The night before a significant job interview, you open your desk drawer and find a blank sheet of paper. It’s the night before an important job interview, and your diploma is missing. This happens more often than you think, and doesn’t cost you the job. Most employers require you to prove that you graduated. There is legitimate proof that can be acquired quickly.
If you are searching for a high school diploma replacement, there are legitimate ways to obtain proof of graduation without risking your employment opportunities.
Key Takeaways
- The loss of a diploma does not mean a loss of employment: Employers usually will accept an official transcript or a certified high school diploma replacement as proof of graduation.
- According to the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 9 out of 10 U.S. jobs require a minimum of a high school diploma or GED.
- If they graduated from a different school, the majority of states will provide them with a certified copy from their previous school or state education department, which will take 5-10 business days.
- Anyone who obtains a fake high school diploma online via Internet forgery is guilty of document forgery and can face instant dismissal or legal penalties.
- There are programs available, such as James Madison High School (JMHS), that help adults earn a real, accepted credential.
Why Employers Ask for Your High School Diploma
Employers require your degree in order to prove that you have reached a minimum level of education. It’s not always about what you know; it’s about demonstrating what you can do.
College graduates find opportunities for many, many more jobs, according to JMHS. It is required for many entry-level jobs, trade apprenticeships, and government posts. Even good interviewing won’t suffice without proof.
The good news is that you don’t need the original paper! Most employers will accept a certified transcript or certified substitute.
What to Do First: Contact Your High School
The most expedient way to do this is to contact the high school you attended. The records of any school are retained for many years, sometimes for years and years.
Request an official transcript and/or certified copy of your diploma from the registrar’s office. As required, you will need your ID, and a small processing fee will be required. The production of most requests takes 5 to 10 business days.
If your school has closed down, follow up with your state’s Department of Education (SDE). They tend to keep the records of previous institutions and are able to confirm your graduation even if they were closed years ago.
How to Request a Replacement Copy
How to use their advice, according to PrepScholar:
- Contact your registrar: Look for him/her on the school’s website or call the school’s main office.
- Obtain personal information: Graduation Name, Year of graduation & Date of Birth.
- Make a request: Most schools will have an email or web form to request.
- Make any fee: These fees are usually $5 to $50 dollars.
Allow a bit extra if it has been over 20 years since you completed your education. There are on-site records that may have to be retrieved from off-site storage.
Conclusion
The fear of losing your diploma is serious, but so is the remedy, as it’s quite easy to get another one. Contact and obtain a copy from your former school, and if records are not available, follow up with the state. A GED or an adult GED program from an accredited program is a legitimate diploma that will ensure your job security if you have not graduated. A high school diploma certificate replacement is always a good idea, and easier than you may think.
For those considering shortcuts, remember that a fake high school diploma can lead to serious legal and employment consequences, while a legitimate high school diploma replacement provides valid proof of graduation.
FAQ
Can I use an unofficial transcript for a job application?
Most employers prefer to receive this official, sealed transcript from your school. An unofficial copy will work, but it is typically necessary to obtain a final offer, which requires an official copy.
How long does getting a replacement diploma take?
Typically, 5 to 10 business days through your school/education department. Acceptable options are offered at certain schools for a fee.
What if my high school closed?
Typically, the records of closed schools are kept by your state’s Department of Education. If there aren’t records available, an adult diploma program or GED may be the next best option.
Is using a replacement diploma legal?
Yes, document replacement from the actual school or state is very legal. This is opposition to a fake high school diploma that can be bought from unverifiable Internet sites, which is a criminal offense to use on any application.
