Is there any way to tell in advance whether an employer will attempt to verify an applicant's education/degrees? Is there a standard for this practice, particularly among municipal employers?

Typically they do. And especially for government jobs. They have a LOT of bearcat time on their hands.

Hi, Health,
I am retired, from manager, supervisor, and some hourly work jobs over the last many, many years.
Typically, companies check your resume. They will look over your educational degrees, references, past work experience, calling past bosses, and/or non-work references. I have known them to even call a university, checking on the Degrees.
I do wish you the best.

There is no way to tell, of course any job that requires certification, licence, bonding and most government positions will require it.

Also most large firms that have professional HR departments will also.

Often the smaller firms who pay less and the boss is also the person who interviews, hires and gives his secretary the paper work may not.

Also remember if you lie on an application and you get hired, if they find out about the lie even two or three years down the road, out you go.

If you don't have a degree, don't lie