* Diploma or Transcript: The most common and reliable method. Applicants are often asked to provide a copy of their high school diploma or a high school transcript. These documents show the date of graduation and courses completed.
* GED or Equivalent: If a candidate doesn't have a traditional high school diploma, a GED (General Educational Development) certificate or other equivalent credential will suffice. These also need to be verified.
* Background Checks: Some employers use third-party background check services that can verify educational credentials. These services often contact the issuing institution directly to confirm information.
* Verification of Employment: While not directly verifying graduation, a background check may look for prior employment that suggests the candidate possesses a high school diploma or equivalent. For example, holding a job requiring a degree might imply one.
* Self-Reporting on Applications: Job applications often ask for educational information, including the name of the high school and graduation date. However, this is self-reported and needs further verification if it's a critical requirement for the role.
It's important to note that the level of verification depends on the job and the employer. Some employers might only ask for self-reported information, while others, particularly those in regulated industries or for sensitive positions, will conduct rigorous verification. Providing false information is grounds for dismissal and may even have legal consequences.