How to List a High School Diploma on a Resume (With Examples)
On a resume, a high school diploma is usually written simply as High School Diploma. List it in the Education section with your school's name, its city and state, and your graduation year. If you have a college degree, your high school diploma can usually be left off.
What is a high school diploma called on a resume?
Use the plain name: "High School Diploma." Some people write "Diploma, High School" or "Secondary School Diploma," which is common in Canada and the UK. Avoid abbreviations like "HSD" on a resume, since recruiters and applicant tracking systems recognize the full phrase more reliably.
How to list a high school diploma on a resume
Include these details, in this order:
- The credential: High School Diploma
- The school name
- City and state
- Graduation year (or "Expected June 2027" if you have not graduated yet)
Example:
High School Diploma
Lincoln High School, Portland, OR
Graduated 2024
Recent graduates can add a line for honors, a GPA of 3.5 or higher, or relevant coursework. If you need to look up your GPA, see how to find your high school GPA after graduation.
How to list a GED instead
If you earned a GED, list it the same way. Write "GED" or "High School Equivalency Diploma," the issuing state and the year. Our post on how to put a GED on a resume has more examples.
When should you include your high school diploma?
- Include it if it is your highest level of education, if you are a current student or recent graduate, or if the job posting asks for a high school diploma or equivalent.
- Leave it off once you have an associate degree or higher, because the higher degree implies it.
- Some college, no degree? List the college with the dates you attended and keep your high school diploma on the resume.
Where does education go on a resume?
For students and recent graduates, education usually goes near the top. For people with work experience, it typically comes after the experience section. Either way, keep the format consistent with the rest of your resume.
Keep your records handy
Employers that verify education contact your school or a verification service, not the paper document, so keep your school's contact details and your official transcript request information handy. Our high school diploma FAQs and transcript FAQs cover how to request official records.
