How to Put a GED on a Resume: Templates, Examples, and Step-by-Step Tips
Figuring out how to put a GED on a resume trips up more job seekers than you'd expect. Should it go at the top? The bottom? Do you call it a "GED Diploma" or "High School Equivalency"? And what if you haven't finished testing yet? If you've been staring at a blank Education section, wondering how to handle your GED on a resume, you are in the right place.
This guide gives you clear answers for every situation, whether you earned your GED last month, ten years ago, or you're still working through the tests. By the time you're done reading, your resume will look polished, professional, and ready to land interviews.
Should You Put a GED on a Resume?
Short answer: almost always yes. But the details matter, so let's break down the three scenarios you're most likely facing.
When to Include Your GED
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It is your highest level of education. If you don't have a college degree, your GED proves you meet the "high school diploma or equivalent" requirement on most job postings. Leaving it off creates a gap that makes hiring managers pause.
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The job listing specifically asks for a diploma or equivalent. Many retail, trade, healthcare, and warehouse positions require proof of high school completion. Your GED checks that box.
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You're early in your career. With limited work history, every credential counts. Your GED shows initiative and follow-through.
When You Can Leave It Off
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You hold an Associate's Degree or higher. A college degree automatically tells employers you've met the high school education requirement. Listing both a bachelor's degree and a GED just clutters your resume.
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You have 10+ years of relevant experience, and the job doesn't specify education. In rare cases, extensive experience speaks for itself. Even so, including your GED never hurts.
What Employers Actually Think
Here's something that might ease your mind: a GED is legally equivalent to a high school diploma in all 50 states. Federal agencies, the US military, and the vast majority of private employers treat them identically. Hiring managers aren't judging your GED. They're checking a box and moving on to your skills and experience.
How to Put a GED on a Resume: Step-by-Step Guide
Knowing how to list a GED on a resume correctly takes about five minutes once you understand the format. Here's exactly what to do.
Step 1: Create or Find Your Education Section
Every resume needs an Education section. If you have work experience, place Education below it. If you are entering the workforce for the first time, your Education section can sit right below your resume summary or objective statement.
Step 2: Choose Your Credential Label
You have a few options for what to call it. Any of these works:
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GED Diploma
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General Educational Development (GED)
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High School Equivalency Diploma (GED)
"GED Diploma" is the most commonly used and universally understood option. If you earned your credential through HiSET or TASC instead, label it accordingly.
Step 3: Add the Key Details
Include these three pieces of information:
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Credential name (e.g., GED Diploma)
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Issuing institution or state (e.g., Texas Education Agency, or the testing center name and location)
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Year of completion (e.g., 2022)
That's it. You don't need to list individual test scores, subject areas, or study hours. Keep it clean and brief.
Step 4: Format It Consistently
Match the formatting style of the rest of your resume. If your job titles are bold, bold your credential name. If you use bullet points elsewhere, use them here too. Consistency signals attention to detail and is important in professional settings.
Here's a clean format you can copy directly:
Education
GED Diploma
Texas Education Agency, Austin, TX
Completed: 2023
GED on Resume Examples: 3 Templates You Can Copy
Seeing real examples makes all the difference. Below are three GED on resume examples tailored to different career situations. Pick the one closest to yours and adjust it with your own details.
Template 1: Entry-Level Resume with GED
This template works for job seekers applying to their first or second position, such as retail, food service, or customer support roles.
Jordan Mitchell
Houston, TX | (555) 321-9876 | jordan.mitchell@email.com
Objective
Motivated and reliable team player seeking a Retail Sales Associate position. Eager to apply strong communication skills and customer service training in a fast-paced store environment.
Education
GED Diploma
Texas Education Agency, Houston, TX
Completed: 2024
Certifications
CPR and First Aid Certified, American Red Cross, 2024
Skills
Customer service | Cash handling | Inventory management | Bilingual (English/Spanish) | Microsoft Office
Work Experience
Volunteer, Houston Food Bank, Houston, TX
June 2023 to Present
Sorted and packed 200+ food boxes weekly for community distribution. Trained 5 new volunteers on warehouse safety procedures.
