Background Checks for High School Diplomas

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.

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.

Education verification typically occurs by contacting the high school registrar, checking with the school district, or using trusted verification databases like the National Student Clearinghouse. This process is also called diploma verification or education screening.

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 Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).

Yes, education records can appear on a background check when an employer specifically requests education verification. Standard criminal background checks 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.

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:

When education verification isn't included in the background check package, diplomas or GEDs won't appear on the report.

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.

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.

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.

Employers typically verify high school diplomas using the following process.

Written permission is obtained from the candidate before any education verification begins. Consent is captured through a disclosure and authorization form that complies with FCRA requirements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A diploma verification report confirms basic graduation information but doesn't include academic performance details. Here's what employers typically receive:

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.

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.

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.

Potential outcomes include:

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.

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.

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.

Factors that can affect cost and timing include:

Checkr offers education verification with competitive turnaround times as part of comprehensive screening packages.

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.

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.

Key compliance requirements for running a background check include:

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.

Yes, GED completion appears on verification reports just like traditional diplomas, confirming the candidate met their graduation requirements through alternative testing.

Yes, individuals can use Checkr's personal background check service to view what education information employers may see during screening.

No, education verification only confirms graduation status, school name, and graduation date—not academic performance or specific grades.

Most healthcare employers verify education credentials as part of standard hiring processes to determine that candidates meet minimum qualifications for patient care roles.

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.

Coverage includes US high schools and GED records, with direct outreach when electronic records aren't available. Checkr’s platform integrates with existing HR systems and provides clear documentation for hiring decisions.

Working with Checkr to run employment background checks helps streamline education verification while maintaining compliance with federal regulations. Get started with Checkr to run comprehensive background checks that include education verification.

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