Listing a GED on a Resume: The Complete Guide to Presenting Your High School Equivalency Credential
A GED (General Education Development) credential represents a significant educational achievement that opens doors to career opportunities and higher education. Whether you earned your GED to pursue your career goals, overcome personal challenges, or simply take an alternative path to completing your education, you should feel confident presenting this credential on your resume. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about listing your GED effectively, positioning it strategically, and presenting your educational background in the best possible light.
Understanding the GED and Its Value in the Job Market
What Is the GED and Why Does It Matter?
The GED, which stands for General Educational Development, is a high school equivalency credential that demonstrates you possess academic knowledge and skills equivalent to those of a high school graduate. The GED test consists of four subjects: Mathematical Reasoning, Reasoning Through Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. Passing all four tests shows employers that you have the foundational academic skills needed for many entry-level positions and beyond.
The GED credential is recognized across all 50 states, U.S. territories, and many countries around the world. According to the American Council on Education, which administers the GED program, approximately 20 million people have earned their GED since the program’s inception in 1942. Many of these individuals have gone on to successful careers in diverse fields, proving that the path you take to complete your education doesn’t determine your ultimate success.
How Employers View GED Credentials
One common concern among job seekers is whether employers view GEDs differently from traditional high school diplomas. The reality is encouraging: most employers treat a GED as equivalent to a high school diploma because, legally and academically, it is equivalent. When job postings state “high school diploma or equivalent required,” your GED satisfies this requirement completely.
Research indicates that employers are primarily interested in your ability to do the job well. Your educational background is just one factor they consider, and for most positions, demonstrating relevant skills, experience, and a strong work ethic matters far more than whether you attended a traditional high school. By presenting your GED professionally and confidently, you signal to employers that you’re proud of your accomplishments and ready to contribute to their organization.
How to Format Your GED on a Resume: Multiple Approaches
The Standard Professional Format
The most common and widely accepted way to list your GED on a resume follows this structure:
EDUCATION
GED (General Education Development)
State Department of Education, City, State
Completed: Month YearThis format provides all necessary information without unnecessary detail. It clearly states the credential, the issuing authority, and when you completed it. For example:
EDUCATION
GED (General Education Development)
New York State Education Department, Albany, NY
Completed: June 2022The Simplified Format
If you have limited space or want to keep your education section concise, especially when you have substantial work experience, you can use a more streamlined approach:
EDUCATION
GED, New York, 2022This minimal format works well when your experience is the primary focus of your resume and education is secondary. It provides the essential information without taking up valuable space that could be used to highlight your professional accomplishments.
The Enhanced Format for High Achievers
If you scored exceptionally well on your GED tests, consider highlighting this achievement:
EDUCATION
GED with Honors/College-Ready Designation
State Department of Education, City, State
Completed: Month Year
- Scored in the 90th percentile
- College-Ready designation in all subjectsThe GED program awards special designations based on your scores. A standard passing score demonstrates high school equivalency, while higher scores can earn you the GED College Ready designation (scores of 165-174) or GED College Ready + Credit designation (scores of 175 and above). These higher designations can strengthen your educational credentials significantly.
Alternative Terms and Terminology
Depending on your state and when you earned your credential, you might use different terminology:
- High School Equivalency Diploma (HSE): Some states use this term instead of GED
- High School Equivalency Certificate: Another common variation
- General Educational Development Diploma: The full formal name
- HiSET or TASC: Alternative high school equivalency tests used in some states
Use whatever terminology matches your actual credential, and be prepared to explain if asked during an interview.
Strategic Placement: Where Your GED Belongs on Your Resume
Placement for Entry-Level Job Seekers
If you’re just starting your career or have limited work experience, your education section typically appears near the top of your resume, directly after your professional summary or objective statement. In this position, your GED demonstrates that you meet the basic educational requirements for the position.
For entry-level candidates, a sample resume structure might look like this:
[Contact Information]
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
[2-3 sentences about your skills and goals]
EDUCATION
GED (General Education Development)
State Department of Education, City, State
Completed: Month Year
- Any relevant coursework or achievements
SKILLS
[Relevant skills]
WORK EXPERIENCE
[Jobs, internships, or volunteer work]Placement for Experienced Professionals
As you gain professional experience, your education becomes less central to your candidacy. After accumulating several years of relevant work experience, move your education section toward the bottom of your resume. Your professional accomplishments, skills, and experience tell your story more effectively than your educational background at this stage.
For experienced professionals, structure your resume like this:
[Contact Information]
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
[2-3 sentences highlighting experience and achievements]
WORK EXPERIENCE
[Detailed professional experience]
SKILLS
[Technical and soft skills]
CERTIFICATIONS
[Professional certifications]
EDUCATION
GED, State, YearWhen You Have Additional Education
If you’ve pursued education beyond your GED—whether college courses, an associate’s degree, a bachelor’s degree, or professional certifications—list your highest or most relevant credential first:
EDUCATION
Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting
Community College Name, City, State
Graduated: May 2024
GPA: 3.7
GED (General Education Development)
State Department of Education
Completed: 2020Once you complete a higher degree, you can often omit the GED entirely, as your advanced credential supersedes it. However, keeping it can demonstrate your educational journey and personal growth.
