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Original
2026-01-01
Modified
2026-02-28
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<h2>Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checkr</h2>
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<h2>Start running business background checks</h2>
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<p>Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself<a>here ></a></p>
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<p>Order personal background checks<a>here ></a></p>
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<p>A high school diploma is a necessary qualification for many industries and roles, especially in the public sector. According to the<a>Bureau of Labor Statistics</a>, industries that require high school-level education such as construction, administrative support, production, and transportation are expected to grow in the next five years. When you conduct a high school diploma background check, it confirms the academic credentials listed on the candidate’s application or resume are valid so you can be confident in their qualification for the role.</p>
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<ul><li>High school diploma background checks verify graduation status but don't include grades, GPA, or disciplinary records</li>
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<p>A high school diploma background check, also called a diploma background check or education verification, is conducted by contacting an academic institution to verify a candidate’s educational credentials, including the name of the school, attendance dates, and verification of a diploma. Employers may perform a high school education background check for several reasons.</p>
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<li>Employers can order<a></a><a>education verification</a>as part of a comprehensive<a></a><a>background check</a>package starting at $29.99</li>
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<p>First, with a<a>14.7% decline</a>in college enrollment from Fall 2020 to Spring 2022, more employers are considering candidates with high school diplomas than before, making diploma background checks a helpful tool.</p>
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<li>Standard criminal background checks don't automatically include education records unless specifically requested</li>
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<p>Additionally, employers should be aware that candidates may<a>falsify educational credentials</a>on their resume, including high school details. This false information may include claiming graduation from an institution without having earned all the necessary credits, using the name of a different institution than the one they attended, or taking advantage of diploma mills. Diploma mills, which are easily accessible online, use answering services and print fake diplomas to produce convincing forgeries. Although dishonesty is common, only<a>49% of employers</a>perform education verifications, creating risk for hiring unqualified candidates.</p>
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<li>Individuals can also use Checkr to<a>run personal background checks</a>to see what employers might find</li>
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<p>Candidates may ask, “Does a background check show if you graduated high school?” If an employer chooses to conduct a background check that includes an education verification screening, it will show if the candidate graduated from high school.</p>
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</ul><p>Before conducting pre-employment background screenings, it’s beneficial for employers to understand how education verification works and what information these checks provide. A high school diploma is a necessary qualification for many industries and roles, especially in the public sector. Conducting a high school diploma background check verifies the academic credentials listed on the candidate’s application or resume are valid so you can better understand their qualifications for the role.</p>
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<p>An education verification can show a candidate’s entire educational history, including if a high school diploma was earned, the high schools attended, and the dates the candidate attended those schools. High school diplomas can show up on background checks no matter how long ago the candidate received the diploma. However, a candidate’s grades usually don’t appear on an education background check, so if a candidate’s GPA is required for the position, you (or the candidate) should request a transcript from the candidate’s school district.</p>
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<p>A high school diploma background check is a type of education verification that confirms whether an individual earned a high school diploma or GED. The process verifies basic details like the school name, graduation date, and credential type.</p>
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<h2>Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checkr</h2>
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<p>Education verification typically occurs by contacting the high school registrar, checking with the school district, or using trusted verification databases like the<a></a><a>National Student Clearinghouse</a>. This process is also called diploma verification or education screening.</p>
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<p>Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself<a>here ></a></p>
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<p>The verification doesn't include grades, GPA, coursework, class rank, or disciplinary history. When a consumer reporting agency conducts the check, written authorization from the candidate is required under the<a>Fair Credit Reporting Act</a>(FCRA).</p>
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<p>To conduct an<a>education verification</a>check, employers may choose to either contact academic institutions directly or partner with a qualified consumer reporting agency (CRA), like Checkr, to perform the high school education background check on your behalf.</p>
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<p>Yes, education records can appear on a background check when an employer specifically requests education verification. Standard<a></a><a>criminal background checks</a>don't automatically include education history. An education verification check focuses on academic credentials. It confirms whether a diploma or GED was awarded and typically includes the school name and graduation date.</p>
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<p>Hiring a third-party background check provider offers several benefits over conducting an education background check yourself. First, CRAs easily navigate more burdensome resources on your behalf, such as the<a>National Student Clearinghouse</a>(NSC). Although employers may take advantage of the NSC’s verification services on their own, they may need to complete additional processes such as registration and audits that can be avoided by hiring a CRA to speed background check results.</p>
