Education credentials are often central to hiring decisions. Degrees influence salary ranges, eligibility for promotions, and credibility within an organization. Yet, not every diploma tells the full story. Some candidates misrepresent or even falsify their academic achievements. Employment screening, and specifically education verification, remains a critical safeguard.
Why Diplomas Deserve A Second Look
Imagine reviewing a candidate who appears perfect on paper. The résumé looks polished, the credentials impressive, and a master’s degree is listed. You obtain a copy of the diploma, and it appears legitimate. Without verification, you may be ready to proceed. But when an education verification is conducted, the truth can tell a different story: the applicant never finished the degree, and the diploma is fake.
Unfortunately, this scenario is not rare. The U.S. Department of Education cautions that unaccredited institutions and diploma mills continue to appear online. Employers who take credentials at face value risk hiring individuals who do not meet the qualifications of the role.
Why Education Verification Matters
Academic records carry weight in hiring. They determine pay scales, affect eligibility for specialized duties, and shape trust in an employee’s ability to perform. Yet applicants may provide incomplete or misleading information. Some deliberately attempt to deceive.
What CIC Commonly Uncovers
- Degrees that were never completed.
- Diplomas from unaccredited institutions.
- Forged diplomas or falsified GED certificates.
Over the years, CIC has built a collection of forged diplomas uncovered during employment screening. Some look surprisingly authentic. Without verification services, these deceptions are easy to miss.
What Your Policy Should Consider
When was the last time your organization reviewed its education verification policy? If checks are conducted only occasionally, or skipped entirely, it may be time to reconsider. Employment screening policies should be applied consistently across all roles to ensure compliance, fairness, and defensibility. Employers that verify only on a case-by-case basis create gaps that expose them to unnecessary risk.
The CIC Advantage
Education verification can be time-consuming and inconsistent if handled internally. More importantly, in-house efforts may expose organizations to compliance risks if sensitive or protected information is mishandled. Partnering with a third-party verifier like CIC delivers measurable advantages.
Benefits Of Working With CIC
- Compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and state laws.
- Compliance with federal and state privacy laws.
- Documentation of all verification efforts.
- Screening Coordinator expertise to complete checks efficiently and accurately.
CIC’s employment screening services provide both accuracy and compliance, ensuring that hiring decisions are supported by verified information.
Education Verification FAQs
Why Is Education Verification Important In Employment Screening?
Degrees influence salary, promotions, and eligibility for specialized roles. Education verification ensures credentials are accurate and protects employers from hiring unqualified candidates.
How Common Is Resume Or Diploma Fraud?
Studies continue to show that a significant percentage of applicants misrepresent their education. SHRM research confirms diploma mills and falsified documents remain a serious risk for employers.
Can Employers Verify Education On Their Own?
Yes, but doing so can be time-consuming and expose the employer to compliance risks. Partnering with a third-party like CIC ensures verifications are accurate, documented, and compliant with privacy laws.
What Happens If Education Verification Uncovers A Problem?
If discrepancies affect the hiring decision, employers must follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act’s adverse action process. This ensures applicants have the chance to dispute or clarify the findings.
Don’t Let A Fake Diploma Fool You
Education verification is about more than paperwork. It is about protecting your organization from risk and ensuring that every hire meets established standards. With CIC as your partner, you receive more than accurate results—you gain confidence that your workforce is built on verified qualifications.
Contact CIC today to discuss how education verification can strengthen your employment screening program.