When to Include or Exclude Your GED
Situations Where You Should Include Your GED
Include your GED when:
-
It’s your highest educational credential: If the GED is your only formal educational achievement, include it to satisfy basic educational requirements.
-
The job requires high school completion: Many positions explicitly require a high school diploma or equivalent. Your GED satisfies this requirement.
-
You’re applying for entry-level positions: Early in your career, education plays a larger role in your candidacy.
-
You earned it recently and are proud of the achievement: If completing your GED represents a significant accomplishment in your life, include it confidently.
-
You scored exceptionally well: High scores or special designations strengthen your educational credentials.
-
The application specifically asks about high school education: Be honest and complete in your application materials.
Situations Where You Might Omit Your GED
Consider leaving out your GED when:
-
You have a college degree: An associate’s, bachelor’s, or higher degree typically supersedes the need to list high school credentials.
-
You have extensive professional experience: After 10+ years of relevant experience, employers focus on your track record, not how you completed high school.
-
The job doesn’t require educational credentials: Some positions prioritize skills and experience over formal education.
-
Space is limited and you need to prioritize other information: On a one-page resume, every line matters.
Addressing Common Concerns About Listing a GED
GED vs. High School Diploma: Being Honest
Never misrepresent your educational background. If you have a GED rather than a traditional high school diploma, don’t claim otherwise. Background checks can reveal educational discrepancies, and dishonesty can result in job offer rescission or termination.
Fortunately, you don’t need to hide your GED. When applications ask about high school education, acceptable responses include:
- “GED - Equivalent to High School Diploma”
- “High School Equivalency Diploma (GED)”
- Checking “yes” for “High school diploma or equivalent” questions
If an interviewer asks about your educational background, speak confidently about your GED. You might say something like: “I earned my GED in 2022, which allowed me to enter the workforce and gain valuable experience. I’m proud of that accomplishment, and I’ve continued learning through [certifications/courses/job training] since then.”
Addressing Employment Gaps During GED Completion
If you took time away from work to complete your GED, you can address this gap positively:
EDUCATION
GED (General Education Development)
State Department of Education, City, State
Completed: June 2022
- Dedicated full-time study while supporting family responsibilitiesOr in your cover letter, you might write: “After taking time to complete my GED while managing family obligations, I’m excited to re-enter the workforce with renewed focus and commitment to my career development.”
When You’re Currently Working Toward Your GED
If you’re still completing your GED, you can note your expected completion date:
EDUCATION
GED (General Education Development) - In Progress
Expected Completion: December 2025
- Completed 3 of 4 subject testsThis shows initiative and commitment to completing your education.
Enhancing Your Educational Profile Beyond the GED
Professional Certifications
Adding professional certifications significantly strengthens your educational background. Consider certifications relevant to your target industry:
- Information Technology: CompTIA A+, Network+, Security+
- Healthcare: Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant certification
- Business: Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma
- Trades: OSHA certifications, trade licenses
- Customer Service: Various customer service certifications
These credentials demonstrate current, job-relevant knowledge that many employers value highly.
Online Courses and Continuing Education
Document your commitment to learning through online courses:
CONTINUING EDUCATION
Google Data Analytics Certificate, Coursera, 2024
Excel Fundamentals, LinkedIn Learning, 2023
Customer Service Excellence, Udemy, 2023Online learning platforms offer accessible, affordable ways to build skills and demonstrate initiative to employers.
Community College Courses
Even if you haven’t completed a degree, individual college courses strengthen your educational profile:
EDUCATION
Coursework toward Associate of Science in Business
Community College Name, 2023-Present
- Completed 24 credits including Accounting I & II, Business Law
GED, State, 2022Vocational and Trade Training
Trade schools and vocational programs provide valuable, marketable skills:
EDUCATION
Electrical Apprenticeship Certificate
Trade School Name, 2024
GED, State, 2021Comprehensive Resume Examples
Example 1: Entry-Level Retail Position
MARIA GARCIA
(555) 123-4567 | [email protected] | Miami, FL
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Motivated and customer-focused individual seeking an entry-level retail position. Known for excellent communication skills, reliability, and ability to work effectively in fast-paced environments.
