Candidates lie most about degree-level educational qualifications on their CV, according to background screening company PeopleChecking, part of NorthgateArinso.

The research shows that 78% of those who had experienced candidates lying on CVs said they had seen grade inflation at degree level, while 39% had witnessed candidates lying about A-level or equivalent and GCSE level qualifications respectively.

More than half (55%) of respondents who had experienced misrepresentation on CVs reported that candidates had claimed a degree, 45% extra ‘A’ levels or equivalent and 50% extra GCSEs or equivalent.