Template 2: Career Switch Resume with GED
This template suits someone with several years of work experience who is changing industries. The GED sits below a strong experience section.
Maria Santos
Phoenix, AZ | (555) 654-3210 | maria.santos@email.com
Professional Summary
Detail-oriented warehouse supervisor with 6 years of logistics experience transitioning into office administration. Proven record of managing teams of 15+ employees, reducing order errors by 30%, and maintaining compliance with OSHA standards.
Work Experience
Warehouse Supervisor, Desert Valley Logistics, Phoenix, AZ
March 2018 to December 2024
Managed daily operations for a 50,000 sq. ft. distribution center. Implemented a new inventory tracking system that cut shipping errors by 30%. Trained and supervised a rotating crew of 18 warehouse associates.
Shipping Clerk, QuickShip Fulfillment, Tempe, AZ
January 2016 to February 2018
Processed 150+ outbound shipments per shift. Coordinated with UPS and FedEx for daily pickups. Maintained accurate digital records using SAP software.
Education
GED Diploma
Arizona Department of Education, Phoenix, AZ
Completed: 2015
Skills
Team leadership | Inventory management systems (SAP, WMS) | Microsoft Excel and Word | OSHA compliance | Scheduling and payroll
Template 3: Resume with GED Still in Progress
Haven't finished your GED yet? You can still list it. Here's how to put a GED on a resume if still in progress.
Deshawn Williams
Atlanta, GA | (555) 789-0123 | deshawn.w@email.com
Objective
Hardworking and dependable individual seeking a Construction Laborer position. Currently completing GED certification while gaining hands-on experience in residential construction.
Education
GED Diploma (In Progress)
Pearson VUE Testing Center, Atlanta, GA
Expected Completion: September 2025
Completed 3 of 4 subject tests
Work Experience
Construction Helper, Peachtree Builders, Atlanta, GA
April 2024 to Present
Assisted licensed carpenters with framing, drywall installation, and site cleanup. Operated power tools and maintained a clean, hazard-free worksite. Completed OSHA 10-Hour Construction Safety certification.
Skills
Power tools (circular saw, nail gun, drill) | Heavy lifting (75+ lbs) | Reliable transportation | Team collaboration | OSHA 10 certified
How to List a GED on a Resume If Still in Progress
Plenty of people apply for jobs while still finishing their GED tests. This is completely normal, and employers appreciate the honesty and effort. Here's how to handle it properly.
Use "In Progress" with a Clear Expected Date
The simplest approach is to add "(In Progress)" right after the credential name, followed by your expected completion date. This tells the hiring manager two things: you're actively working toward it, and you have a timeline.
GED Diploma (In Progress)
Expected Completion: November 2025
Pearson VUE Testing Center, Miami, FL
Mention Completed Subjects (Optional)
If you have already passed two or three of the four GED subject tests, mention that. It shows progress and commitment.
GED Diploma (In Progress)
Completed: Mathematical Reasoning, Science, Social Studies
Remaining: Reasoning Through Language Arts
Expected Completion: August 2025
Alternative Phrasing Options
If you are not sure about putting "In Progress" on the resume, you can try one of these options:
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"GED Diploma, anticipated completion [Month Year]"
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"Currently pursuing GED certification, [Testing Center], [City, State]"
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"GED candidate, expected [Month Year]"
All of these are professional, clear, and widely accepted by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Listing Your GED
Small errors on a resume can cost you an interview. These are the most frequent mistakes people make with their GED listing, and how to fix each one.
1. Writing a Paragraph About Your GED
Your Education section should be brief. You don't need to explain what a GED is, why you got one instead of a traditional diploma, or how the testing process works. Two to three lines is all you need with the credential name, issuing institution, and year.
2. Placing Education at the Top When You Have Work Experience
If you have relevant job history, lead with your Work Experience section. Putting your GED at the top pushes your strongest selling points below the fold. The only time Education goes first is when you're a brand-new job seeker with minimal or no work history.
