Can I get hired without a GED?

Yes, you can absolutely get hired without a GED, as many employers value skills, work ethic, and experience, especially in fields like skilled trades (plumbing, electrician), construction, warehousing, delivery, food service, retail, caregiving, and tech support, with opportunities to advance or even get employer-sponsored GED help. Focus on industries with high demand for hands-on work or offer certifications, use job sites with "no diploma" filters, and highlight relevant skills and a strong attitude in your search.

Can I get a job without a GED?

Jobs without a GED for Doers include Construction Laborer, Construction Crew Member, Elevator Laborer, Equipment Operator, Forklift Operator, Cook Helper, Maintenance Technician, Utility Worker, Flooring Installation Worker, Tile Finisher, Driller Helper, Grocery Clerk, Stocking Associate, Meat Cutter, Shuttle Driver, ...

What branch can I join without a GED?

The answer is simple. The U.S. Navy. Joining the military without a GED is challenging but not impossible. However, it is important to note that at the moment, the only branch of service that will allow you to enlist without a GED or high school diploma is the Navy.

Do jobs check if you have a GED?

Background checks usually verify whether a candidate received a post-high school academic degree from an educational institution. If necessary, high school diplomas and GED credentials may also be confirmed.

Can you hire someone without a high school diploma?

We recommend that you not require applicants to have a high school diploma unless you can demonstrate that the requirement is job-related and consistent with business necessity.

7 Best Jobs for People Starting Over

Do you really need a GED?

To get into college, you typically need a high school diploma or a passing score on the General Educational Development (GED) test. Many colleges accept other high school equivalency tests as well.

Do employers actually check for a high school diploma?

Yes, jobs can check for a high school diploma, especially for positions requiring it or in specific industries (like government/military), often through education verification during a background check, but many employers skip this for general roles, focusing more on skills and experience unless there's a need for qualification proof. If a diploma is listed, employers can verify its authenticity, but usually just need confirmation of graduation, not grades, which often requires an official sealed transcript directly from the school district. 

Should I get my GED before getting a job?

Without one, many employers won't hire you. Not having a high school diploma can be a barrier to employment, but there is a way to overcome this challenge. A GED test prepares you for certification in the high-school-level academic skills that are valuable in the workplace.

What is the downside of getting a GED?

However, there are some downsides to a GED. It carries a stigma of not being as robust as a high school degree and may appear as a “red flag” to potential employers. While GEDs are valuable and can help you start a new career or prepare you for college programs, they aren't always treated like a degree.

What is the hardest background check to pass?

The hardest background checks to pass are typically for top-secret government security clearances or highly sensitive corporate roles, involving deep dives into finances, international history, personal relationships (interviews with family/friends), and extensive criminal/employment records (SF-86 form), often requiring levels 4/5 screening with credit checks, social media, and more. These checks are notoriously difficult due to their sheer depth and the scrutiny on financial stability, integrity, and trustworthiness, far beyond standard employment checks.
 

What degree can I get with no GED?

In some states, students without a high school diploma or GED certificate can earn an associate degree through community college. Other states require a high school or GED diploma. A bachelor's degree from a four-year school also requires these credentials.

Can you get your GED without classes?

There's no need for GED testers to first attend a GED prep course, attend adult education classes, or take the official GED Ready test prior to sitting for the GED exam (this does NOT count for online GED testing).

What branch does not accept GED?

The U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) is one branch of the military that does not accept a G.E.D. at all. For this reason, G.E.D. applicants are often considered Tier 2 potential recruits by military recruiters while those with a high school diploma are Tier 1.

What jobs pay the most without GED?

What Is the Highest-Paying Job Without a Degree?

• Commercial Pilots: $121,430.
• Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers: $94,560.
• First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives: $91,090.
• Power Plant Operators, Distributors, and Dispatchers: $85,950.
• Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers: $84,990.

Can a job fire you for not having a diploma?

In the vast majority of cases, an employer will be able to apply a high school diploma requirement without violating the ADA. To challenge the requirement under the ADA, an applicant who lacks a high school diploma must first prove that a disability actually prevented her from obtaining a diploma.

What are jobs that require a GED?

What Jobs Will a GED Qualify Me For?

• Food Preparation and Service. ...
• Legal Professions. ...
• Community and Social Service Careers. ...
• Personal Care and Service and Healthcare. ...
• Office and Administrative Support. ...
• Sales. ...
• Protective Services. ...
• Building and Grounds Cleaning.

Do jobs care about GED?

Yes, when you apply for a job, your new employer checks your GED. Nowadays, verification of a GED diploma is a simple process that is done online. Organizations can easily check if the candidate has indeed earned the GED credential.

Is a GED harder than a diploma?

Passing the GED might be harder than you think. It's not easier to get a GED than your high school diploma. The GED exam has become harder for people to pass, especially after the test format was redesigned in 2014.

What if you fail a GED?

If you did not pass one of your GED® test subjects, you can take two subsequent retests, with no restrictions between retakes. If you fail the third or any subsequent retest, you must wait 60 days for your next attempt. Additional state requirements may apply.

Can a job hire you without a GED?

Many employers hire workers based on skills, work ethic and personality rather than education. Start by searching online for jobs that don't require a diploma or GED. Many job boards now let you filter results with options like “no degree required” or “no diploma needed.”

Why is Gen Z struggling to get jobs?

Gen Z struggles to get jobs due to a tight market with fewer entry-level roles, increased competition from older workers staying longer, and employer perceptions of unpreparedness or entitlement, compounded by AI screening out candidates and "ghost jobs" filling up applications, creating a tough environment with high expectations but limited opportunities for experience. 

Can you be successful without a GED?

The short answer is no, you don't need to earn your GED, but earning your GED can open thousands of new opportunities in your career or to continue your education.

Can a job find out you don't have a diploma?

Many companies verify your degree through a third-party provider, which may be the same one that provides the background check for criminal history. They may also contact the school or institution directly, or you will have to contact your registrar to get an official transcript sent directly to the company.

Does GED show up on background check?

GED test scores and specific testing details typically don't appear on standard employment background screenings unless specifically requested by specialized employers. Professional industries increasingly value skills and experience over the specific method of obtaining secondary education credentials.

Can employers check if you graduated high school?

Yes, jobs can check for a high school diploma, especially for positions requiring it or in specific industries (like government/military), often through education verification during a background check, but many employers skip this for general roles, focusing more on skills and experience unless there's a need for qualification proof. If a diploma is listed, employers can verify its authenticity, but usually just need confirmation of graduation, not grades, which often requires an official sealed transcript directly from the school district.