A well-designed GED or High School Equivalency certificate — whether official or a personalised keepsake — typically includes the following information:

Required fields on a GED certificate

1. Recipient's full name

The full legal name of the person receiving the certificate. On official diplomas this must match the name registered with the GED Testing Service. On personalised templates you can enter any name.

2. Credential title

The formal name of the award. This may be:

  • GED Certificate
  • High School Equivalency (HSE) Diploma
  • High School Equivalency Certificate
  • A state-specific name (e.g. "Ohio High School Equivalency Diploma")

3. Issuing authority

The name of the organisation, state agency, or educational institution awarding the certificate. On official diplomas this is the state Department of Education or GED Testing Service. On personalised keepsakes this might be your learning centre, adult education programme, or community organisation.

4. Date of award

The date the credential was earned or the ceremony date. On official diplomas this is the date all four subject tests were passed.

5. Authorising signature(s)

One or two signature lines from an instructor, programme director, or official representative. Even on personalised keepsakes, including a signature field makes the document look complete and authoritative.

6. An official seal or emblem (optional but recommended)

A decorative seal, state emblem, or institutional logo is the hallmark of an academic credential. Not legally required on personal keepsakes, but it significantly improves the professional look of the document.

What about test scores?

Official GED diplomas do not include individual test scores — those are on a separate transcript. A personalised keepsake certificate does not need to include scores. If you want to include subjects passed, you can add custom text to most Clever Certificates templates in the free editor.

Does print quality matter?

Yes — especially if you intend to frame the certificate. We recommend downloading the Print Pack (300 DPI) option when printing on quality paper or card stock. The Web PNG option (72 DPI) is suitable for digital sharing only.

Can I edit all these fields on a Clever Certificates template?

Yes. Every text field on a Clever Certificates GED template — name, credential title, institution, date, and signature lines — is fully editable in the free online editor. No software download required. Browse GED templates →