EDUCATION
GED (General Education Development)
Florida Department of Education, Miami, FL
Completed: March 2024
- Earned College-Ready designation in Mathematics
Customer Service Certification
Coursera, 2024
SKILLS
- Cash handling and POS systems
- Customer service excellence
- Inventory management
- Spanish/English bilingual
- Microsoft Office proficiency
WORK EXPERIENCE
Volunteer, Community Food Bank
Miami, FL | June 2023 - Present
- Assist with food distribution serving 200+ families weekly
- Organize inventory and maintain clean, safe environment
- Provide friendly customer service to diverse community membersExample 2: Experienced Administrative Professional
JAMES THOMPSON
(555) 987-6543 | [email protected] | Chicago, IL
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Detail-oriented administrative professional with 8+ years of experience supporting executive leadership and managing office operations. Proven ability to streamline processes, coordinate complex schedules, and maintain confidential information.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Executive Assistant
ABC Corporation, Chicago, IL | 2019 - Present
- Support C-suite executives with calendar management, travel arrangements, and correspondence
- Coordinate quarterly board meetings for 15+ board members
- Implemented new filing system that reduced document retrieval time by 40%
- Manage $50,000 annual department budget
Administrative Assistant
XYZ Company, Chicago, IL | 2016 - 2019
- Provided administrative support to team of 20+ sales professionals
- Processed expense reports and maintained accurate financial records
- Coordinated office events and meetings for up to 100 attendees
SKILLS
- Microsoft Office Suite (Expert level)
- Calendar and travel management
- Budget administration
- Confidential document handling
- Event coordination
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Administrative Professional (CAP), 2021
Microsoft Office Specialist, 2020
EDUCATION
GED, Illinois, 2015Example 3: Career Changer with GED and New Certification
SARAH WILLIAMS
(555) 456-7890 | [email protected] | Denver, CO
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Certified Medical Assistant transitioning from retail management to healthcare. Combines 5 years of customer service leadership with newly acquired clinical skills. Passionate about patient care and committed to ongoing professional development.
EDUCATION
Medical Assistant Diploma
Denver Technical College, Denver, CO
Graduated: May 2024
GPA: 3.8
GED (General Education Development)
Colorado Department of Education
Completed: 2018
- Scored in 95th percentile in Science
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), AAMA, 2024
BLS/CPR Certified, American Heart Association, 2024
CLINICAL SKILLS
- Patient intake and vital signs
- EKG administration
- Phlebotomy
- Electronic health records (Epic)
- Medical terminology
WORK EXPERIENCE
Retail Store Manager
Major Retail Chain, Denver, CO | 2018 - 2023
- Supervised team of 15 employees in high-volume retail environment
- Maintained 95% customer satisfaction scores
- Trained new employees on customer service protocols
CLINICAL EXTERNSHIP
Family Medical Practice, Denver, CO | Spring 2024
- Completed 160-hour externship assisting with patient care
- Gained experience with diverse patient populationBuilding Your Professional Presence Beyond Your Resume
While your resume is crucial, today’s job market often requires a broader professional presence. Consider building a portfolio that showcases your work, skills, and professional development. A platform like 0portfolio.com allows you to create a professional online presence that complements your resume and demonstrates your capabilities beyond what traditional documents can convey.
Your portfolio can include:
- Work samples: Examples of projects, reports, or work products
- Certifications: Digital badges and credential verifications
- Testimonials: Recommendations from supervisors, colleagues, or clients
- Professional bio: An expanded version of your story and career goals
- Skills demonstrations: Videos, presentations, or interactive content showing your abilities
This additional professional documentation helps employers see your full potential and can be particularly valuable when your formal educational background is limited.
Preparing to Discuss Your GED in Interviews
Confidence Is Key
If an interviewer asks about your educational background, respond with confidence. Employers appreciate candidates who are comfortable with their history and can articulate their path positively.
Sample response: “I earned my GED in 2022, which was an important milestone for me. It allowed me to enter the workforce and I’ve since completed additional training in [relevant area]. I’m a believer in lifelong learning and continue to develop my skills through [courses/certifications/on-the-job training].”
Focusing on Growth and Achievement
Frame your GED as part of your broader growth story:
Sample response: “I made the decision to earn my GED so I could focus on supporting my family while building my career. Since then, I’ve advanced from an entry-level position to [current role], earned my [certification], and consistently received positive performance reviews. My educational journey shows my determination and ability to achieve goals.”
Redirecting to Your Strengths
After briefly addressing your education, pivot to your relevant qualifications:
Sample response: “I have my GED plus two professional certifications in this field. What I’m most proud of, though, is my track record of [specific achievement]. In my current role, I [accomplishment with metrics].”
Conclusion: Your GED Is a Stepping Stone, Not a Stumbling Block
Your GED represents an important accomplishment—proof that you took initiative to complete your education and prepare yourself for career success. Whether you earned your GED to pursue immediate employment, overcome personal challenges, or create new opportunities, you should present this credential with confidence and pride.
Remember these key principles when listing your GED on your resume:
- Format it professionally using consistent styling with the rest of your education section
- Place it strategically based on your experience level and the job requirements
- Highlight special achievements like high scores or College-Ready designations when applicable
- Build upon it with certifications, courses, and additional training
- Speak about it confidently in interviews, focusing on your growth and achievements
The most successful professionals with GEDs don’t view their credential as a limitation—they see it as the foundation upon which they’ve built impressive careers. Your education section is just one part of your resume, and your skills, experience, and potential are what ultimately determine your success.
Continue investing in your professional development, showcase your accomplishments effectively, and approach your job search with confidence. Your GED got you started; your dedication and hard work will take you wherever you want to go.
