Applicants will go to great lengths to land a job.
With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that nearly 80% of job applicants have lied or would consider lying on their resumes. This falsification includes making up their education credentials.As a hiring manager, you should always conduct education background checks. This process will ensure you hire someone honest and qualified. Background screening will also protect you from liability.
Not sure how to work with a background check company to conduct education background checks? Look no further! This post will tell you everything you need to know about the process—and how to make it as quick and painless as possible.
What Is an Education Background Check?
An education background check confirms an applicant’s education claims. The process verifies their attendance and degrees earned at high schools, colleges, and vocational schools.
What Shows Up on an Education Background Check?
An education background check shows whether the applicant attended the school they claimed to have attended. It also shows proof of degrees and dates of attendance.
Generally, education background checks can go back as far as they need to search for official records. Employers can confirm a candidate’s diplomas and degrees no matter when they received them.
In some cases, an education background check shows GPA and honors earned. An employer will request this information if it is relevant to the position they are hiring for (such as a higher education teacher).
Usually, an education background check does not verify licenses. Suppose an employer needs to confirm that an applicant has certifications to work in a specific field. In that case, they’ll have to use another type of background screening known as professional license verification.
How Do Employers Perform Education Verification?
Too many employers forgo education verifications. There are lots of reasons for this, one of the most common being that employers think the process is too complicated.
In reality, the process is quite simple. You will start by collecting basic information from the applicant. This data includes:
- The full name of the candidate (Note: Be sure to get the full name that the person graduated under. For instance, a female candidate might be applying under her married name but graduated under her maiden name.)
- The name and address of the degree-granting institution
- The dates attended (Note: Month and year should be sufficient. For instance, 08/2005–05/2009)
- The title and field of their degree
- A signed authorization release from the applicant
Your candidate will likely be familiar with the hiring process and be ready to give you this information.
Once you have the information, what’s next?
Use a Third-Party Education Verification Service
The easiest thing to do is to hand it off to a third-party education verification service like ScoutLogic. We verify your applicants’ credentials directly with their respective institutions or a 3rd party service called the National Student Clearinghouse. By taking care of the process, our background screening team saves you time and hassle. If the verification is a high school, ScoutLogic will reach out to their registrar’s office.
The DIY Route
Some employers choose to handle the education verification process themselves. If you go this route, here’s what you can expect:
You’ll have to contact the institution and provide the information you collected from your applicant. Then, the institution will complete verification.
If you verify education via the DIY route, you must:
Anticipate Running into Problems
In a perfect world, education verification would be easy. However, the truth is that employers often run into problems. Issues like the following can slow down the process:
- You received the wrong information from your applicant (incomplete degree name, their maiden name instead of the name they graduated under, etc.).
- The institution only allows former students to access information.
By anticipating problems like these, you’ll keep the process moving along smoothly.
Watch Out for Diploma Mills
Throughout the education verification process, you need to watch out for diploma mills.
Diploma mills are essentially phony universities. They are unaccredited and sell fake degrees to “students.” Diploma mills might try to appear legit by accepting prior work experience or providing bogus online courses. Others will outright sell fake degrees.
So, when verifying education, be sure the institution has recognition from a valid accreditation agency.
Verify International Education
Some applicants may have received their degree abroad. If this is the case, you’ll want to be extra careful.
It can be easier for a candidate to falsify credentials from a foreign school. So, ensure you are thorough. Also, make sure that the diploma is equivalent to the required credentials.
Screen Beyond Education
There’s no doubt that verifying your applicant’s education history is crucial. However, it’s not the only thing that should concern you.
You’ll also want to verify your applicant’s criminal history, previous work experience, credit history, etc. This screening ensures you hire a great employee from the start and avoid problems down the line.
ScoutLogic offers a variety of screening services in addition to education verification. Learn more by contacting us today!
How Long Does Conducting an Education Background Check Take?
Another common reason that employers forgo education background checks is that they think they take too long. Employers might be too impatient to wait around. Or, they might be desperate and need to hire someone right away.
No matter how much of a hurry you’re in, the wait will be well worth it. You’ll hire someone qualified from the get-go. You won’t have to find out later that the person lied, saving you and your company the hassle of rehiring.
Even better is that education background checks don’t take that long. Some institutions have procedures that drag out the process. But, for the most part, employers expect the results within a few days.
Why Do Employers Need to Verify Education History?
Here are some of the most compelling reasons to conduct education background checks:
It Helps You Weed Out Dishonest Candidates
As we mentioned earlier, lots of candidates lie on their applications. You would be naive not to verify their degree credentials.
By conducting an education background check, you confirm that your candidate has the education they claim to have. You also ensure that you’re hiring someone honest. As a hiring manager, you probably don’t want someone who lied on their resume as your employee.
