Yes, you should list your high school diploma on your resume, especially if you do not have a college degree. Adding it shows employers you have completed basic education. This article explains exactly how to list your high school diploma on a resume so it helps you get hired.
Where to Place Your High School Diploma on a Resume
Put your high school diploma in the Education section of your resume. If you have never attended college, the Education section should be the first section after your contact information and summary. List your high school entry first, then any other training or certifications.
If you are currently in college or have a college degree, place your college education above your high school diploma. In that case, you can either omit high school entirely or list it below your college entry. Most employers care more about your highest degree.
How to Format Your High School Diploma Entry
Basic Format
Use a clear and consistent format. Write the full name of your high school, city and state, the type of diploma, and the graduation date. For example: “Central High School, Springfield, IL — High School Diploma, June 2024.”
If you graduated with honors, add that next to the diploma type, such as “High School Diploma (Honors).” Keep the entry brief and professional.
When to Include a GED
If you earned a GED instead of a traditional diploma, list it the same way. Write “GED” as the credential with the date you received it. You can also mention the institution where you completed the GED program if relevant.
If You Are Still in High School
If you are currently a high school student, list your expected graduation date. For example: “Expected High School Diploma, June 2027.” This tells employers you are still completing your education.
Should You Omit High School from Your Resume?
Knowing when to remove high school from your resume can make your application stronger. The table below helps you decide based on your situation.
| Your Situation | Include High School? |
|---|---|
| No college degree and less than 5 years of work experience | Yes |
| Currently enrolled in college (even without a degree yet) | Yes, but place below college |
| Have an associate, bachelor’s, or higher degree | Usually no |
| Long gap in education or work history | Yes, to show completion |
Here are four situations when you should include your high school diploma:
- You have no college degree or other higher education.
- You graduated high school within the past two or three years.
- The job posting requires a high school diploma or equivalent.
- You had a high GPA or earned honors that set you apart.
On the other hand, omit high school if you already have a college degree and several years of professional experience. Employers assume you finished high school, so listing it takes up valuable space.
Additional Tips for Listing High School Diploma
If you decide to include high school, strengthen the entry with relevant details. Add your GPA if it is 3.5 or higher. Mention any advanced placement (AP) courses, honors classes, or dual-enrollment credits that relate to the job.
Include extracurricular activities only if they show leadership or skills for the role. For example, being captain of a sports team demonstrates teamwork. Being treasurer of a club shows financial responsibility.
Do not list every single activity. Choose one or two that match the job description.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is using the words “High School Diploma“ as a section header. Instead, use the standard heading “Education.” Another mistake is including your high school address or your date of birth — those details are not needed and may raise bias concerns.
Avoid writing long descriptions about your high school experience. Employers want to see that you have the credential, not a story about your prom. Keep it clean and simple.
Do not lie about graduation dates or claim to have a diploma if you do not. Background checks can catch dishonesty, and it will hurt your chances.
Summary
Listing your high school diploma on a resume is simple if you follow the rules. Put it in the Education section, format it clearly, and include it only when it adds value. If you have a college degree, you can usually skip high school. For everyone else, a well-placed high school diploma entry shows you meet basic education standards and are ready for the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I list my high school diploma on a resume if I have no work experience?
Place the Education section at the top of your resume and include your high school name, location, diploma type, and graduation date. You can also add any honors, relevant coursework, or activities that show skills.
Should I include my high school diploma if I have a college degree?
Usually you do not need to include high school if you have a college degree. Employers assume you completed high school. Only list it if the job specifically asks for it or if your college education is incomplete.
How do I list a GED on a resume?
List your GED the same way as a high school diploma. Write the name of the institution that issued the GED, your city and state, and the year you received it. Use “GED” as the credential type.
What if I didn’t graduate but earned a GED?
You still list the GED as your high school equivalent. Treat it exactly like a diploma. Do not mention that you did not graduate from high school, because the GED is the accepted equivalent.
Is it okay to omit high school if I have 10 years of work experience?
Yes, if you have a college degree or enough professional experience, you can omit high school. But if you have no college degree, include it even if you have many years of experience. Hiring managers still want to see that you completed basic education.
