On this page
- Why you cannot judge a degree by its looks
- How to check if a degree is real in four steps
- Spotting diploma mills
- Warning signs on the certificate itself
- Background check companies
- How universities make degree verification instant
- Data protection when verifying degrees
- How to check if a degree is real when it is from abroad
- Make every check if a degree is real part of hiring
- What to do if a degree is fake
- Helping genuine graduates
- Frequently asked questions
Short answer: To check if a degree is real, verify it with the awarding university rather than trusting the document: use the university’s online verification page or QR code if it has one, otherwise contact the registry with the graduate’s written consent. Also confirm the institution is properly accredited.
Fake degrees are easy to buy online, and some look perfect. Therefore, employers need a reliable way to check if a degree is real before hiring. This guide explains the methods, the warning signs and how universities can make the process faster for everyone.
Key takeaways
- Always verify with the awarding institution, not the document.
- Use online verification or a QR code where available.
- Check that the institution itself is genuine and accredited.
- Get the candidate’s consent before contacting a registry.
Why you cannot judge a degree by its looks
Modern printers reproduce seals, signatures and security patterns convincingly. In addition, most employers only ever see a scanned PDF. As a result, visual inspection catches only the clumsiest forgeries. The only reliable test is confirmation from the institution’s own records.
How to check if a degree is real in four steps
- First, get the candidate’s written consent to verify their education.
- Next, look for a QR code or verification ID on the certificate.
- Then use the university’s official verification page, found through its main website.
- Finally, if no online option exists, contact the registry directly using details from the official site.
Spotting diploma mills
A diploma mill sells degrees without real study. Its certificates may be printed perfectly, and it may even confirm them when asked. Therefore, also check that the institution is recognised by the relevant education authority in its country.
- Degrees awarded for “life experience” alone.
- A fixed price per degree rather than per course.
- Very fast completion with no attendance or exams.
- Accreditation from bodies nobody recognises.
Warning signs on the certificate itself
- A QR code that opens a domain unrelated to the university.
- Spelling mistakes in the university name or degree title.
- Dates that do not match the candidate’s CV.
- Degree titles the university does not offer.
Background check companies
Many employers use screening companies to verify education. They are useful for international degrees and high volumes. However, they still rely on the institution’s records, so turnaround depends on how quickly universities respond.
How universities make degree verification instant
Universities can remove the bottleneck entirely. For example, by printing a unique ID and QR code on every degree and hosting a verification page on their own domain, they let employers check degrees in seconds. CertiQR provides exactly this for institutions that run WordPress, including imports of past graduates.
Data protection when verifying degrees
Education records are personal data. So always obtain consent, request only what you need and store the result securely. In addition, follow your local data protection rules on how long you keep verification records.
How to check if a degree is real when it is from abroad
International degrees take more effort, because systems differ by country. First, confirm the institution is recognised by that country’s education authority. Next, contact the institution through its official website. In addition, consider a credential evaluation service, which can also explain how the qualification compares with local ones.
Make every check if a degree is real part of hiring
Verification works best as a standard step rather than an exception. So add consent to your application form, check degrees before making an offer and record the result. As a result, every candidate is treated equally and nobody slips through because a manager was in a hurry.
- Ask for consent at application stage.
- Request a copy of the degree certificate.
- Verify with the institution before the offer.
- Record the outcome in the candidate file.
What to do if a degree is fake
If verification fails, do not jump to conclusions. First, ask the candidate for an explanation, because records can contain errors. Then confirm the result with the institution in writing. Finally, follow your HR policy and take legal advice before acting.
Helping genuine graduates
Fast verification also helps honest candidates, who no longer wait weeks for paperwork. For that reason, universities that publish online verification give their graduates a real advantage in the job market.
In addition, the W3C Verifiable Credentials Data Model is a useful, independent reference if you want to read further.
Frequently asked questions
QCan I check if a degree is real online?
Yes, if the university offers online verification. Otherwise contact its registry with the graduate’s consent.
QIs it legal to verify a candidate’s degree?
Generally yes with the candidate’s consent, but follow local data protection law.
QHow long does degree verification take?
Seconds with online verification; days or weeks by email or post.
QWhat if the university has closed?
Contact the education authority or the body that took over its records.
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We build CertiQR, the WordPress plugin for issuing certificates and verifying them with a QR code. We write about credentials, verification and running a certificate programme.