It Ensures You Hire Someone Qualified
An education background check not only ensures your candidate has good moral character. It also ensures they have the qualifications to do the job. A candidate with the proper education will adequately fulfill their role.
Additionally, hiring a qualified candidate protects employers from liability. This matter is crucial in healthcare, education, and other highly specialized fields. If you hire someone who falsified their credentials, your company will be responsible.
It’s Affordable
Employers might avoid education background checks to cut down on expenses. In reality, background checks are very affordable.
The cost of background checks will depend on several factors (including how many you’re running). With services like ScoutLogic, you can save big when you run multiple background checks. We also keep our costs low through our partnerships with institutions.
So, don’t let cost stop you from running education background checks. The small price you pay will end up saving you money in the long run. You’ll be hiring someone good that will help your company profit. And, you won’t have to go through the recruiting process all over again.
Get Your Free Assessment Today
If you are a hiring manager, education background checks are a must. They ensure you hire someone honest and qualified. They also protect you from liability.
Lucky for you, education verification doesn’t have to be complicated. ScoutLogic takes care of the process quickly while staying within your budget. With us, you’ll be on your way to hiring the right applicant for your company.
Ready to get started? Click here for your free assessment.
David Garcia
David Garcia is the co-founder and CEO of ScoutLogic. David is also a senior operating advisor for Norwest Venture Partners. David is a member of the boards of ScoutLogic, YipitData, and Supplier.io and was formerly on the boards of Infutor and Avetta. He has over 25 years of B2B commercial leadership experience in data & analytics companies.
FAQs
We verify your applicants' credentials directly with their respective institutions or a 3rd party service called the National Student Clearinghouse. By taking care of the process, our background screening team saves you time and hassle.
How do employers know if your degree is real? ›
Sometimes, a hiring manager may ask you to present your diploma, so they can keep a copy of it in your file. Other applications can require you to submit or order a sealed transcript. Another way a hiring manager may authenticate your education is by contacting the schools or universities that you attended.
Do employers ever verify college degrees? ›
Can Employers Check for College Degrees? The answer is yes! An academic verification can be performed to see the school, professional program, and degrees an applicant has truthfully earned. Some institutions may need to receive consent from the candidate before any information is released, but it's certainly legal.
How are college degrees verified? ›
Here's how to verify academic credentials: Contact the school. Most college registrars will confirm dates of attendance and graduation, as well as degrees awarded and majors, upon request. If the applicant gives permission, they may provide a certified academic transcript.
How often do employers verify degrees? ›
However, based on a study conducted by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), only about 34% of employers do so. Those who do may carry out a verification of one's educational background during the hiring process or after hiring the applicant.
Do companies check transcripts? ›
Employers may appreciate reviewing your transcripts to see if you completed specific courses that relate directly to a skill you need for the job. To get your transcript, you probably need to contact the registrar's office or the records office at your school.
Do employers ask for certification proof? ›
Many employers will ask you to do a test to see if you qualify for the job or even just for the next round of interviews. They are trying to filter out the unqualified applicants. Sometimes, if there are certain certificates or diplomas stated on the resume, they will ask you to present a copy of it too.
What percent of employers verify degrees? ›
Only 53% of employers always check job candidates' education credentials. Slightly more than half of the employers surveyed, 53%, always verify the education credentials listed on a job applicant's resume. Among the rest, 24% sometimes check applicants' education records, while 23% never do.
Do employers care what college you got your degree at? ›
84% say the institution a candidate attended is a 'very important' or 'important' factor. 71% are more likely to move forward with a candidate who attended a top-tier school. 66% are more likely to move forward with a candidate who attended their own alma mater.
What does a college degree show employers? ›
Earning a college degree show your ability to complete academic work. Some employers consider this a demonstration of your mental capacity and work ethic. Employers may view your degree as verification of your skills, intelligence and ability to dedicate yourself to difficult tasks.
LinkedIn also partnered with Microsoft, which enables the use of the Entra Verified ID platform. Microsoft announced the collaboration on April 12, as well, noting that Verified ID is designed to be easy for users and able to digitally verify users' identity, including education, skills and workplace affiliation.
What does degree verified mean? ›
What is DegreeVerify? DegreeVerify℠ is the most trusted degree verification service in the U.S. This web-based system simplifies academic verifications for potential employers, background screening firms, colleges, search firms, and others who regularly screen applicants.
How do I evaluate my degree in USA? ›
Use a credential evaluation service recommended by the employer, education institution or state licensing authority to which you are applying. If no specific credential evaluation service is recommended, you can search online to identify a credential evaluation service on your own. Credential evaluations are not free.
Does Amazon verify education? ›
Amazon conducts a range of background checks that differ based on the position you're applying for. Depending on the job, you may undergo a criminal background check, education verification, or other types of background checks.
Why do employers still require degrees? ›
Why require a degree when the job's duties and responsibilities are the same no matter how much education an employee has? The study found that employers believe that applicants with a college degree are more “job-ready” than those without a degree.
