How to Check if a High School Diploma Is Legit

Verify a diploma by contacting the high school that issued the diploma.

Many businesses or organizations require potential employees to have a legitimate high school diploma before they are eligible to work. As a result, some people purchase fake diplomas online from "diploma mills" and try to pass them off as legitimate. According to the Bureau of Consumer Protection Business Center, diploma mills do not generally require the same academic achievements as traditional schools or GED programs. Instead, they count each candidate's "work or life experience" as qualification for the degree. Consider researching the high school the individual received the diploma from thoroughly to ensure it's an accredited establishment.

Instructions

1. Request written permission from the diploma holder so you can verify that their high school diploma is indeed legitimate. Many schools will not disclose an individual's diploma or high school records without first obtaining the individual's express permission.

2. Ask the job applicant for the name of his or her high school so you can research the school's contact information. Type the name of the school into a popular search engine online to find the school's official website and contact information.

3. Research the school to determine whether it's truly legitimate. According to the Bureau of Consumer Protection Business Center, a school that has undergone a name change is likely to be a diploma mill; the same is true if the school lacks history.

4. Call the high school and ask to speak with the school's registrar department. You may need to go in person to show the permission you received, or you may be able to fax a copy to the school. Ask specific questions, such as how long the individual attended the school and date of their graduation to ensure the high school diploma is legitimate and not a fraud.

Tips & Warnings

• If you find that the high school you are looking for has closed, you may be able to verify the graduation by requesting documentation from the school board of that district or from the state board of education.

References

• Bureau of Consumer Protection Business Center: Avoid Fake-Degree Burns By Researching Academic Credentials
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Department of Health and Human Services: Center for Medicaid and State Operations