Seeing real diploma examples before you order a replacement or replica can make a big difference. It helps you choose a layout that feels right for your level of education, check that the design looks professional, and avoid surprises when the document arrives.
Whether you are replacing a lost document, ordering a second copy to display, or just curious what different diplomas look like, this guide walks through examples of diplomas for high school, college, university, and professional certifications, and how ValidGrad fits into that picture.
Why it helps to see diploma examples before you order
Before you spend money on any diploma maker, it is worth taking a few minutes to look through their examples. That preview is often the best sign of what you will actually receive.
Here is what diploma examples help you check:
- Overall look and feel. You can see whether the fonts, spacing, and seals feel clean and professional or cheap and cluttered.
- Paper and print style. Good photos and mockups show you the texture, color, and finish of the paper and how crisp the printing is.
- Layout details. A clear example makes it easy to spot how the school name, degree title, graduate name, dates, and signatures are arranged.
- Level-appropriate designs. High school diploma examples, a college degree example, and a professional certificate should not all look identical. Examples let you see that each level has its own style.
- Realistic expectations. Examples also show where replicas must differ from original documents, such as generic seals or signatures that avoid copying trademarked elements.
Looking at examples of diplomas first gives you confidence that the finished document will look like something you are comfortable framing or keeping as a backup.
Types of diploma examples you can see at ValidGrad
ValidGrad offers examples across different education levels and certificate types. These do not replace official documents from schools, but they give you a clear idea of what your replica or novelty diploma can look like.
High school diploma examples
High school diploma examples usually feature:
- The high school name at the top
- A formal statement awarding the diploma
- Your name in a prominent line
- The city, state, and graduation date
- An official-looking seal and a couple of signatures
At ValidGrad, the high school diploma maker lets you choose from different layouts, fonts, and seal styles so your document feels similar to a traditional high school diploma. You can enter your school name, graduation year, and other details to build a realistic replica for display.
These high school diploma examples are useful if you:
- Lost or damaged your original diploma and want a display copy
- Want a second diploma to keep at home or at work
- Need a prop or keepsake that looks like a real high school document
College diploma examples
A college degree example usually looks more formal and ornate than a high school diploma. Common features include:
- The college or university name in a large, often stylized font
- The type of degree, such as Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science
- The graduate’s name and sometimes their major
- The date of degree conferral
- Embossed or printed seals and several official signatures
ValidGrad’s college diploma maker shows multiple college diploma examples with different layouts, seal options, and signature styles. These examples help you see how a bachelor diploma, associate degree, or other college credential might look as a replica.
University diploma examples
University diploma examples often cover degrees beyond standard four year programs, such as:
- Associate degrees
- Bachelor degrees
- Master degrees
- Professional degrees like J.D. or M.D.
The university diploma maker at ValidGrad includes templates that fit many of these situations. University diploma examples typically feature:
- A more formal design with classic fonts
- A clear statement of the degree level and sometimes the field of study
- Prominent seals and signatures that signal a higher level of study
Seeing a university diploma example in advance makes it easier to pick a template that matches the level and tone of your real achievement.
Post graduate diploma examples
Post graduate diploma examples for master or doctoral level work tend to emphasize:
- The graduate school or specific college within a university
- Advanced degree titles such as Master of Science, Master of Education, Doctor of Philosophy, or Doctor of Medicine
- Honors or distinctions when applicable
These examples help you check that the wording and layout feel appropriate for a graduate level document. If you have very specific needs, you can also work with a designer directly through ValidGrad’s custom diploma option to have a layout tailored to your situation.
GED and high school equivalency examples
If you completed a GED or similar high school equivalency program, the document that proves it usually looks different from a traditional high school diploma. GED diploma examples often feature:
- The issuing state or testing authority rather than a school name
- A reference to the GED test or high school equivalency examination
- Language that explains you met high school level standards
ValidGrad’s GED diploma maker shows examples of how a replica GED certificate can look, including different templates and seal styles that reflect the more official tone of equivalency documents.
