Quick Summary: Yes, you can and should list your GED on your resume! To do this effectively, clearly state “GED” or “General Educational Development” in your education section. Include the issuing state and year. This demonstrates your commitment to education, even if you didn’t complete a traditional high school diploma.
Getting your GED is a significant accomplishment! It shows you’ve met the academic standards equivalent to a high school diploma. When you’re applying for jobs, it’s natural to wonder how to best showcase this achievement on your resume. Many people worry if it looks “less than” a traditional diploma, but that’s simply not true. Your GED is a powerful credential, and presenting it correctly can open doors. This guide will walk you through exactly how to highlight your GED on your resume so it works for you, not against you. Let’s make sure your resume shines!
Why Listing Your GED on Your Resume is Important
Think of your resume as your personal marketing document. Its main goal is to convince a potential employer that you’re a great fit for the job. In this context, your GED is a key piece of information. It tells employers that you have a foundational level of knowledge and skills, which is what a high school diploma signifies. Many employers, especially for entry-level positions, look for this baseline qualification.
Not listing your GED can lead to confusion or even disqualification if an application asks for a high school diploma or equivalent. By clearly stating your GED, you proactively address this requirement. It shows you’re honest and upfront about your educational background, which builds trust with hiring managers. Plus, it’s a testament to your dedication and ability to achieve goals, qualities every employer values.
Understanding the GED Credential
The GED, or General Educational Development test, is a set of four standardized tests that measure high school-level academic skills. Passing these tests earns you a GED credential, which is recognized by most U.S. employers and educational institutions as equivalent to a high school diploma. The tests cover:
- Reasoning Through Language Arts (RLA): Assesses reading comprehension, written expression, and language conventions.
- Mathematical Reasoning: Evaluates your ability to solve problems using mathematical concepts and skills.
- Science: Tests your understanding of life science, physical science, and earth and space science.
- Social Studies: Assesses your knowledge of civics and government, U.S. history, world history, and geography.
You can learn more about the GED testing service and its requirements on the official GED Testing Service website.
Where to Put Your GED on Your Resume
The most appropriate place to list your GED is in the Education section of your resume. This section is dedicated to your academic achievements, and your GED is a significant one.
If you have other educational experiences, like college degrees or certifications, you’ll want to list them in reverse chronological order, with your most recent or highest level of education first. However, if your GED is your highest level of formal education, it should be prominently placed.
How to Format Your GED Entry
Clarity and conciseness are key when formatting your GED on your resume. Here are a few proven ways to do it:
Option 1: Standard and Clear
This is the most common and straightforward method.
Education
General Educational Development (GED)
State of Issuance: [Your State]
Year of Completion: [Year]Option 2: Concise and Direct
If you prefer a more compact format, this works well.
Education
GED Diploma | [Your State] | [Year]Option 3: Including Test Scores (Optional)
While not always necessary, if you achieved particularly high scores, you might consider mentioning them. However, this is generally only recommended if the job description specifically asks for test scores or if your scores are exceptionally high and relevant to the role.
Education
General Educational Development (GED)
State of Issuance: [Your State]
Year of Completion: [Year]
Average Score: [Your Average Score, e.g., 170]Pro Tip: Most of the time, simply stating you have your GED is sufficient. Focus on highlighting your skills and experience in other sections of your resume.
What Information to Include
When listing your GED, always include:
- The full name: “General Educational Development” or the abbreviation “GED.”
- The state where you received your GED: This is important for verification.
- The year you completed it: This provides a timeline of your education.
You might also consider including:
- The issuing organization: For example, “awarded by the State Department of Education.”
- Your average score: Only if it’s notably high or requested.
Examples of GED on a Resume
Let’s look at how this would appear in different resume contexts.
Example 1: GED as the Primary Education
This is for someone whose GED is their highest formal education.
Education
General Educational Development (GED)
State of Issuance: California
Year of Completion: 2022
High School Equivalency CertificateExample 2: GED Alongside Other Education
This is for someone who has a GED and has pursued further education, like college.
Education
Associate of Arts in Business Administration | Community College of Anytown | Anytown, USA | Expected Graduation: May 2025
General Educational Development (GED) | Texas | 2020Notice how the GED is listed below the higher degree, following the reverse chronological order. It’s still clearly stated and provides the necessary information.
When to Elaborate on Your GED
While you don’t need to write a lengthy explanation about your GED on your resume, there are situations where a brief, positive statement can be beneficial. This is usually best placed in your resume summary or objective statement, if you choose to include one.
Resume Summary Example:
“Dedicated and results-oriented individual with a GED and [Number] years of experience in customer service. Proven ability to [mention a key skill]. Eager to contribute to a dynamic team at [Company Name].”