Why is a college degree important to employers? ›
According to a report by Ottawa University, employers generally view those with a college degree as being more job-ready. It adds that they are usually seen as more professional and mature. The hard and soft skills degree holders possess also allow employers to save money through very little to no on-the-job training.
Do employers pull college transcripts? ›
Employers sometimes request educational transcripts as part of the job application process. If you graduated some time ago, this may come as a surprise.
Do background checks check transcripts? ›
An employment background check doesn't typically involve your academic transcripts, but a hiring manager may ask you to provide that information. This happens in some exceptionally competitive entry-level positions.
How do companies verify GPA? ›
It is very easy for an employer to check your GPA: they just ask your college for your transcript to confirm you actually graduated and did the work you claimed you did. Not all employers will actually check, but some do. Don't risk it.
How do employers verify documentation to make sure credentials are? ›
--Employers will verify that your documentation is authentic. That is done in a number of ways, including contacting colleges/universities and certification programs, as well as checking licensure and registration databases. Credentialing is an important step in maintaining a safe, high-quality workplace.
Employers may want to verify the information you provided, including your current job status, your previous experience and in some cases, your academic degree(s). Verifying this information happens in a few ways.
Why does HR ask for transcripts? ›
It serves as a proof that the job applicant did the required units for the job. The only way that an employer will know for certain that the job applicant did the required level of education for a position in human resource management is by looking at the transcripts.
How many jobs ask for a degree? ›
75% of New Jobs Require a Degree While Only 40% of Potential Applicants Have One. It's time for a broader conversation about the purposes of higher education and how to make it accessible to all.
Do employers look at your credit score? ›
Though prospective employers don't see your credit score in a credit check, they do see your open lines of credit (such as mortgages), outstanding balances, auto or student loans, foreclosures, late or missed payments, any bankruptcies and collection accounts.
What percent of graduates could not find employment based on their degree? ›
Generally speaking, around 53% of recent college graduates cannot find a job in their field of studies after obtaining a bachelor's degree.
Can you lie to a job about having a college degree? ›
We've seen it happen with six-figure professionals alongside engineers in their twenties. Lying on your resume about your education level in order to obtain a position or advance in your career is NOT okay and chances are, it will catch up to you. I highly recommend full honesty when creating your resume.
Do jobs care about college GPA or just degree? ›
Your college GPA can impact your marketability when seeking employment. A solid GPA is essential if you plan to attend graduate school. Employers do care about your GPA in competitive fields. Students with low GPAs can find other ways to highlight their skills.
Do employers care what your major was? ›
If you look at it from the perspective of putting together your resume, your major will be one line, while everything else you do will make up the bulk of your one-pager. So, really, from this perspective, your major is not nearly as important as everything else you spend your time on during these next few years.
How many years of experience equals a degree? ›
Equivalencies for Education and Experience
| Professional-Level Relevant Experience | Education |
|---|
| 2 years | Associate Degree |
| 4 years | Bachelor's Degree |
| 1 year | Graduate Degree |
| 1 year | Doctorate Degree |
When is a degree requirement discriminatory? If a degree requirement is a covert way to screen out candidates from a certain protected group, it's likely to be classified as employment discrimination.
Additionally, many students find that being a graduate brings a huge sense of accomplishment. And having a sense of fulfillment and accomplishment can build your sense of purpose. “Yes, earning a degree has definitely helped me,” said Haleigh Clemens, online student at SUU.
Should you include unfinished college on LinkedIn? ›
Any gaps in your resume are always a red flag for any potential employer. Even if there are no applicable courses in your education, it's better to include your incomplete degree, rather than leave a gap in your resume.
Do employers actually check LinkedIn? ›
According to a recent report from Jobvite, a company that helps businesses find talent, 77 percent of recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates. But other job-focused sites such as Indeed and Monster also give you the opportunity to let employers know what you can do.
Can I hide my education on LinkedIn? ›
You can add, change, or remove an education entry in the Education section on your profile. Only high school/university/college with a LinkedIn Page, listed as an educational institution will appear in the Education section.
How do I verify my original degree? ›
If in doubt, check the insignia on the certificate with the university website. Always ask to see the original certificate, not a photocopy. The only sure way of not being conned by a fake certificate, of course, is to check the authenticity of the certificate with the university that issued it.
Can you verify a Harvard degree? ›
The best way to verify a Harvard degree is to contact the registrar's office of the appropriate school and request degree certification or enrollment verification. To verify a current students, faculty, or staff member use the Harvard directory.
Does education verification include GPA? ›
Consumer reporting agencies typically do not include GPA information on the education background checks that they provide. If the positions for which you are hiring require GPA information, you should consider asking your candidates to supply official transcripts to verify their GPAs.
