People who have earned or are pursuing a General Educational Development (GED) certificate often wonder if employers check for this credential during the hiring process.
In the current competitive employment landscape, employers routinely assess prospective employees through background investigations.
A crucial aspect of these checks is the evaluation of an individual’s educational history, particularly the attainment of a high school diploma or its equivalent.
If you want to earn your GED, you can try out online learning with Prepsaret’s GED Test Prep.
Reasons Why You Should Get a GED
A GED diploma is an important credential for individuals who have not completed their traditional high school education.
It serves as a valuable alternative, providing them with the opportunity to demonstrate their academic proficiency and open doors to further education and employment opportunities.
Here are some key reasons why getting a GED can be beneficial:
- Improved job opportunities: Many employers require at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Having a GED opens up more job options and can make you a more competitive candidate.
- Pathway to higher education: A GED allows you to apply to colleges, universities, and vocational programs. It’s a stepping stone to furthering your education and career prospects.
- Personal achievement and confidence: Earning your GED is an accomplishment to be proud of. It can boost your self-esteem and confidence in your abilities.
- Increased knowledge: Studying for the GED helps you gain knowledge in core subjects like math, science, social studies, and language arts. This knowledge is valuable in many aspects of life.
- Higher earning potential: On average, GED holders earn more than those without a high school credential. According to statistics, GED recipients can earn $9,000 more per year than those without a diploma.
- Setting a positive example: If you have children or younger siblings, getting your GED shows them the importance of education and perseverance.
- Military enlistment: Many branches of the military accept a GED for enlistment, though some may have additional requirements.
- Faster than returning to high school: For those who left high school, getting a GED can be a quicker path to a credential than re-enrolling in traditional high school.
- Personal growth: The process of studying for and obtaining a GED can help develop valuable skills like time management, discipline, and goal-setting.
Additionally, a GED can improve important life skills and boost your confidence, ultimately setting you up for success in both personal and professional endeavors. Learn how to get a GED.
How to Prepare for the GED Test
To prepare for the GED test, it is essential to adopt a multifaceted approach. While not compulsory, it is highly advisable to thoroughly prepare for this demanding assessment.
A good starting point is to explore various study materials available at libraries and bookstores. These resources often include practice tests that help gauge readiness for the exam, allowing you to identify areas that require additional focus.
Other valuable resources are the GED Study Guides which offers essential information to aid in effective preparation. This page can help you develop a personalized study plan and stay on track throughout your preparation journey.
You can choose to take our Free Questions in one subject, multiple subjects, or all subjects. One of the key advantages of the practice test questions is its ability to accurately mimic the actual test.
By incorporating these strategies into your preparation routine, you can significantly improve your chances of success on the GED test.
How Do Employers Check GED Credentials?
To join the workforce, one of the most common prerequisites is successfully earning either a GED certificate or a high school diploma. Potential employers may use various methods to verify an applicant’s high school education, including the approaches outlined below:
Request for Documentation
When evaluating a candidate’s qualifications, one of the most effective methods is to request a copy of their diploma. This simple step can provide valuable insight into the authenticity of their educational background.
If a candidate is unable to produce a copy of their diploma or degree, it is essential to contact the educational institution from which they claim to have graduated to verify the information.
Using a fake diploma to obtain a position that the applicant would not otherwise qualify for is considered fraud, and if a candidate’s diploma is found to be a forgery, it can lead to immediate rejection from the hiring process.
Verifying educational credentials is a crucial step in the hiring process that can help employers make informed decisions and maintain the integrity of their organizations.
Third-Party Verification
When hiring, employers often use third-party services to confirm applicants’ high school education and screen candidates. One such service is the Education Verification Background Checks.
This helps them identify any candidates who may have embellished or falsified information on their resumes. In other words, job seekers need to be completely truthful about their academic history and where they graduated from.
If you went by a different name at any point during your education, it’s best to include that information upfront as well, as having already disclosed an alternate name will prevent any unnecessary concerns or complications if it’s uncovered during the background check.
Being honest about your background is crucial when applying for jobs – trying to cover up or misrepresent any part of your educational history is unwise and could jeopardize your chances of getting hired, as employers want to know they can trust the information you provide.
Providing accurate information, including any alternate names, will help the employer verify your credentials efficiently and give you the best chance of moving forward in the hiring process.
Probing Questions
Employers may directly inquire about the candidate’s qualifications during the interview process. In some cases, there may be minimal or no prior screening of the applicant’s background and skills.
Instead, the company may rely on interview questions to gauge the candidate’s level of knowledge and expertise relevant to the position they are seeking. This assessment could be as straightforward as an online test or questionnaire.
Related post: How can an employer verify a GED?
Do Employers Need a Candidate’s Permission?
If a potential employer wants to conduct a background check or verify a job candidate’s educational history, they will need to obtain the candidate’s written consent first.
Many schools also do not allow employers to directly contact them regarding current or former students, so the candidate will need to provide proof of their attendance and/or graduation.
Candidates may choose to request certified transcripts from the schools they attended, which can demonstrate the specific courses they took and help validate the information on their resume.
The process of verifying a candidate’s background and educational history requires close cooperation between the employer, the candidate, and the educational institutions involved, with the necessary permissions and documentation being an important step in the hiring process.
The Information Employers Usually Obtain During Background Checks
An employer can gather a significant amount of information about you during the hiring process, including details about your employment history, credit history, driving records, and criminal records.
When an employer uses a third-party service to conduct a background check, the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) ensures the process is lawful and protects your rights as a job applicant.
Employers must notify you in writing and obtain your written permission if they want to obtain a report on your credit history.
