For many job seekers, there is a lingering worry often referred to as the “paper ceiling“—the misconception that not having a traditional high school diploma might somehow stall your professional progress. Let’s set the record straight: a GED on resume is not a “consolation prize.” It is a federally recognised qualification that proves you have the tenacity and high school-level knowledge required to succeed in the modern workforce.
Whether you are filling out a job application for an entry-level role or a more specialised position, the way you list a GED matters. A potential employer isn’t just looking for a piece of paper; they are looking for proof of your general education development and your ability to follow through on a goal.
The goal of this guide is to show you exactly how to list ged credentials within the education section of your resume. We will ensure your formatting is clean, professional, and optimised to pass through both automated screening bots and the discerning eyes of human recruiters. By the time we’re done, you’ll know how to present your GED as the hard-won asset it truly is.
30 Second Snippet: How to Put GED on Resume?
If you are worried that your educational background might be a “dealbreaker,” remember that your high school equivalency is a testament to your grit. To list your GED like a pro, focus on clarity within the education section of your resume.
Simply use the full name “General Education Development” and include the state where you obtained your GED. This small formatting choice ensures you meet the minimum education requirements for any job application while passing through automated screening filters. By presenting your qualification with confidence, you shift the focus from how you finished school to the valuable work history and soft skills you bring to the table today.
Should You Put a GED on Your Resume?
One of the most common questions job seekers ask is whether their high school equivalency holds the same weight as a traditional high school diploma. The short answer is yes. For the vast majority of companies, the General Educational Development certificate is viewed as the functional equivalent of graduating from a standard secondary school. It confirms you possess the necessary academic foundation to perform the job.
Determining whether to list your GED usually depends on where you are in your career. If you are an entry-level candidate or a recent high school graduate equivalent, your education is a vital part of your profile. However, if you have spent a decade in the workforce, your professional experience and work history will naturally take center stage, making your high school-level education less of a focus.
As a general rule, if you have not yet earned a college degree, you need to include your GED. In this scenario, it serves as your highest level of education and fulfills the minimum education requirements often found in a job description. Including it ensures that you meet the basic eligibility criteria for the job you’re applying for, keeping your application in the running.
How to Format and List a GED on a Resume?
When it comes to the education section, consistency is key. You want to present your GED in a way that feels seamless and professional, matching the rest of your resume format. Most hiring managers only spend a few seconds glancing at each application, so your qualification needs to be clear and easy to find.
Standard practice is to place your GED certificate details at the bottom of the page, unless you are a recent graduate with limited relevant experience. Using a clean layout can ensure that your educational background supports your candidacy without distracting from your skills and qualifications.
Distinguishing Between a GED and a High School Diploma
You don’t need to over-explain your situation. Simply listing the full name of the credential—General Education Development—alongside the state or the GED testing center is sufficient. This approach demonstrates that you have met the education requirements necessary for the role.
For example, your entry might look like this:
General Education Development (GED) | State of New York | List the date of completion
If you are currently enrolled in college, you should still include your high school equivalency diploma until you have officially earned your higher degree. This provides a complete picture of your academic journey for any potential employer.
Strategic Positioning for Your Job Application
Placement is a strategic choice. While your GED is a credential equivalent to a high school diploma, its location on the page should reflect your current career stage and the specific needs of the role.
Where to Put GED if You Have Higher Education?
If you have successfully graduated high school equivalents and moved on to earn a college degree, the GED usually becomes secondary. Once you have a higher degree, most employers no longer focus on a traditional diploma or a diploma or equivalent. However, if you are currently using your credentials for college admissions and haven’t finished your degree yet, keep it listed to show you meet the requirements until you officially graduate from higher levels of study.
Highlighting Your Journey: Soft Skills and Persistence
The process of ged preparation often requires more self-discipline than finishing a standard program. Choosing to return to education after dropping out of high school shows a level of resilience that is highly attractive to hiring managers. Throughout your resume, and specifically in your professional summary, make sure to highlight the critical thinking and problem-solving skills you sharpened during this time.
Emphasizing that your qualification is just like a high school diploma in terms of academic weight—but backed by real-world grit—demonstrates good communication skills and a growth mindset. Many jobs that require a diploma value this “distance traveled” just as much as the certificate itself.