3. Using Vague or Inconsistent Formatting
Don't write "Got my GED in 2020" as a bullet point under a random section. Treat it with the same formatting you'd give any other credential. Proper nouns should be capitalized, dates should follow a consistent format, and the section header should clearly say "Education."
4. Listing a GED Alongside a College Degree
If you've earned an associate's, bachelor's, or any higher degree, your GED becomes redundant. Including both looks like resume padding. List your highest credential only.
5. Forgetting to Update "In Progress" After Completion
Once you pass all four GED subject tests, go back and remove the "In Progress" label. Update it with your actual completion date. This sounds obvious, but it's one of the most common oversights on active resumes.
Real Job Application Scenarios: Where Your GED Fits
Different industries handle education requirements differently. Here's how your GED plays out in four common career paths.
Entry-Level Positions (Retail, Food Service, Hospitality)
Most entry-level employers simply need to see that you meet the "high school diploma or equivalent" requirement. Your GED satisfies this instantly. Lead with your availability, customer service skills, and any relevant experience. Your GED is a supporting detail in such cases instead of the main headline.
Skilled Trades (Construction, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC)
Trade employers care about certifications, hands-on ability, and reliability far more than where you went to school. Your GED qualifies you for apprenticeship programs and trade school admissions. List it in your Education section, then immediately highlight your trade-specific certifications and safety training below it.
Corporate and Office Roles (Administrative, Data Entry, Receptionist)
Corporate hiring often runs through ATS software that screens for education keywords. Make sure your resume explicitly includes "GED" or "High School Equivalency Diploma" so the system picks it up. Pair your education with any computer skills, software proficiencies, or professional development courses you have completed.
Career Transitions
If you are switching between fields, your GED establishes baseline education while your transferable skills do the heavy lifting. Use a Professional Summary at the top of your resume to tell your story, then let your Work Experience section prove you can handle the new role. Your GED simply closes the education loop. For more ideas about career options, check out this guide on why jobs require a high school diploma and how equivalency credentials measure up.
Keep a Backup Copy of Your GED Documents
Here's a practical tip that many job seekers overlook: some employers ask for physical proof of your GED during the onboarding process. If you have lost your original certificate, moved states, or simply can't locate your paperwork, this can delay your start date or even cost you the offer.
It is smart to keep a backup copy of your GED diploma and transcripts in a safe, accessible place. If you need a replacement GED, services exist to help you get documentation quickly so you're never caught off guard during a background check or onboarding process.
You may also want a copy of your GED diploma for your personal records, framing, or backup files. Having your documents organized and ready shows employers you take the process seriously, and it saves you stress down the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I put a GED on a resume?
Create an Education section on your resume and list "GED Diploma" or "High School Equivalency Diploma," along with the issuing state or testing center and the year you completed it. Keep it to two or three clean lines without adding any unnecessary explanations.
Should I include a GED on my resume if I have work experience?
Yes. Work experience and education serve different purposes on a resume. Your job history shows what you can do, and your GED confirms you meet the education requirement. Place your Work Experience section first, then list your GED under Education below it.
How do I list a GED in progress?
Write "GED Diploma (In Progress)" and include your expected completion date and the testing center name and location. If you have already passed some subject tests, you can mention that to show progress. Just ensure that you update the entry on your resume once you have finished all four tests.
Do employers accept a GED the same as a high school diploma?
Yes. The GED is recognized as equivalent to a high school diploma in every US state. Federal agencies, military branches, and the overwhelming majority of private employers accept it without any distinction. However, functionally, there is no difference on a job application.
Should I put my GED test scores on my resume?
You should do that only if you earned honors-level scores, such as GED College Ready (170-199 per subject) or GED College Ready + Credit (200+). Standard passing scores don't need to be listed. However, if you did score exceptionally well, a brief note like "Graduated with Honors" can strengthen your Education section.
Can I leave my GED off my resume entirely?
You can if you hold a college degree at the associate's level or higher, since the college credential already covers the education requirement. If the GED is your highest completed education, include it. Leaving it off when you have no other credentials creates a red flag for most employers.