Resume Objective Example (for entry-level):
“Seeking an entry-level [Job Title] position at [Company Name] where I can utilize my strong work ethic and problem-solving skills. Possess a GED and a commitment to continuous learning and professional growth.”
The goal here is to frame your GED as a foundation upon which you’ve built other skills and experiences, rather than the sole defining characteristic of your education.
What to Do If You Don’t Have Your GED Yet
If you are currently working towards your GED, you can still mention your progress on your resume. This shows initiative and that you are actively working to improve your qualifications.
Here’s how you could phrase it:
Education
General Educational Development (GED) Candidate
Currently pursuing GED credential.
State of Expected Issuance: [Your State]
* Expected Completion: [Month, Year]This demonstrates your commitment and gives potential employers an idea of your timeline. You can also mention this in your resume summary or objective, for example: “Actively pursuing GED to enhance foundational academic skills.”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to get tripped up when listing educational achievements. Here are a few common mistakes to steer clear of:
- Omitting your GED: This can lead to your application being overlooked if a high school diploma or equivalent is a requirement.
- Being vague: Simply writing “Education” without specifying the GED leaves employers guessing.
- Exaggerating or misrepresenting: Always be truthful about your credentials.
- Over-explaining: Your resume is for achievements, not personal stories. Keep the GED entry concise.
- Listing it as a high school diploma: While equivalent, it’s important to be accurate and list it as a GED.
GED vs. High School Diploma on a Resume: What’s the Difference?
For most employers, especially those hiring for entry-level or hourly positions, a GED is considered equivalent to a high school diploma. The key difference is the path taken to achieve that level of education. A high school diploma is earned by completing coursework over several years in a traditional school setting. A GED is earned by passing a standardized test that assesses high school-level knowledge.
On your resume, it’s important to accurately reflect your achievement. Listing “GED” or “General Educational Development” is the correct way to represent this credential. Trying to pass it off as a traditional high school diploma can be seen as dishonest if discovered.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Feature | High School Diploma | GED |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition | Standard high school completion | Recognized as high school equivalency |
| Path to Achievement | Completion of coursework over several years | Passing a standardized test |
| Resume Listing | High School Diploma, [Name of High School], [City, State], [Year] | General Educational Development (GED), [State], [Year] |
| Employer Perception | Standard qualification | Equivalent qualification, shows commitment to achieving educational goals |
The important takeaway is that both signify a foundational level of education that many employers seek.
Leveraging Your GED for Career Advancement
Your GED is a stepping stone, not a ceiling. Once you have your GED, you can and should continue to build upon it. Many community colleges and universities accept GED credentials for admission.
Consider pursuing:
- Vocational Training or Trade School: Acquire specialized skills for in-demand careers.
- Certifications: Industry-specific certifications can boost your resume.
- Associate’s Degree: A two-year degree can open up more career opportunities.
- Bachelor’s Degree: For advanced career paths.
As you gain experience and further education, you’ll update your resume to reflect these new achievements, listing them above your GED. The GED remains a valid and important part of your educational history, demonstrating your ability to meet academic standards.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some common questions people have about listing their GED on a resume:
- Q1: Do I have to list my GED on my resume?
- It’s highly recommended. Many job applications require a high school diploma or equivalent. Listing your GED fulfills this requirement and shows you’re qualified.
- Q2: Can I just say “High School Diploma” if I have a GED?
- No, it’s important to be accurate. While a GED is equivalent, it’s a different credential. List it as “GED” or “General Educational Development” to be truthful and avoid potential issues.
- Q3: Should I include my GED scores?
- Generally, no. Unless a job specifically requests GED scores or you have exceptionally high scores that you believe will significantly impress the employer, it’s best to keep the entry concise and focus on your skills and experience.
- Q4: What if I have a GED and also attended some college?
- List your college education first (most recent) and then your GED below it. For example: “Associate of Science, [College Name], [Year]” followed by “GED, [State], [Year]”.
- Q5: Is there a specific format for listing the GED?
- The most common and clear format is: General Educational Development (GED), followed by the State of Issuance and the Year of Completion. You can find more examples in this guide.
- Q6: Will employers look down on my GED?
- Most employers recognize the GED as a valid credential equivalent to a high school diploma. What matters most is your skills, experience, and how you present yourself. A well-crafted resume that highlights your abilities will make a strong impression.
Conclusion
Successfully showcasing your GED on your resume is all about clarity, accuracy, and confidence. Your GED is a valuable credential that signifies your commitment to education and your ability to meet important academic standards. By listing it correctly in your education section, you ensure that employers see you as qualified and proactive.
Remember to keep the entry concise, include the state and year of completion, and always be truthful. Your GED is a foundation, and as you continue your career journey, you’ll build upon it with new skills, certifications, and experiences. Focus on highlighting all your accomplishments, and your resume will effectively open doors to the opportunities you deserve.