How to Write the Education Section on a CV

Why the education section on a CV matters?

The education section is one of the first places recruiters look to check whether you meet the basic requirements for the role.

A well-written education section helps the recruiter to:

• Quickly confirm your degree level and field of study
• See if your background matches the job requirements
• Identify any specialisations, honours or key modules
• Spot extra training or certifications that make you stand out

Whether you are a student, recent graduate or experienced professional, a clear education section makes it easier for employers to say “yes” to your CV.

What to Include in the Education Section of a CV?

Your education section should give recruiters all the key facts about your degree in just a few lines. Here is what to include for each qualification.

How to List Education on a CV (Format and Examples)

To make it easy for recruiters to scan your education section, keep the format simple and consistent. Use clear dates, titles and institutions, and list everything in reverse chronological order.

Reverse chronological order for the education section

The best way to list education on a CV is to start with your most recent qualification and work backwards. This allows employers to see your highest level of education first.

Use the same layout for each entry so the section looks clean and professional.

Education section examples for students and graduates

If you are a student or recent graduate, your education section is often the strongest part of your CV. You can add a little more detail to show how your studies match the job.

Adding modules or projects is helpful when you do not yet have much work experience.

Education section examples for experienced candidates

For experienced candidates, education is still important but usually shorter. Employers will focus more on your work history, so keep this section concise.

You generally do not need to list school qualifications in detail if you have a degree and several years of experience, unless the employer specifically asks for them.

How to Add Training Courses and Certifications to Your CV

Training courses and certifications show that you keep your skills up to date. They can make a real difference, especially when several candidates share the same degree.

Which training courses to include in the education section

Only include training that supports your application. Ask yourself: does this course help me look more qualified for this job?

• Prioritise courses directly related to the role or industry
• Include recognised professional certifications (for example: PRINCE2, CIPD, ACCA)
• Mention recent training (last 3–5 years) before older, less relevant courses
• Skip very basic or outdated courses that do not add value

You can place the most important training in the education and training section and the rest under “Skills” if needed.

How to list online courses and e-learning on a CV

Online courses and e-learning are useful when they come from a serious provider and relate to the job. List them clearly so recruiters can understand what you studied.

Include the course title, the provider and the year. You do not need to add every online course you have ever done, just the ones that prove relevant skills.

Should you use “Education and Training” or “Education and Certifications”?

The title of the section should reflect what you actually list. If you mainly show degrees and short courses, use “Education and Training”. This works well for most candidates.

If your value comes from official qualifications such as professional exams or licences, “Education and Certifications” or even a separate “Certifications” section may be better. Choose the option that makes your profile clearer at first glance.

Special Cases in the Education Section

Not every CV fits the classic path of “school, university, job”. Here is how to handle the education section in a few special situations.

CV education section with no degree or unfinished studies

If you do not have a degree, or left a course before finishing, you can still list your education honestly and positively.

Focus on the skills and knowledge gained, and balance this with strong sections on work experience, skills and any training you have completed.

How to list education if you are still studying

When you are still studying, show the degree as “in progress” and give the expected end date. Recruiters want to know when you will graduate.

You can also mention key modules or projects that match the job, especially if you are applying for placements, internships or graduate roles.

Career change: highlighting relevant training on your CV

If you are changing career, the right training and certifications can help bridge the gap between your past experience and your new target role.

Put the most relevant courses high in your education section and use the description to show how they connect to the job you want. For example, a former retail manager moving into digital marketing might highlight a “Digital Marketing Certificate” or “SEO and Content Marketing” course as proof of their new skills.

The aim is to show a clear story: your education and training support your move into this new field.

Common Mistakes in the Education Section

Even a strong education section on a CV can lose impact if it is badly presented. Avoid these frequent mistakes to keep your CV clear and professional.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Listing education in the wrong order instead of using reverse chronological format
• Leaving out key details such as degree title, institution, dates or classification
• Adding too much irrelevant information (every module, every school exam, very old courses)
• Including basic or outdated training that does not add value to your application
• Mixing different formats for dates, locations or titles, which makes the section hard to read
• Not updating the section when you start or finish a degree, or when you gain a new qualification
• Exaggerating grades or qualifications, which employers can easily check

A clean, honest and well-structured CV education section gives recruiters exactly what they need in a few seconds – and helps your profile look more professional.