Professional certification examples
Not all important documents are diplomas. Professional certification examples can include:
- Project management certificates
- IT certifications
- Healthcare, finance, or trade credentials
- Training or completion certificates from specific programs
These tend to look more like certificates than diplomas but can still be designed to look formal and polished. ValidGrad’s certificate maker includes examples that show how a professional certification can be laid out, with space for the certificate title, your name, the issuing organization, and dates.
How to choose the right diploma template
Once you have looked through several diploma examples, the next step is choosing a template and customizing it. A few simple guidelines can keep you on track.
Match the level and type
Start by choosing a layout that matches what you are recreating:
- High school diploma templates for high school graduation
- College degree example templates for associate or bachelor degrees
- University diploma example templates for advanced or professional degrees
- Certificate templates for shorter programs and professional credentials
Using the right category keeps the overall style appropriate to the level of study.
Pay attention to layout and wording
Compare examples of diplomas and ask yourself:
- Do I like how the school name and degree title are placed?
- Is there enough space for my full name without it looking crowded?
- Does the wording feel clear and formal, not casual or cluttered?
Small layout details make a big difference in how professional the document looks.
Check seals, signatures, and extras
Replica diplomas must respect legal limits, so seals and signatures will not be exact copies of your school’s originals. Looking at diploma examples helps you see:
- What style of seal looks best to you
- How many signature lines are available
- Whether there are options like borders, gold accents, or specialty paper
If you have unique requirements that go beyond the standard examples, the custom diploma path lets you explain your idea and have a designer build it with you.
Think about how you plan to use it
Your choice of template might change depending on whether you want:
- A framed diploma for your office or home
- A backup copy to keep in a safe place
- A prop for a shoot or production
- A novelty gift for a friend or family member
For serious display, you may want a classic, understated layout. For a novelty gift, you might pick something a bit more playful, as long as it still follows the rules.
When a replica diploma makes sense and when it does not
Seeing polished diploma examples can be exciting, but it is important to be clear about when it is appropriate to order a replica.
A replica or novelty diploma can make sense if you:
- Lost or damaged your original and want a display copy
- Want a second copy to hang in a different location
- Prefer to keep your official document locked away and show a replica instead
- Need a realistic looking prop for a film, photo shoot, or stage production
- Want a fun, personalized diploma style gift for someone who already graduated
In all of those situations, examples of diplomas help you choose something that looks right while you keep the real records separate.
A replica diploma is not appropriate if you plan to:
- Claim a degree or diploma you never earned
- Use it in job applications, licensing, or admissions in place of official records
- Mislead employers, schools, or government agencies about your education
If you need official proof of your diploma for work or school, it is always safer to request an official copy or transcript directly from your school or district. A replica should stay in the personal, decorative, or novelty category.
Frequently asked questions
Are these diploma examples real diplomas?
No. The diploma examples shown by services like ValidGrad represent replica and novelty designs. They are based on common layouts and styles but are not official documents from any school. They are meant to help you see how a replacement or replica might look for personal use.
What can I learn from looking at diploma examples?
Diploma examples help you see different layouts, font styles, seals, and wording options. You can compare high school diploma examples, a college degree example, and a university diploma example to decide which style fits your situation. They also show how information like your name, degree, and dates will appear on the final document.
Will my replica diploma look exactly like my original school document?
No. Because of legal and trademark rules, replica services cannot copy exact seals, logos, or signatures from your school. Diploma examples will show you the seal and signature styles that are available instead. The goal is a realistic, professional look, not a perfect one to one copy.
Can I use a diploma example to design a custom layout?
Yes. Many people use examples of diplomas as a starting point and then adjust details like size, wording, and arrangement. If you have a specific design in mind, you can usually describe it or share a reference when you place a custom diploma order so the final layout reflects what you want.
Are there examples of diplomas for every degree level?
Most replica services, including ValidGrad, offer diploma examples for several levels, such as high school, GED, associate degree, bachelor degree, master degree, and professional certifications. Browsing across those categories helps you see how the style changes from one level to another so you can pick the most appropriate template.