A high school degree is most commonly called a high school diploma on a resume. You may also see it listed as a secondary education diploma or simply high school education. Knowing the right term helps employers quickly understand your background.
What Exactly Should You Call It?
On a resume, the standard name is “High School Diploma.” If you earned a General Educational Development (GED) certificate, you should write “GED” or “High School Equivalency.” No matter which name you use, avoid abbreviations like “HS” unless you have very little space.
Most employers and college admissions officers expect to see “High School Diploma” or “GED.” Using the correct term shows you understand professional norms. It also helps automated resume systems (applicant tracking systems) recognize your education.
How to List Your High School Degree on a Resume
Place your education section near the top if you graduated within the last few years. If you have work experience, put it after your work history. Here is the basic format:
- School name – Full official name of your high school
- Location – City and state (or country if outside the US)
- Degree – “High School Diploma” or “GED”
- Graduation date – Month and year (e.g., June 2024)
- GPA (optional) – Include only if it is 3.0 or higher
- Honors and activities – National Honor Society, sports, clubs, or awards
Here is an example of how it might look:
| Section | Example |
|---|---|
| School | Lincoln High School |
| Location | Portland, Oregon |
| Degree | High School Diploma |
| Graduation Date | June 2025 |
| GPA | 3.5 |
| Honors | National Honor Society, Varsity Soccer |
When Should You Include High School on Your Resume?
If you are a current high school student or recent graduate (within the last 3–5 years), include your high school education. After you gain some college credits or work experience, you can move high school lower on the page or remove it.
Once you have an associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree, employers care less about high school. In that case, you can omit it altogether. However, if you earned honors or a notable award in high school, you may still want to mention it briefly.
What If You Didn’t Graduate?
If you did not finish high school, you have options. You can list the years attended and write “Some high school” or “In progress” if you are still working toward a GED. Some employers accept a GED as equivalent to a diploma. On your resume, simply write “GED” under the education section.
Remember that many community colleges and trade schools accept GED holders. As of 2026, the GED remains widely recognized by employers and colleges across the United States.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not list your high school if you graduated more than ten years ago unless you have very little other education. Also avoid writing “High School Graduate” – it is redundant. Stick to “High School Diploma.”
Another mistake is leaving out the graduation date. Employers use it to gauge your career stage. If you are a recent grad, include the month and year. If you have been out of school for a while, only the year is fine.
Bullet Point Summary of Key Tips
- Use “High School Diploma” or “GED” – never abbreviate
- Include your school’s full name and location
- Add your graduation date (month and year if recent)
- List GPA only if it helps your application (3.0 or higher)
- Mention honors, awards, and leadership roles
- Remove high school once you have a college degree or several years of work experience
Final Practical Summary
Listing your high school degree correctly on a resume is simple. Use “High School Diploma” as the official name. If you earned a GED, write “GED” or “High School Equivalency.” Place your education in the right section, include relevant details like graduation date and honors, and remove it once you have more advanced credentials. Following these tips will help your resume look professional and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include high school on my resume if I have a college degree?
If you have a college degree, you can usually leave high school off your resume. Employers care more about your college education and work experience.
What is the difference between a high school diploma and a GED on a resume?
A high school diploma shows you completed a four‑year program, while a GED certifies that you passed an equivalency test. Both are acceptable, but you list them differently: “High School Diploma” vs. “GED.”
Can I just say “high school graduate” instead of using the official name?
It is better to use the exact term “High School Diploma” or “GED.” “High school graduate” is vague and may not be recognized by automated resume systems.
What if I dropped out of high school? What should I write?
If you left high school before graduating, you can list the years attended and write “Some high school” or “In progress toward GED.” If you later earn a GED, list that instead.
Do I need to include my high school GPA on a resume?
Only include your GPA if it is 3.0 or higher and you are a recent graduate. For experienced professionals, GPA is not necessary.
