Certified Protection Professional (CPP) Practice Exam

Which information is generally not allowed to be disclosed on an employment questionnaire?

1. Prior employment history

2. Prior arrest

3. Education background

4. Marital status

The correct answer is: Prior arrest

The disclosure of prior arrest information on an employment questionnaire is typically limited due to privacy concerns and discrimination laws. Many jurisdictions have implemented "ban the box" laws, which prohibit employers from asking about criminal history at the initial stages of hiring to prevent discrimination against individuals with previous convictions. This is in recognition of the fact that past arrests do not always correlate with a person's qualifications or their ability to perform in a job, and such questions can unfairly disadvantage certain candidates. In contrast, inquiries about prior employment history, education background, and marital status are generally permissible as they relate more directly to a candidate's qualifications and capabilities. Employers often seek to verify professional experience and educational credentials, while marital status may be relevant in specific contexts, such as benefits eligibility or travel requirements. However, disclosing marital status must still comply with local laws and regulations to avoid discrimination.