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Education verification: what employers confirm

Education verification confirms with the institution or its designated clearinghouse that a candidate attended, the dates attended, and whether the degree claimed was actually awarded. It typically takes two to five business days and has no lookback limit.

What is confirmed

  • Institution attended and enrollment dates.
  • Degree, diploma, or certificate awarded and the date awarded.
  • Major or field of study, where the registrar reports it.
  • Whether the institution is accredited — a critical check against degree mills.

Common complications

  • Name changes since graduation require the name used while enrolled.
  • Closed or merged institutions route to a successor or state archive.
  • International institutions often need a translated transcript and add several days.
  • Registrars close over holidays and between terms.

Frequently asked

Do employers really check degrees?▼

Frequently, especially for credentialed roles. Overstated degrees are one of the most common discrepancies found.

Can a school refuse to release information?▼

Dates and degrees awarded are usually directory information and are released with candidate consent. Grades generally are not.

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