# Does a Background Check Show If You Graduated High School? - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/does-a-background-check-show-if-you-graduated-high-school/ - Published: 2024-04-30 - Author: Charlene Farwell - Categories: [School](https://33rdsquare.com/category/education/school/) --- Graduating from high school is a major milestone that many employers want to verify during the hiring process. A common question job seekers have is "Will my background check reveal whether or not I have a high school diploma?" The short answer is: while background checks do confirm education credentials, they typically won‘t specify high school graduation status unless it‘s essential for the particular job. However, there are still options if you don‘t have a diploma. ## What Do Standard Background Checks Verify for Education? When screening applicants, many employers conduct education verification through background checks. But what exactly are they looking to confirm? ### Highest Degree Earned One of the primary aims is to validate the highest degree earned by the candidate. This helps assess their knowledge level and qualifications for the open position. The background check may contact the school or use a third-party verification service to fact-check the degree listed on the applicant‘s resume. ### College Enrollment and Graduation Additionally, standard checks confirm college attendance and graduation when applicable. This ensures candidates actually went to the institution stated in their application materials. Employers might reach out to the college directly or consult enrollment databases to double check. ### False Claims Finally, education screening aims to catch any embellishments or falsifications of academic credentials. Unfortunately, some job seekers misrepresent their schooling to seem more qualified. Comparing documents against school records allows companies to catch discrepancies and make fully informed hiring selections. ## When Might a Background Check Confirm High School Graduation? While most basic screens don‘t specify diploma status, there are instances where employers will validate high school graduation more thoroughly. These include: ### Government and Military Checks Positions with government entities or the armed forces frequently necessitate proof of high school completion as a qualification. Rigorous checks contact the applicant‘s school for graduation confirmation or verify diploma authenticity. Some even examine academic records and transcripts closely. ### Teaching and Childcare Jobs Schools and childcare centers require staff to meet educational prerequisites to work around children safely. Their screening may entail checking for disciplinary records as well as confirming graduation by directly contacting high schools. ### Local and State-Specific Checks Certain jobs mandated by state or local statutes ask for graduation proof too. For example, contractor‘s licenses in some areas need high school credentials. These locations tailor background checks to guarantee applicants have suitable training for the role. ## The State of High School Graduation Rates To fully analyze the implications of lacking a diploma, it‘s helpful to understand the current high school graduation landscape. According to the latest data: - The national graduation rate is approximately 86% - Just 17 states have graduation rates of 90% or more - Some subgroups like Hispanic students (81%) and students with disabilities (67%) lag behind There are still over 750,000 students leaving high school without finishing each year. The reasons behind dropping out vary but commonly include: ### Financial Struggles Students may start working more hours to help provide for their families. The need to earn income can make attending class difficult. ### Health Problems Medical issues that cause frequent school absences can also derail academic progress. This may contribute to students feeling unable to catch up. ### Family Obligations Caring for siblings or relatives may prevent some students from participating fully at school. These caretaking duties impact attendance and assignment completion. ## Barriers for Those Without High School Diplomas Beyond falling graduation rates, not having a high school credential also correlates to numerous struggles later in life. ### Lower Employment Rates Data shows only around 65% of those without diplomas have any employment, compared to nearly 78% of graduates. Those lacking degrees often work low-paying jobs as well. ### Limited Further Education Most college programs require a high school diploma or equivalent. So non-graduates have far fewer opportunities for advanced education to gain skills. ### Lower Lifetime Earnings On average, someone without a high school degree will earn over $500,000 less over their career than peers with bachelor‘s degrees. Even compared to those with high school credentials only, they make nearly $300,000 less. Clearly, not having this baseline educational attainment severely hampers career prospects and earnings potential. ## Recent Education Reform Proposals In light of these disparities, policymakers have introduced various reform proposals aimed at improving outcomes for non-graduates. ### Government-Funded Adult Education Some plans advocate increasing government funding for GED and adult basic education programs. Better access to alternative credentials helps more people qualify for jobs or college. ### Employer Incentives Other proposals suggest tax benefits for employers who hire those without diplomas and provide on-site training programs. This makes non-graduates more employable while earning. ### School Accountability Measures Finally, some reformers want to implement stricter accountability systems to push schools toward graduating more students. Tying school funding to graduation rates could motivate improved support for at-risk kids. ## Alternate Pathways to Success Beyond political reforms, community colleges and workforce development programs also provide alternate pathways to success for non-graduates. ### GED Certificates Many community colleges and adult learning centers offer GED prep classes and testing. Earning this high school equivalency certificate can help compensate for lacking diplomas when applying to jobs or vocational programs. ### Career Certifications Short-term job training programs lead to career certifications in fields like healthcare, tech, and the skilled trades. Hands-on career prep can open doors regardless of academic records. ### Apprenticeships Paid apprenticeships allow non-graduates to learn specialized skills directly from industry experts. Combining work experience and instruction leads to mastery without traditional academics. ### Second Chance College Programs Some community colleges are also pioneering second chance programs for those with previously failed school experiences. These flexible options re-engage learners who may have struggled in rigid high school settings. ## Conclusion In summary, typical background checks won‘t disclose high school graduation status specifically unless mandated by law. Still, lacking diplomas correlates with substantial career obstacles. By focusing reform efforts on adult education funding, employer incentives, and alternative pathways, more non-graduates can access living-wage jobs despite background check requirements. With customized support, experiential training, and second chance programs, those without degrees can achieve career success and economic stability on their own terms. All people deserve the chance to realize their potential regardless of academic history. --- Source: [Does a Background Check Show If You Graduated High School?](https://33rdsquare.com/does-a-background-check-show-if-you-graduated-high-school/)