By understanding these FCRA regulations, you can be aware of your rights and ensure that any employer background checks are conducted fairly and transparently.
Credit Check
A credit check provides potential employers with a wealth of personal information about a job applicant, including their current and past addresses, social security number, and detailed financial data such as credit card debt, student loans, car payments, mortgages, late payments, and defaulted loans.
Fortunately, U.S. consumers are entitled to receive a free copy of their credit report from the three major credit bureaus – TransUnion, Experian, and Equifax – once every 12 months, allowing them to review the information that may be shared with prospective employers during the hiring process.
Criminal Record
State laws differ in terms of the criminal history information employers can access. Some states prohibit inquiries about incidents that occurred before a specific time in the past.
Given the variation in regulations across states, it’s advisable to consult with your state’s Department of Labor to understand what a prospective employer can and cannot check regarding your criminal background.
Employment Verification
Employers frequently verify the employment history provided in your resume to ensure the information is accurate. This typically involves confirming the companies you’ve worked for, your job titles, and your compensation.
To comply with this process, you should include contact details for your previous employers. It’s crucial to never misrepresent or lie about any details in your resume, as that would be unethical and could jeopardize your chances of being hired.
How to Obtain GED Records
In the United States, high school equivalency testing is conducted through two exams: the GED (General Education Development) and the HiSET (High School Equivalency Test).
The successful completion of both exams results in the state’s HSE (High School Equivalency) diploma. Whether you need a copy or transcript of your own GED diploma or records, or you are verifying an applicant’s GED credential, the following steps must be followed:
- Determine the state where the GED diploma was earned
- Visit that state’s adult education website to learn about their records request policies, and if the transcript is not for yourself, obtain written consent from the GED diploma holder.
- Some states offer online request forms, and generally, states will require you to submit the GED holder’s full name, date of birth, signature, Social Security Number, and the mailing or email address for verification.
Most states have a turnaround time of just 24 hours, but it’s best to request as early as possible. Note that only verification of the GED credential and the date it was earned will be provided, as scores are protected by privacy regulations.
Read more: HiSET vs GED
Frequent Issues with GED Records
Requesting GED records can sometimes be challenging due to varying state guidelines for storing and accessing these records.
While states have historically managed GED records independently, many are now transitioning this responsibility to GED Testing Service and their partner, Parchment Services.
The ease of accessing GED records also depends on the testing date, with recent records likely stored digitally and older records found in less searchable physical archives.
To retrieve older records, providing detailed information, such as previous names, is crucial. Be prepared for potential delays, as fulfilling requests for older records may take several weeks.
Challenges of GED Credential Verification
Many employers opt to skip education verification checks due to various drawbacks, such as:
- Inaccuracy issues: Incomplete or incorrect student numbers and name variations often result in inaccurate education verification.
- Inaccessibility issues: Many educational institutions have policies that prevent third parties from accessing current or former students’ records.
- Incomplete results: Education verification checks often lack information about a candidate’s GPA or honors.
- Time-consuming process: Verifying educational backgrounds can take several weeks because of slow degree-posting procedures and school closures.
Before starting the education verification process, determine the required education level for your job opening and be aware of privacy regulations imposed by the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which protects specific student records.
FAQs
Do Employers Care about a GED?
Employers generally accept a GED as equivalent to a high school diploma. While some may prefer candidates with traditional diplomas, many value skills, experience, and qualifications over the type of credential.
The acceptance of a GED can vary by industry and job role, with some positions emphasizing education more than others. For jobs requiring advanced education or specialized skills, further credentials or experience may be necessary.
Overall, a GED demonstrates a commitment to completing one’s education, which is often appreciated by employers.
Do Employers Ask to See Diplomas?
Employers typically do not ask to see diplomas directly but may require proof of education through transcripts or verification checks.
While some jobs, especially in academia, healthcare, and certain technical fields, might request to see a diploma, most employers rely on official transcripts or third-party verification services to confirm educational credentials.
It’s more common for employers to verify education as part of the background check process rather than asking for a physical diploma. In professional environments, employers prioritize relevant experience and skills over physical proof of diplomas.
How do you Verify if a GED is Real?
To verify if a GED is real, contact the issuing state’s Department of Education or the official GED Testing Service. You can request verification through their online verification systems or by submitting a formal verification request, often requiring a signed release form from the GED holder.
Additionally, use the Life After GED Page, where available, which provides electronic transcripts and verifications. Always check for official seals and signatures on the document, and cross-reference with the issuing institution’s records to ensure authenticity.
How Many Employers Verify Education?
Most employers verify education, especially for positions requiring specific degrees or professional certifications. According to surveys, around 50-60% of employers conduct education verification as part of their hiring process.
This practice helps ensure candidates have the qualifications they claim, mitigating risks of hiring unqualified individuals. However, the extent of verification can vary by industry, company size, and the role’s seniority.
Larger companies and those in highly regulated fields, such as healthcare or finance, are more likely to perform thorough checks. Smaller businesses or startups might be less stringent, depending more on skills and experience over formal education credentials.
How Can I Study for the GED Test With Prepsaret?
Prepsaret is an online platform that provides comprehensive GED preparation resources to help you succeed on the exam.
Prepsaret offers GED Test Prep resources that cover all 4 subject areas tested on the GED exam: Reasoning Through Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Each resource includes:
- Hundreds of practice questions with detailed explanations
- Customized study plans based on your strengths and weaknesses
- Simulated practice tests that mimic the actual GED exam
The resources are self-paced, so you can learn at your own speed and revisit materials as needed. Prepsaret’s expert instructors guide you through the content to ensure you fully understand the concepts.