Do High School Diplomas Show Up on Background Checks?

A high school diploma is a basic requirement for lots of roles, especially entry-level positions in the public sector. Diplomas reassure employers that candidates have the skills or knowledge necessary to do their job.

However, applicants can falsify credentials and lie about their educational history to meet application requirements. Background checks confirm information provided by applicants, but you may wonder if high school diplomas appear in the results. Learn about education verification, what it entails, and how it’s conducted.

What Is a High School Diploma Background Check?

A high school diploma check is a screening to verify a candidate’s education. As part of education verification, these checks are typically conducted by contacting the academic institution to verify the candidate’s name, attendance dates, and diploma issuance.

Employers may perform high school diploma checks for several reasons. A high school education assures employers that candidates possess the skills or knowledge necessary to perform certain tasks. Verifying that an applicant is honest about their education helps find the most qualified and trustworthy candidates and upholds the integrity of the hiring process.

How Do They Work?

High school diploma checks are conducted by contacting academic institutions directly or partnering with a consumer reporting agency (CRA) to verify education on the employer’s behalf.

To conduct the check, simply provide the candidate’s information to the relevant academic institution, and they will complete the verification process. While the process is simple, employers can occasionally run into obstacles.

Sometimes the information the candidate provides is inaccurate. For example, if someone graduated under a name different from the one they currently go by, you won’t find their records without added information. Additionally, some institutions only allow former students to access information.

Verifying international education can be troublesome. Ensure the credentials received by these institutions are equivalent to those required for the position. It can also be easier to falsify records from foreign institutions.

Diploma mills are another worry when verifying education. These organizations offer certificates for a fee. Some mills require very little coursework, while others outright sell fake diplomas. Ensure the candidate’s institution has legitimate accreditation.

Bypass these complications by teaming with a CRA like ScoutLogic, who will verify high school diplomas through the registrar’s office. To verify higher learning institutions, CRAs contact them directly or use the National Student Clearinghouse.

Background check companies save employers time and energy. They help resolve complications and maintain compliance with applicable regulations that may be difficult for HR teams to navigate. Outsourcing background checks to third parties can increase accuracy and mitigate bias risk.

In addition, if you need to conduct more searches, partnering with a CRA can streamline the process. CRAs can perform multiple checks, such as criminal history, work experience, and credit history, allowing you to receive the essential information you need to make hiring decisions.

Do High School Diplomas Show Up on Background Checks?

If an employer decides to conduct a background check that includes education verification, the results will show if the candidate received a high school diploma. Education verification shows a candidate’s entire educational history, including institution names, attendance dates, and certificates awarded, so high school diplomas will appear regardless of how long ago they were awarded..

While education verification checks yield essential information about a candidate’s schooling, they don’t provide their grades. If a position requires GPA information, a transcript must be requested from the school in question.

What’s Typically Not Shown on a High School Diploma Check?

• GPA: Grades do not appear on background checks.
• Coursework: The classes an applicant took do not appear on background checks.
• Disciplinary records: An applicant’s disciplinary records do not appear on background checks unless severe incidents occurred.

Employers are primarily concerned with whether or not an applicant graduated from high school, rather than the coursework they studied or how well they did in these classes.

Why Should Employers Verify High School Diplomas?

Minimum Qualification

Several jobs require a high school diploma as a minimum qualification, especially entry-level positions. This certificate ensures that a candidate has completed a basic level of education and possesses essential skills or knowledge. Verifying high school diplomas ensures a candidate meets the minimum requirements for the position.

Information Verification

Employers prefer to hire applicants who are honest about their qualifications. If an applicant falsifies one aspect of their qualifications, it creates uncertainty about their other qualifications. Verifying education ensures that an applicant’s information is accurate and that they hold the skills and knowledge they claim to have.

Affordability

Many employers who skip education history checks do so to cut down on expenses. However, background checks are relatively inexpensive. The cost of these checks depends on multiple factors, but employers can save big when screening multiple candidates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Employers Really Check High School Diplomas?

Yes, employers typically conduct high school diploma checks as part of the hiring process. These checks ensure applicants meet the minimum requirements and are common for entry-level positions. Employers may verify diplomas through background checks, especially in roles where a high school education is legally required or considered essential for job performance.

Final Thoughts

High school diplomas appear on background checks, though complications with the results can arise, such as inaccurate applicant information and falsified credentials. These circumstances can make the verification process tedious and troublesome.

Streamline education verification with ScoutLogic. Our background checks save you time while staying within your budget. Find the right personnel with our efficient and stress-free screening services. Contact us today to learn more about our education verification services or to book a free assessment.

David Garcia

David Garcia, co-founder and CEO of Scout Logic, is an industry leader in the bulk background check world. With his strategic acumen and expertise in the HR sphere, specifically in hiring, recruiting, legal compliance, background checks, and resume screening, he’s an invaluable asset and consultant.

David's counsel extends across the boards of ScoutLogic, YipitData, and Supplier.io, drawing from his impactful stints on the boards of Infutor and Avetta. With an extensive 25-year journey, he champions unparalleled B2B commercial leadership within data & analytics, significantly shaping the HR landscape.