Professional Credentials

Our thanks to Ann Sheehan, MA, CPNP, a member of the Professional Issues Committee, for providing the answer to this question.

Question: I have earned several degrees and certifications, including a BSN, MSN, certification from the PNCB and licensure as both a RN and PNP. Can you tell me the correct way to list these initials after my name?

Answer: We have all ogled at all of the letters that could appear behind our names. We also know that all of these letters make it much harder for the public to decipher what we do. So how do you decide which letters or credentials to include and which letters or credentials to leave behind?

What are your credentials?
Your credentials are the public evidence of your qualification to perform a particular job or task. There are several categories that make up your credentials.
A degree is awarded after the completion of a particular educational program (e.g., BSN, MSN, PhD). A license is awarded after passing a national licensure exam (e.g., RN). A national certification is awarded by a nationally recognized, accredited, certifying body. These are linked to the profession or job role (e.g., CPNP). Awards or honors are given to individuals who are selected for their outstanding service or accomplishment in a particular area.

How do I use these credentials?
When you are signing your name, you should follow it with the credentials that can least be taken away from you, in descending order, with awards or honors last. Your highest academic degree should be placed immediately after your name, before the professional designation and certification credentials.
If you hold more than one certification the first one earned should be the first one listed. They should be listed in the order in which you received them. Certifications are not necessarily associated with your profession or license, but they do indicate additional skill sets and expertise in certain areas. Your state may mandate that a specific title be used. This typically is not a part of your formal credentials.

What credentials do you have to use?
You have spent many hours on your education so you want to use your credentials to your advantage. You do not have to use all of your credentials all of the time. It is an individual choice as to which and how many of your credentials you use and when and where you use them. The exception to this statement is when your state mandates the use of certain credentials. On a day to day basis, you should keep it simple by using your CPNP credentials if your state law allows. For special occasions, show off your credentials. For example, if you are giving a presentation on breastfeeding, you would want to include your lactation consultant certification credentials. Remember, though, using too many titles or certifications can be confusing not only to patients, legislators and other professions, but also to others within our own profession. Select which credentials you will use wisely and ask the opinion of respected colleagues when making this determination. Highlighting your expertise means using the right credentials in the right order at the right time.