How to Write GED on a Resume: Examples and Best Practices

Introduction

If you've earned a General Educational Development (GED) credential, you may be wondering how to write GED on a resume in a way that looks professional and meets employer expectations. Fortunately, a GED is widely recognized as a high school equivalency credential and can help you qualify for jobs that require a high school diploma or equivalent.

Many job seekers are unsure whether they should list a GED on a resume, where it belongs, or how much information to include. Some worry that employers may view a GED differently than a traditional high school diploma. In reality, most employers simply want to verify that candidates meet the required educational qualifications.

Understanding how to write GED on a resume correctly can help you present your education confidently, improve your chances of passing applicant tracking systems (ATS), and create a stronger overall application. This guide covers everything you need to know, including formatting examples, placement tips, common mistakes, and resume best practices.

What Is a GED?

GED stands for General Educational Development. It is a credential awarded to individuals who pass a series of exams designed to demonstrate high school-level academic knowledge and skills.

The GED tests evaluate proficiency in:

Mathematical Reasoning
Reasoning Through Language Arts
Science
Social Studies

A GED serves as a recognized alternative to a traditional high school diploma and is accepted by employers, colleges, vocational schools, and military organizations throughout the United States.

For resume purposes, employers generally view a GED as meeting the same educational requirement as a high school diploma unless a specific credential is required by law or regulation.

Should You Put a GED on a Resume?

In most cases, yes.

If a GED is your highest completed educational credential, it should be included on your resume. Omitting it could make employers assume that you do not meet minimum education requirements.

Listing your GED can help:

Demonstrate educational achievement
Satisfy job requirements
Improve ATS keyword matching
Show commitment to professional growth
Increase credibility with employers

The key is presenting it professionally within your Education section.

Why Employers Care About Education on a Resume

While many hiring managers prioritize experience and skills, education still plays an important role in the hiring process.

Employers often review educational qualifications to:

Verify minimum requirements
Assess academic readiness
Evaluate commitment to self-improvement
Compare applicants consistently

For entry-level positions especially, education can significantly influence hiring decisions when candidates have limited work experience.

Because of this, learning how to write GED on a resume properly ensures employers immediately recognize that you meet educational requirements.

Where to Put a GED on a Resume

The best location depends on your experience level and overall resume structure.

Education Section

For most candidates, the Education section is the appropriate place to list a GED.

Example:

Education

General Educational Development (GED) Certificate
State GED Testing Program
Completed: 2024

This straightforward format works well for most resumes.

Resume Summary

If you're a recent graduate or have limited work experience, you can briefly reference your GED in your professional summary.

Example:

"Motivated customer service professional with a GED credential, strong communication skills, and experience assisting customers in fast-paced retail environments."

This approach helps highlight your qualifications immediately.

Qualifications Section

Some candidates choose to include their GED within a qualifications section if education is a major requirement for the position.

This approach is less common but may be useful for entry-level jobs.

How to Write GED on a Resume

There are several acceptable ways to list a GED.

Option 1: General Educational Development (GED)

This is often the most professional format.

Education

General Educational Development (GED)
Completed 2024

Option 2: GED Certificate

Some candidates prefer a shorter format.

Education

GED Certificate
Completed 2024

Option 3: High School Equivalency Diploma

Some states issue credentials under alternative names.

Education

High School Equivalency Diploma
Completed 2024

Always use the official title shown on your credential when possible.

GED Resume Examples

Example for Entry-Level Job Seekers

Education

General Educational Development (GED)
Arizona GED Testing Program
Completed 2025

This format is ideal for candidates with limited work experience.

Example for Experienced Professionals

Education

GED Certificate
Completed 2018

For experienced candidates, the education section can remain brief while work experience receives greater emphasis.

Example for College Students

Education

General Educational Development (GED)
Completed 2023

Associate Degree in Business Administration (In Progress)
Expected Graduation: 2027

This format highlights both your GED and continuing education.

Example for Trade School Students

Education

GED Certificate
Completed 2022

HVAC Technician Certificate
ABC Technical Institute
2025

Additional certifications can strengthen your resume significant

How to Write GED on a Resume With No Experience

Many people earning a GED are entering the workforce for the first time.