What is the US equivalency of a bachelor's degree? ›
A bachelor's degree is roughly equivalent to four to eight years of work experience in a related field. A master's degree is roughly equivalent to 10 or more years of work experience in a related field.
How do I validate foreign studies and degrees in USA? ›
International degrees recognized in the U.S.
The recognition of foreign degrees in the USA is not overseen by a single authority, i.e., at the federal level. Recognizing foreign degrees and qualifications is done at the state level, and each state has different requirements and processes.
How do you evaluate transcripts? ›
In general, a transcript evaluation report includes the following:
- Name of transcript.
- Name of previous institution.
- Accreditation status of institution.
- Entrance requirements for pursued course of study.
- Dates of attendance ? ...
- Length of program ? ...
- U.S. equivalent degree.
- U.S. equivalent grade point average (GPA)
Sometimes, a hiring manager may ask you to present your diploma, so they can keep a copy of it in your file. Other applications can require you to submit or order a sealed transcript. Another way a hiring manager may authenticate your education is by contacting the schools or universities that you attended.
Does Amazon check if you have a diploma? ›
All workers have to go through several background checks before they can pass the rather rigorous application process. Amazon's background checks include comprehensive reference and education checks, full criminal background checks, and drug tests.
What does Amazon look for in background checks? ›
What does an Amazon background check look for? The Amazon background check goes back seven years and covers criminal charges, including felony charges and misdemeanors. When you complete the application to work for Amazon, you'll be asked whether you've been convicted of a crime in the last seven years.
What percentage of jobs in the US require a college degree? ›
Today, nearly 60 percent of all jobs in the U.S. economy require higher education. The wage gap between people who have bachelor's degrees and people with only a high school diploma has nearly doubled since the early 1980s.
What percent of US jobs require a degree? ›
4. By educational attainment: • 35 percent of the job openings will require at least a bachelor's degree; • 30 percent of the job openings will require some college or an associate's degree; • 36 percent of the job openings will not require education beyond high school.
Why companies don t hire without a degree? ›
If companies want to stay competitive and hire great new talent, they'll need to start doing more skills-based hiring. While college degrees demonstrate a candidate's foundational knowledge and ability to learn, they may not have all the specific skills necessary to complete the job, excluding capable candidates.
Do most companies require a college degree? ›
Of the 11.6 million jobs created between 2010 and 2016, three out of four required at least a bachelor's degree, and just one out of every 100 required a high school diploma or less.
What percentage of college graduates don t use their degree? ›
Roughly one-fifth of recent graduates, 21%, are working in jobs, either full or part-time, that aren't related to their major area of study.
How do you check the certificate is original or not? ›
You need to pay extra attention and check the following:
- If it has any verification code.
- If it's embossed.
- If it has a branded seal.
- If there's a hologram watermark (can be visible in the light)
- If it has a Written Signature.
- Do not contain spelling mistakes ( Not Printed)
There's a reason you're required to put the name of the college you attended on your resume and job application. Despite what you may read to the contrary, most employers do care about where you went to school for your degree.
By graduating, you show that you have the work ethic and desire to get the job done. Employers know that, while a degree isn't the sign you know everything, it is a sign that you aren't afraid of challenges and hard work.
What happens if you get caught with a fake degree? ›
Most people assume that getting a fake diploma is illegal and that it may get them arrested. Yet, that simply isn't true. Creating, purchasing, and owning a fake diploma is entirely legal.
How do I check all certificates? ›
Select Run from the Start menu, and then enter certmgr.msc. The Certificate Manager tool for the current user appears. To view your certificates, under Certificates - Current User in the left pane, expand the directory for the type of certificate you want to view.
What should a certificate of authenticity look like? ›
The label will fix on the reverse of the artwork, and will contain the most vital information; Artist, Title, Medium, Year. An identical hologram or code on both the label and the Certificate of Authenticity could then prove the Certificate is genuine.
Why do employers verify education? ›
The goal of employers is to find qualified and trustworthy applicants. Education verification can help you to quickly identify any misrepresentations an applicant has made about the schools he or she attended and the degrees he or she earned so that you can ensure you only hire honest employees.
How does Amazon verify student status? ›
The only email we'll send to your .edu email address is the verification email. If you don't receive the verification email, go to Verify Your Email and follow the steps to resend the confirmation email.
Do employers recognize LinkedIn certificates? ›
How to Add LinkedIn Learning Certificates to Resume. LinkedIn Learning's wide range of online courses are taught by industry professionals giving you a better chance to get noticed by prospective employers. Most employers recognize LinkedIn Learning as an excellent career and skills development platform.
Do employers care if you use LinkedIn? ›
Yes, employers do care about LinkedIn skills.
This is especially true if they're searching for candidates on LinkedIn. Recruiters will often use these profiles as a reference point for whether or not they want to reach out to a candidate to have them apply for a role.
