How to list qualifications on a CV

As results season rolls around again, it’s time to look at how to list your qualifications on a CV. Whether you’ve just picked up your GCSE or A-level results, whether they’re better or worse than you’d hoped and whether you’re looking for a part-time job or a whole new career, CV Shed has you covered.

What details do I need to include?

Every CV needs a section headed "Qualifications", but what information do you need to include here? Really, it depends on how long ago you completed each qualification and what work experience you have. The basic details are the subject (e.g. English or Business), the level (e.g. GCSE or A level) and the year of completion. You may also want to mention where you studied, particularly if it’s a prestigious institution or a university.

Any additional details, such as modules, projects and grades, are entirely optional and will depend on how recently you graduated and whether they’re relevant to your next steps.

Should I list all my qualifications on my CV?

You don’t always need to include every qualification on your CV, but if you’re a recent school or college leaver then you may not have much work experience and your education is likely to be your strongest selling point - in which case you’ll want to make the most of it.

Of course, if you’re well established in your career, you might want to summarise your education or just include your highest-level qualification. There’s no need to include details that won’t sell you to an employer, so it’s always OK to be selective.

How do I deal with bad grades on a CV?

If your grades aren’t quite what you’d hoped, it need not harm your CV. The easiest way to deal with bad grades is not to mention them! You can say that you “achieved passes in…” or that you “studied subjects including…”. You don’t have to put all your grades on your CV if you don’t want to - you can even leave selected subjects off altogether, if you’d prefer.

Lying about grades on your CV is definitely not ok though. Claiming better grades than you received could lead to instant dismissal if you get a job on the basis of your qualifications. A lie also shows a lack of integrity and is hardly a great way to start a relationship with a new employer.

How do I show off good grades on a CV?

If, on the other hand, you smashed your exams, well done! You should certainly show this off on your CV, as it’s a great selling point when you’re applying for jobs. You can either add the grade you received for each individual subject or give a range (for example: 10 GCSEs, all grades 7-9).

Bonus points!

Don’t forget, school and college have probably given you more than just exam results. You can also include other highlights of your academic career on your CV, including awards you’ve received, contributions to a student council, positions of responsibility, sports teams and captaincies, peer mentoring and so on.

Qualifications on a CV - examples

These examples of qualifications on your CV will give you an idea of how to present your education whatever your circumstances. Mix and match the ideas to come up with a qualifications section that works for you.

CV example education section if you have a degree:

                          BA (Hons) degree:    French Language, Kingston University                                               2022

                                                              Modules included: French Literature, Linguistics and

                                                              Business French

   3 A levels:                  French (A), English (B) and Business (C)                                             2018

  10 GCSEs:                    Including English and Maths, all at grade 7 or above                       2016

CV example education section if you’ve just finished A levels:

   3 A levels:                 Maths (B), Physics (C) and PE (C), St Thomas’  VI Form                     2022

              AS level:                     Spanish                                                                                                   2021

   8 GCSEs:                    English, Maths, Double Science, RE, Computing, PE, Spanish           2020

CV example education section if you’ve got great grades:

  11 GCSEs completed at Cranmer School in 2022:

  English Language (9)

  English Literature (8)

  Maths (9)

  Physics (7)

  Chemistry (8)

  Biology (8)

  French (6)

  Spanish (6)

  RE (6)

  Business (7)

  Music (6)

CV example education section if you’ve got poor grades:

  7 GCSEs taken at Cranmer School:

  Including passes in English and Maths (2022)

 CV example education section if you didn’t pass any exams:

 2022: Secondary education completed at Cranmer School

In summary

There’s no right or wrong way to put your qualifications on a CV. Your focus should be on selling yourself to an employer, whether that’s by emphasising your great grades, by highlighting the level of education you’ve attained or by deflecting the emphasis away from your education and onto something else.

If you need more input on any aspect of your CV, CV Shed is ready to help! Contact me to find out about FREE CV reviews, CV templates and full rewrites.