If you have little or no work experience, emphasize:

Education
Certifications
Volunteer experience
Relevant coursework
Technical skills
Soft skills

In these situations, your GED becomes an important qualification and should be prominently displayed.

A resume summary may also help:

"Recent GED graduate with strong organizational skills, customer service experience through volunteer work, and a commitment to professional development."

How to Write GED on a Resume After College

If you've completed a college degree, your GED becomes less important.

Employers generally focus on your highest completed level of education.

Example:

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration
University Name
2025

In most cases, you do not need to list your GED once you've earned a college degree.

The same principle applies to associate degrees, master's degrees, and other advanced credentials.

Should You Include GED Scores on a Resume?

Generally, no.

Most employers only need confirmation that you earned the credential.

Including test scores is usually unnecessary unless:

The employer specifically requests them
You're applying to an academic program
You're applying for a scholarship

For standard job applications, simply listing the credential is sufficient.

ATS Tips for Listing a GED

Many employers use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen resumes before a recruiter reviews them.

To improve ATS compatibility:

Use Standard Terminology

Include terms such as:

General Educational Development
GED
High School Equivalency

Avoid Graphics or Tables

ATS software may struggle to read complex formatting.

Keep Education Formatting Simple

Use standard section headings such as:

Education
Academic Background
Educational Qualifications

Simple formatting helps ensure your credentials are properly recognized.

Common Mistakes When Listing a GED on a Resume

Not Listing the GED at All

If your GED is your highest completed education, omitting it can hurt your application.

Listing Incomplete High School Education Instead

Rather than writing:

"Attended Central High School (Did Not Graduate)"

Use your completed GED credential

Using Informal Language

Avoid phrases such as:

Got my GED
GED equivalent
Passed GED test

Use professional terminology instead.

Including Excessive Details

Most employers do not need:

Individual test scores
Testing center locations
Detailed exam information

Keep the entry concise and professional.

Inconsistent Formatting

Ensure the formatting of your GED entry matches the rest of your resume.

Consistency improves readability

Additional Ways to Strengthen Your Resume

Your GED is only one part of your qualifications.

Consider strengthening your resume with:

Professional Certifications

Examples include:

OSHA Certification
CPR Certification
CompTIA A+
Google Career Certificates
Forklift Certification

Volunteer Experience

Volunteer work can demonstrate valuable workplace skills.

Relevant Technical Skills

Technical skills often carry significant weight with employers.

Work Accomplishments

Whenever possible, quantify achievements using measurable results.

These additions can help shift attention toward your strengths and qualifications.

How do you write GED on a resume?

List your GED in the Education section using the official credential name, such as "General Educational Development (GED)" or "GED Certificate."

Is a GED equivalent to a high school diploma on a resume?

For most employment purposes, employers consider a GED equivalent to a high school diploma.

Where should I list my GED on a resume?

The Education section is typically the best place to list a GED.

Should I include the year I earned my GED?

You can include the completion year, although experienced professionals sometimes choose to omit dates.

Can I get a job with a GED?

Yes. Many employers accept a GED as meeting their educational requirements.

Should I list my GED if I have a college degree?

Generally, employers only need to see your highest completed level of education.

Can a GED help with ATS screening?

Yes. Including your GED can help your resume match education-related keywords used by applicant tracking systems.

What if I'm currently studying for my GED?

You can indicate that it is in progress.

Example:

General Educational Development (GED) – In Progress
Expected Completion: 2026

Conclusion

Knowing how to write GED on a resume can help you present your educational background professionally and confidently. Whether you're entering the workforce for the first time, changing careers, or returning to employment after earning your GED, properly listing the credential ensures employers can quickly verify that you meet educational requirements. By placing your GED in the Education section, using clear formatting, following ATS best practices, and supporting your application with relevant skills and experience, you can create a stronger resume that appeals to hiring managers. Remember that most employers view a GED as a valid high school equivalency credential, making it an important qualification to include whenever relevant.

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