old, many people report being hired successfully at CVS for front-store positions. The key factors are how much time has passed and whether the conviction relates to the job duties.

Pay and Working at CVS

CVS front-store associates typically start at $15-$17 per hour, with shift supervisors earning $17-$22 per hour depending on the market. Pharmacy technicians earn $16-$22+ per hour. Distribution center workers typically earn $17-$23 per hour. CVS offers benefits to full-time employees including health insurance, dental, vision, 401(k), employee stock purchase plan, paid time off, and an employee discount. Part-time employees may be eligible for some benefits after meeting hours requirements. CVS also offers tuition reimbursement and career development programs, which can be valuable for long-term career growth. The company has over 9,000 retail locations across the US, so there are usually positions available in most metro areas.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply for front-store positions (cashier, stock, beauty) rather than pharmacy roles if you have a record — these positions have the most flexible hiring standards
2.Do not volunteer your criminal history during the interview — CVS is Ban the Box compliant and will not ask until after a conditional offer
3.If you have a theft-related conviction, be prepared to explain what you have done differently and how much time has passed — honesty and demonstrated change go a long way
4.Apply at multiple CVS locations in your area, as individual store managers have some discretion in hiring decisions
5.Consider distribution center roles — these warehouse positions tend to be more felon-friendly than store-level positions and often pay more
6.If you want to work in the pharmacy eventually, check your state pharmacy board requirements first to see if you can get licensed with your specific record

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CVS hire felons?: Yes, CVS does hire people with felony records, particularly for front-store positions. CVS has been Ban the Box compliant since 2015 and uses individualized assessment rather than blanket bans. However, pharmacy positions are regulated by state pharmacy boards and have stricter requirements.
Does CVS do background checks?: Yes, CVS conducts background checks on all new hires. The check occurs after a conditional offer of employment, not during the initial application process. The standard check includes criminal history, SSN verification, and employment verification.
How far back does the CVS background check go?: The CVS background check typically goes back 7 years, though this varies by state. States like California, New York, and several others limit employment background checks to 7 years by law. In states without such limits, the check may go back further.
Can I be a pharmacy technician at CVS with a felony?: It depends on the felony and your state. Pharmacy technician positions require state pharmacy board licensure, which has its own rules about criminal records. Drug offenses, theft, and fraud are commonly disqualifying for pharmacy licenses. Check your specific state's pharmacy board for details, as some states allow waivers.
Does CVS drug test?: CVS drug testing policies vary by position and location. Pharmacy positions typically require pre-employment drug testing. Front-store positions may or may not require drug testing depending on the state and local regulations. CVS distribution center positions generally require a drug test.
What disqualifies you from working at CVS?: CVS does not publish a list of automatic disqualifiers for front-store positions. They use individualized assessment considering the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. For pharmacy positions, state pharmacy board rules determine disqualifying offenses. Active warrants, pending charges, or sex offenses on the registry are likely disqualifying.
Does CVS ask about criminal history on the application?: No. CVS removed the criminal history question from job applications in 2015 as part of their Ban the Box commitment. You will not be asked about your criminal history until after receiving a conditional offer of employment.
How long does the CVS hiring process take?: The CVS hiring process typically takes 1-3 weeks from application to start date. The background check portion usually takes 3-7 business days. If there are issues with the background check that require further review, the process may take longer. You will be notified if additional time is needed.

Take Action — Direct Links

CVS Health Careers
Official CVS job search portal — search by location, position type, and availability
National Association of Boards of Pharmacy
Find your state pharmacy board to check licensing requirements for pharmacy technician roles
EEOC Criminal Records Guidance
Federal guidelines on how employers should consider criminal records — know your rights
Ban the Box Resource Guide
Understand Ban the Box laws in your state and what protections they provide

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).