Enhancing Your Profile While You Get Your GED
If you are still in the process of earning your GED, you can still use a resume format that showcases your potential. Most employers appreciate the initiative it takes to pursue a high school education later in life. In this case, your resume in a way becomes a bridge between your current studies and your future career.
Mentioning Online GED Classes and Current Progress
When you are actively taking online GED classes, list them under the education section to show you are working toward a goal. You should clearly state your expected graduation date so hiring managers know when you will officially meet the minimum education criteria. For those who are transitioning into a new field, a functional resume format can be particularly effective during this time, as it draws attention to your skills while your degree is in progress.
Adding Relevant Certifications
While you finish passing the GED exams, don’t overlook other ways to bolster your profile. Adding specific coursework on your resume or certifications can help fill the gap. These extra credentials, combined with putting your GED journey front and center, signal to a recruiter that you are dedicated to professional growth. If your resume doesn’t yet include a full degree, these additions prove you are ready for the responsibilities of the job you’re applying for.
HiSET vs. TASC vs. GED: Does the Name of Your Certificate Matter?
While “GED” is the most recognisable brand name, it isn’t the only way to earn a high school equivalency diploma. Depending on your state, you may have taken the HiSET or the now-retired TASC exam. A common concern for job seekers is whether a potential employer will recognise these alternative names or if they should simply use the term “GED” to avoid confusion.
The reality is that all three are legally considered the functional equivalent of a high school diploma. Whether you sat for the GED test or the HiSET, you have proven you possess the same high school-level knowledge. Most recruiters and college admissions offices are well-aware that states use different testing providers to award a high school equivalency credential.
When you list your education, the best approach is to use the official name of the qualification you received. If you are worried about clarity, you can format it like this: High School Equivalency Diploma (HiSET) – State of [State Name]. This ensures you meet the minimum education requirements of the job description while maintaining complete accuracy on your job application.
Turning the “Gap” into a Growth Story
It is common for there to be a multi-year gap between the time you left school and when you finally obtained your GED. Instead of viewing this as a “blank space” on your timeline, look at it as a period of active professional experience. Many individuals spend these years in the workforce, gaining practical knowledge that a traditional classroom setting simply doesn’t provide.
Recruiters today increasingly value “grit”—the ability to overcome obstacles and return to a goal. When you frame your gap as a deliberate journey toward personal maturity, you demonstrate soft skills like self-discipline and resilience.
- Focus on the “Work First” Narrative: If you were employed during this time, emphasize your work history to show that while your formal education was on pause, your professional development was not.
- Highlight Mature Decision-Making: Choosing to go back and finish your high school equivalency as an adult shows a level of intentionality that is highly attractive to a potential employer.
- Connect the Dots: By highlighting the responsibilities you managed before earning your GED, you turn a potential red flag into proof of your reliability and real-world readiness.
Common Questions About GED on My Resume
How do I list a GED on my resume effectively?
List the full name “General Education Development” followed by the state and completion date. This GED on your resume shows a professional standard equal to traditional schooling.
Does a GED count as a diploma during hiring?
Yes, it is significant that your ged that it serves as a credential equivalent to a high school diploma, meeting the minimum education for most roles.
Do employers check the education listed on my resume?
Many jobs that require a diploma will verify your educational development through background checks. Always ensure you present your GED with accurate dates and issuing bodies.
Can I exclude my GED if I am currently in college?
If you are enrolled in college, you may choose to resume by emphasizing your higher degree. However, your highest level of education remains the GED until you graduate.
How do I put my GED on a resume if I’m still studying?
Include your GED preparation details and your expected graduation date. This demonstrates to a potential employer that you are proactive about meeting the education requirements.
Is it harder to get a job with a GED vs. a diploma?
Not necessarily. By highlighting critical thinking and problem-solving skills and your work history, you can show recruiters that your level of education is just one part of your value.
End Note
Wrapping things up, your education is the foundation, but your persistence is the real story. Whether you choose a functional resume format or a chronological one, the key is to present your GED with absolute confidence. It is a badge of resilience that modern hiring managers value.
As you target the job you’re applying for, remember that your professional experience and unique skills will ultimately define your career. By correctly utilising the education section to list GED details, you ensure that your background is an asset, not an obstacle.
You have the tools to break through that “paper ceiling”—now go ahead and submit that application with pride. Your next chapter starts today.
