Translation guide
This is the official English name for a Japanese high school equivalency exam certificate. In Japanese, it is referred to by the exam name plus 合格証明書 or similar. The concept is specific to Japan's educational system.
The formal document certifying passing the high school equivalency exam
This is the full official name of the certificate. It is used in formal contexts such as applications or official records.
Please submit your Certificate for Students Achieving the Proficiency Level of Upper Secondary School Graduates.
A common abbreviated name. 高卒認定 is the widely used abbreviation for the exam. Suitable for most everyday situations.
高卒認定試験合格証明書が必要です。
You need a Certificate for Students Achieving the Proficiency Level of Upper Secondary School Graduates.
An even shorter abbreviation, often used in casual conversation or when the context is clear.
高認合格証明書、もらった？
Did you get your high school equivalency certificate?
Talking about the certificate without using the full official name
In conversation, you can refer to the certificate by the exam name (e.g., 高卒認定, 高認) plus の合格証明書. This is natural and clear.
高卒認定の合格証明書をなくしちゃった。
I lost my high school equivalency certificate.
If it's obvious which exam you're talking about, you can just say 合格証明書 (certificate of passing).
合格証明書のコピーを送ります。
I'll send a copy of the certificate.
Describing what the certificate is in simpler terms
A descriptive phrase meaning 'a document certifying that you have the equivalent of a high school diploma'. Useful when explaining to someone who doesn't know the exam.
これは高校卒業と同じ資格があることを証明する書類です。
This is a document certifying that you have the equivalent of a high school diploma.
The exam is commonly called 高卒認定 (こうそつにんてい) or 高認 (こうにん). The full name 高等学校卒業程度認定試験 is mainly used in official documents. When talking about the certificate, you can use these abbreviations plus 合格証明書.
This certificate is not the same as a regular high school diploma (高等学校卒業証書). It certifies that the holder has passed an exam demonstrating academic ability equivalent to a high school graduate. In English it is often called a 'high school equivalency certificate'.