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<p>Education information comes from school records, not criminal databases. It won't appear on reports that only cover criminal history, driving records, or credit checks. Whether education data is included in a background check depends on what the employer requests: education verification can be ordered as an add-on service. This verification contacts the school or queries a trusted database to confirm:</p>
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<p>Second, background check providers manage the often time-consuming task of outreach to academic institutions, saving your team time and effort. During hiring, delays can cost you qualified candidates. Background check providers may also help resolve complications, such as international high school diplomas, that could otherwise delay the background check process - Checkr conducts<a>international education verifications</a>in over 200 countries.</p>
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<ul><li><b>Graduation status:</b>Whether the individual actually graduated</li>
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<p>Lastly, background check providers often<a>simplify compliance</a>with federal, state, and local regulations that may be challenging for HR teams to navigate. This helps employers more easily mitigate risk and reduce bias during hiring.</p>
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<li><b>School name:</b>The official name of the institution</li>
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<p>Checkr conducts education verification screenings by searching the NSC as the primary data source to confirm a candidate’s highest level of education completed. If the information is unavailable through industry databases, Checkr contacts the school’s registrar directly or the candidate may be required to submit proof of education.</p>
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<li><b>Graduation date:</b>When the diploma was awarded</li>
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<p>When hiring for positions that require a high school diploma background check, partnering with Checkr can help save you time and avoid delays in the hiring process. Checkr offers<a>education verification</a>as one of many screening options in a comprehensive background check. No matter your business size, Checkr offers simple pricing, built-in compliance tools, and easy-to-read reports to help you hire efficiently and confidently.</p>
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<li><b>Credential type:</b>Regular diploma or GED</li>
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<h2>Join 100,000+ employers running faster background checks with Checkr</h2>
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</ul><p>When education verification isn't included in the background check package, diplomas or GEDs won't appear on the report.</p>
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<p>Not an employer? Run a background check on yourself<a>here ></a></p>
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<p>Employers verify high school diplomas to confirm that candidates meet minimum job requirements. Many positions list high school completion as a basic qualification because certain roles require fundamental reading, writing, and math skills.</p>
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<p>Verification helps reduce hiring based on inaccurate education claims. Some candidates may exaggerate or falsify their educational background, and verification often catches these discrepancies before hiring decisions are made.</p>
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<p>This process also supports workplace fairness and transparency. When candidates’ reported education matches official records, hiring files remain accurate, and discrepancies can be resolved with documentation.</p>
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<p>Employers typically verify high school diplomas using the following process.</p>
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<p>Written permission is obtained from the candidate before any education verification begins. Consent is captured through a disclosure and authorization form that complies with<a>FCRA requirements</a>.</p>
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<p>Information collected typically includes the high school name, city or district, graduation date, and any alternate names the person used while enrolled. Additional identifiers may include date of birth and partial Social Security number.</p>
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<p>Verification happens by contacting the high school registrar directly or querying verification databases. If the school has closed, records are often held by the district, state archive, or designated custodian.</p>
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<p>The verification service compares the candidate's information to school records, checking name variations, graduation dates, and diploma type. The process confirms whether a credential was issued and returns the official details.</p>
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<p>When records don't align with the application, the candidate can provide clarification or documentation like a copy of their diploma, official transcript, or proof of a legal name change.</p>
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<p>A diploma verification report confirms basic graduation information but doesn't include academic performance details. Here's what employers typically receive:</p>
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<h2>Included information</h2>
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<ul><li>Graduation status</li>
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<li>School name</li>
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<li>Graduation date</li>
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<li>Diploma type (regular or GED)</li>
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</ul><h2>Not included</h2>
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<ul><li>GPA or grades</li>
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<li>Disciplinary records</li>
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<li>Attendance records</li>
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<li>Course transcripts</li>
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</ul><p>The included information is returned when the school or database can successfully match the candidate's identifiers. Items that aren’t included on a verification report may require separate processes.</p>
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<p>Lying about your high school diploma is considered falsifying application information. Common examples include claiming graduation without completing requirements, listing the wrong school, or submitting fake documents.</p>
