Earning your GED is something to be proud of. It shows persistence, growth, and a decision to move forward, no matter what your past looked like. And if you’re now ready to step into the job market, you might be wondering: How exactly do I put my GED on my resume without it looking awkward or incomplete?
The good news? Employers in 2025 are more focused on skills, effort, and adaptability than on the traditional “where you went to school” checkbox. With remote work, digital skills, and continuous learning reshaping the workforce, what matters most is that you show you’ve done the work and that you’re ready to keep learning.
Here’s everything you need to know about listing your GED confidently, so it strengthens (not weakens) your resume.
What Is a GED and Why It Matters
Your GED or General Educational Development certificate is officially recognized as a high school equivalency credential. In the U.S., it holds the same academic weight as a high school diploma, and employers treat it as such.
It’s not a “shortcut” or a “lesser” qualification. In fact, it often signals determination and maturity. Many GED earners are people who went through real-life challenges, started working early, or found alternative routes to education and that story can actually make your profile stand out.
The GED Testing Service reports that more than 20 million people have earned a GED credential since the program’s inception. So if that’s your path, you’re in good company.
Where to Include Your GED on Your Resume
The GED should appear under the Education section of your resume like any other academic credential. Keep it clear, concise, and professional.
Here are a few correct examples depending on your situation:
If your GED is complete:
Education
General Educational Development (GED)
State of California | Completed 2023
If you’re still completing it:
Education
General Educational Development (GED) – In Progress
Expected Completion: June 2025
If you also have other qualifications:
Education
General Educational Development (GED) – Completed 2022
Certificate in Digital Marketing – Google Career Certificates, 2024
If you’ve done additional training, online courses, or certifications, list those right after your GED. It helps shift focus to your current growth and skills which is exactly what hiring managers care about.
How to Make Your Resume Stronger When You Have a GED
Your GED is just one part of your story. What really gets recruiters interested is what you’ve done since then.
Here’s how to make your resume shine:
- Lead with your skills and achievements.
Move your Skills or Experience section above Education. If you’ve been working, volunteering, or freelancing, highlight it. Show that you’ve been learning by doing. - Add relevant certifications.
Free or low-cost online courses (like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, or Google Career Certificates) show initiative. Employers love candidates who keep learning. - Use an achievement-focused resume format.
Instead of listing tasks, describe results:- “Improved customer satisfaction scores by 18% in three months.”
- “Handled daily transactions averaging $5,000 with zero discrepancies.”
- “Improved customer satisfaction scores by 18% in three months.”
- Customize your resume for each job.
Use the job description as a cheat sheet, mirror the same keywords in your resume. It helps your resume pass through applicant tracking systems (ATS).
Mistakes to Avoid When Listing a GED
Even though listing your GED is straightforward, here are some common pitfalls to avoid:
- Don’t over-explain it. You don’t need to write “GED instead of high school diploma.” Just list it cleanly under Education.
- Don’t hide it. Leaving your education section blank can raise questions. Showing your GED demonstrates honesty and ownership.
- Don’t make it your headline. If you’ve gained experience or skills, make that the highlight of your resume — not just the GED itself.
- Don’t forget formatting. Keep it consistent with other sections using same font, spacing, and style. Small presentation errors can make a big difference.
How to Talk About Your GED in Interviews
Sometimes, interviewers may ask about your education path. Here’s how to keep it confident and professional:
Be brief but positive.
“After earning my GED, I focused on gaining real-world experience and developing practical skills that directly relate to this role.”
Show your learning mindset.
“I’ve always been proactive about growing my knowledge — I’ve completed several online certifications since then, and I’m currently working on [specific skill].”
Connect it to your strengths.
Your story shows resilience, independence, and initiative — qualities most employers want more than anything else.
How LightResume Can Help You Present Your GED Professionally
If you’re not sure how to format your GED or make your resume stand out, LightResume can do the heavy lifting for you. Our AI resume builder helps you:
- Automatically format your Education section correctly.
- Highlight achievements and skills that recruiters actually notice.
- Choose modern templates that make your resume look polished — no guesswork needed.
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Build your professional resume today with LightResume and show employers exactly why you’re ready for the job. You focus on your journey and we’ll make sure it looks good on paper.
FAQs
1. What does “GED” stand for?
GED stands for General Educational Development. It’s a credential that shows you have high school–level academic skills, even if you didn’t graduate from a traditional high school.
2. How to list qualifications on a resume?
List your qualifications under a section titled “Education” or “Certifications.” Include the name of the credential (like “GED” or “Bachelor of Science in Marketing”), the institution or testing body, and the year you earned it.
3. What education level should be included in a resume?
Include your highest level of completed education that’s relevant to the job you’re applying for. If you have multiple degrees or certifications, list them in reverse chronological order—from most recent to oldest.
