Didn’t follow the traditional high school path? You’re not alone—and your resume doesn’t need to hide that. Whether you earned your General Educational Development (GED) recently or years ago, it’s a respected and legitimate credential that proves you’ve met the same academic standards as a high school graduate. And yes—it absolutely belongs on your resume.
The key is knowing how to present it the right way. Depending on your background, you might include it in your education section or certifications—and formatting it clearly can make a strong impression on potential employers.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to list your GED on your resume, explain how it compares to a high school diploma, and answer the most common questions job seekers have about GEDs and employment.
Let’s begin.
Key takeaways
- A GED is a widely accepted alternative to a high school diploma by both employers and colleges.
- List your GED in the education section if it’s your highest credential, or under certifications if you’ve completed higher education.
- Use the full name, “General Educational Development (GED) Diploma,” to make it sound more formal and professional.
- If your GED is in progress, clearly label it with terms like “expected” or “in progress” along with the year.
- GEDs and high school diplomas are viewed similarly by employers, with very few jobs making a distinction.
- A functional resume format can help shift focus to your skills and work experience if you’re concerned about how your GED might be perceived.
What is a GED, and why is it good for my resume?
A GED is a credential equivalent to a high school diploma you receive after passing a series of tests in math, language arts, science, and social studies. Because it’s widely accepted as equivalent to a high school diploma, listing a GED on your resume shows employers that you’ve met the same educational standards as traditional high school graduates.
The GED was specifically designed for people who didn’t graduate from high school—whether for personal, financial, or other reasons. It’s an ideal option for adults or non-traditional students who want to qualify for jobs, college, or training programs that require a high school credential.
Is a GED a certificate or a diploma?
The GED is a universally recognized credential that is equivalent to a high school diploma. The label changes from state to state, so be sure to check the best way to present it. Rest assured: calling it a certificate doesn’t diminish its validity and seriousness in any way.
GED vs. high school diploma on a resume
Not sure how a GED stacks up against a traditional high school diploma? Here’s how they compare and why they’re both valid credentials on your resume.
| Category | GED | High School Diploma |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A certificate earned by passing four subject tests | A diploma earned by completing a high school curriculum |
| Subjects covered | Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies (via standardized tests) | Full curriculum over four years, including electives and extracurriculars |
| Time to complete | Usually three to six months (can vary) | Typically four years |
| Age eligibility | Usually 16+ (varies by state) | Typically awarded around age 18 |
| Issued by | State education authority (via GED Testing Service) | Local high school/district |
| Accepted by employers? | Yes—considered equivalent | Yes—standard credential |
| Accepted by colleges? | Yes—accepted at most colleges and universities | Yes—standard entry requirement |
| Best for | Adults, non-traditional students, or those who didn’t finish high school | Traditional students completing high school |
How to put GED on your resume
There are two main places where you can list a GED on your resume, depending on how your document is structured and what else you’re including:
In the education section
You should list your GED certificate in the education section of your resume. When listing your GED, don't just write "GED" though – write out "General Education Development Certificate" or "General Education Development Diploma."
This is the most common and recommended placement—especially if it’s your only academic credential.
When you describe it, follow this format:
GED, [State or School Name, if applicable], [Year] -> GED, State of Texas, 2022
Like so:
2022 If you're still working on your GED, note it in brackets. You can also mention your expected graduation date:
- General Educational Development Certificate (in progress)
- GED (currently enrolled)
- High School Equivalency Diploma (expected 2025)
You can also add
03/2025 - Expected June 2025 In the certifications section
List your GED in the certifications section if your GED isn’t your main academic credential—if you’ve completed college, technical training, or another degree. This placement keeps your education section focused on higher-level achievements while still showing that you’ve earned your high school equivalency.
Here’s an example:
PRO TIP
If you live in California, list your GED as the California Certificate of Proficiency.
Either way, it’s up to you and your unique career journey. Most employers don’t mind whether the GED appears under education or certifications—as long as it’s clearly listed.
What resume format should you use if you have a GED?
If you’re concerned that a GED might not be viewed the same as a high school diploma, use a resume format that highlights your strengths—like skills and experience—over education. We recommend the reverse chronological or the hybrid resume.
GED on a resume example
If you're still unsure how to add a GED to your resume, use the example below and replace the information with your own:
You can also use the Enhancv app to create a resume from scratch within minutes.
When can I skip listing a GED on my resume?
If your GED is your highest credential, add it to the education section. If you’ve completed college or a higher degree, you can skip listing it entirely.
Employers will assume you’ve met the necessary education requirements. In most cases, your highest level of education is what matters most—so prioritize the strongest credential you've earned.
FAQs about GED on a resume
Got some more questions? We bet you can find your answers below.
Do employers not like GEDs?
Not at all! Most employers accept a GED just like a high school diploma. As long as you meet the job’s other qualifications, a GED is usually seen as a valid alternative. Only a few roles—like some military or government positions—may specifically require a traditional diploma. When in doubt, check the job’s education requirements.
Don’t feel the need to over-explain or justify having a GED—it’s a widely accepted and respected credential.
Do jobs check if you have a GED?
Some employers verify education, especially for jobs that require a diploma or GED. They may request transcripts or contact the issuing institution, but not all jobs perform background checks.
What jobs do not accept a GED?
Most jobs that require a high school education will accept a GED. However, some specialized roles, especially in the military or trades, may prefer or require additional certifications beyond a GED.
Is it harder to get a job with a GED?
It can be—slightly. Some employers may favor candidates with traditional diplomas, but a GED can absolutely get you hired. Pair it with relevant experience, strong applications, or additional training, and you’ll level the playing field.
Does Harvard accept the GED?
Yes, Harvard, along with other Ivy League schools, does accept applicants with a GED. But getting in is still incredibly competitive, so you'll need a strong academic track record, great test scores, and an outstanding personal story.
Is the GED harder than the SAT?
Not really—they’re designed for different things. The GED tests high school-level knowledge, while the SAT is geared toward college admissions and can be more academically rigorous. Most people find the SAT tougher.
Conclusion
Whether you earned a GED recently or years ago, it’s a credential worth showing. It's proof of your dedication, resilience, and readiness to take on new challenges—and it deserves a place on your resume.
Make one that's truly you.