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<p>When a candidate’s dishonesty is discovered before hiring, employers may withdraw the job offer. If found after hiring, potential consequences could include termination, demotion, or removal from promotion consideration.</p>
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<p>Potential outcomes include:</p>
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<ul><li><b>Personnel file notation:</b>Policy violations and "not eligible for rehire" status</li>
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<li><b>Professional impact:</b>Potential references may not recommend the candidate due to falsified information</li>
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<li><b>Industry consequences:</b>Candidates may not be eligible for future roles requiring clearances or licenses</li>
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<li><b>Legal exposure:</b>Forged documents can lead to civil or criminal processes</li>
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</ul><p>Not all discrepancies indicate dishonesty-name changes, school closures, and data entry errors can cause mismatches. Candidates can resolve legitimate errors by providing proper documentation and disputing inaccuracies with the background check provider who conducted the report.</p>
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<p>Costs vary by background check provider, data sources, and the location of records. Pricing commonly includes a service fee plus any pass-through charges from schools or districts.</p>
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<p>The turnaround time for an education verification check depends on how records are stored and accessed. Database confirmations often return results the same day, while contracting a registrar may take several business days.</p>
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<p>Factors that can affect cost and timing include:</p>
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<ul><li><b>School participation:</b>Whether the institution uses electronic verification systems</li>
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<li><b>Record age:</b>Older records may be stored off-site or archived</li>
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<li><b>School status:</b>Closed or merged schools require additional research</li>
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<li><b>Accuracy of information:</b>Incomplete identifiers can extend timelines</li>
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</ul><p>Checkr offers<a></a><a>education verification</a>with competitive turnaround times as part of comprehensive screening packages.</p>
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<p>Staying compliant with regulations while running education verification checks centers on the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Clear policies document when employers may order background checks and how decisions may be made.</p>
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<p>Under the FCRA, employers must provide candidates with a clear, standalone disclosure explaining their intent to run a background check. The disclosure explains that a background check including education verification may be obtained. Employers must also obtain written consent from the candidate before ordering the check.</p>
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<p>Key compliance requirements for running a background check include:</p>
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<ul><li><b>Permissible purpose:</b>Use reports only for employment decisions like hiring or promotion.</li>
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<li><b>Accurate procedures:</b>Provide complete personal identifiers to reduce mismatches.</li>
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<li><b>Adverse action process:</b>Follow proper notice requirements when taking negative hiring action.</li>
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<li><b>Dispute rights:</b>Allow candidates to dispute inaccurate information in their reports.</li>
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<li><b>Data security:</b>Protect personal information during access and storage.</li>
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</ul><p>Record retention policies define how long disclosures, reports, and decisions are kept, followed by secure disposal of data when that information is no longer needed.</p>
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<p>Yes, GED completion appears on verification reports just like traditional diplomas, confirming the candidate met their graduation requirements through alternative testing.</p>
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<p>Yes, individuals can use Checkr's<a></a><a>personal background check service</a>to view what education information employers may see during screening.</p>
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<p>No, education verification only confirms graduation status, school name, and graduation date-not academic performance or specific grades.</p>
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<p>Most healthcare employers verify education credentials as part of standard hiring processes to determine that candidates meet minimum qualifications for patient care roles.</p>
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<p>Checkr supports high school diploma background checks by verifying graduation status with schools, districts, and databases. Reports include structured information like institution name, graduation status, and graduation date.</p>
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<p>Coverage includes US high schools and<a></a><a>GED records</a>, with direct outreach when electronic records aren't available. Checkr’s platform integrates with existing HR systems and provides clear documentation for hiring decisions.</p>
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<p>Working with Checkr to run<a>employment background checks</a>helps streamline education verification while maintaining compliance with federal regulations.<a>Get started</a>with Checkr to run comprehensive background checks that include education verification.</p>
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<h2>Start running business background checks</h2>
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<p>Order personal background checks<a>here ></a></p>
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<h4>About the author</h4>
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<h4>About the author</h4>
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<p>As Chief Product Officer at Checkr, Denise is responsible for leading the product vision, teams, and roadmap to deliver customer delight and innovation while advancing our mission of building a fairer future. Denise brings a relentless focus on customer success, adoption, and innovation to meet our customers’ needs.</p>
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<p>Checkr is the data platform that powers safe and fair decisions. We’re a technology company that helps our customers assess risk, modernize hiring, and cultivate trusted relationships in their workplaces and communities.</p>