What is the Correct Order of Post-Nominals?

What is The Order of Post-Nominals?
      I am doing a presentation on the many post nominals in the medical and nursing fields and what they stand for. There are several and for our nursing convention I am conducting a focus session on which post nominals to use and the correct order to present post nominals. Would you happen to have that information?
    -- Monica, RN, BSN

      I have been an RN for 15 years, and work in the healthcare industry as a home health regional preceptor.  I completed my BS in Health Sciences with a minor in Business Management in 2009, and have just received my Master’s in Healthcare Administration degree. I also hold certifications as an OASIS specialist and Homecare Coding Specialist, both required for my job.
      I have read that the educational degrees should be listed first, followed by licensure credentials since these may not be permanent, followed by any certifications. Following this, I would list my name and post nominals as Tina Atkins, MHA, BS, RN, COS-C, HCS-D.  I have observed many of my colleagues with multiple post nominals still putting their RN designation first, followed by the educational achievements.  In that case, mine would be listed as Tina Atkins, RN, MHA, BS, COS-C, HCS-D.
       Are either of those correct, or should it be listed in another format?
    -- Tina

Dear Monica & Tina,
    When I started my book I thought I would include a list of every post-nominal abbreviation in the world and what each one meant. I soon realized there are so many post nominals in so many fields any list would always be incomplete. Plus, I found that if you put any mysterious post-nominal abbreviation into any search engine ... the answer was instantly there.
    Thus I decided to focus on how they are used ... not what could be used.
    On page 100 of my book I cover how to correctly sequence all types of post nominals (academic degrees, decorations, honorary degrees, professional associations & affiliations, religious orders, theological degrees, etc., etc., etc.).  In your case here's the pertinent sequence that I often see with nurses:
            First Academic Degrees
            Then Professional Licenses -- RN is a professional license.
            Then Professional Certifications
            Then Professional Associations & Affiliations
      If you have more than one in a category place them high to low, and you feel they are equal put them in alphabetical order.
      I see you both use or consider to list RN first then your academic degree. It's not the order typically see, so if you have a source that suggests that order -- I would love to see it. 
      And finally, there is a frequently cited 'rule' you should not include more than three post nominals after your name. That's a good guideline.  But, often people ultimately decide on what to include depending on what is directly pertinent to the service they are offering.
               -- Robert Hickey

What is the Correct Order of Post-Nominal Abbreviations?
    I have recently earned my PhD.  I have a professional engineering registration designated as PE. I am also a fellow of an engineering organization F-SWE.
     What is the correct order for these different types of identifiers?  Also, what are the circumstances to use any or all of them?  If you are not the appropriate source for this information, can you suggest where or how I might find the answers.  I have asked all three institutions and none of them have a clue, but all would like for their initials to be most prominent of the set!
             --- PE, PhD, F-SWE


Dear PE, PhD, F-SWE:
    I cover this on page 100 in my book. The standard order for post-nominals is:
        1) Religious orders
        2) Theological degrees
        3) Academic degrees
        4) Honorary degrees, honors, decorations
        5) Professional licenses, certifications & affiliations
    Lastly ... If you have multiple post-nominals within one or more of those categories, list them in alphabetical order.
    So taking those points into consideration ... PhD, PE, F-SWE .... seems the best to me.
The guidelines on use of post-nominals are:
    * Only used with a full name
    * PhD is used in professionally in academia and research. It is used less often outside those areas.
    * Affiliations are used when appropriate and pertinent, like in official correspondence, on your business card, or in an professional publication.
    * None are used socially.
                               -- Robert Hickey

What is the Correct Order
for My Academic Degree & License?
       I will soon be a Registered Paralegal and able to use the post nominals RP with my name. Which post nominals come first?  I earned my MS in 1989, and the RP is a national test a la the CPA exam.
       -- RK Gill

Dear RK Gill:
      The order is: first academic post nominals; then license post nominals.
      So if you are going to use both, that would be: (Full Name), MS, RP
      This is the same order a Register Nurse would use: (Full Name), MS, RN
                 -- Robert Hickey

Which of My Post Nominals Should I Use?
     I have a Doctor of Medicine degree, Master of Science in Technical Management, Master of Science in Chemistry, and BS in Biochemistry.  I have only ever used MY NAME, MD.  I see other physicians using THEIR NAME, MD, MS to identify the fact that they have a master’s degree.  Which is correct?
          -- KTW

Dear KTW:
     Individuals use just the highest and most pertinent post nominals when presenting their name to the general public.
     Medical professionals in practice include MD and professional affiliations to define their specialty. They also include anything else that clarifies to the public their credentials to offer their service.
     So a Masters in Science in Chemistry definitely seems related ... and might be pertinent ... as might your other Masters degree. Both would definitely be on your CV/resume but whether they are used with your name on a business card would depend what service you are providing.
     Use the pertinent post-nominal credentials to explain to a person reading your name ... what credentials you have ... that are useful to them ... to establish your credibility to be their expert.
            -- Robert Hickey

How to Use My Post-Nominal?

I Have Two Degrees With The Same Post-Nominal
Can I Use Both on My Business Card?
     After May, I will have two master's degrees, both MS.  When I create a business card, do I just write MS once after my name?  How would I indicate both?
        -- Dan

        I see in my copy of your book that you cover academic forms of address on pages 162-164. But, I have a friend that has two Bachelor of Arts Degrees.  What post-nominals would be appropriate on her card?  Would you use simply a B.A. once, or would you use B.A., B.A.?
        -- Justin

Dear Dan & Justin,

     SHOULD I INCLUDE TWO POST-NOMINALS?
     In academia and research .... you see people listing every degree and honor the have ever earned ... since all their degrees are central to the academic environment.
    Outside academia include only degrees that are directly pertinent to the service you offer / job you hold (see below).
    So MS, MS would not be wrong -- you might get some questions, but if they come it's an opportunity to tell them about your education. Regarding BA, BA .... in an academic journal it would be pertinent but outside of academia It is not often you see a BA included with a person's name.

     ACADEMIC POST-NOMIALS ON A BUSINESS CARD?
     Clearly getting those degrees are great accomplishments. Whether you include degrees on your business card ... or don't ... may just depend on several things.
    #1 A business card is not a resume/CV.  A card is what you give to another person so you can keep in touch.  What's important are addresses and numbers.
    #2 On business cards what's always included is your job title ... which defines what your role and the functions or services you offer .... rather than degrees that are your qualifications to hold the job.
    #3 Following up on #2, you should include the pertinent degrees for the professional service you is rendering. Academic degrees are included to establish the professional certifications required to provide the service ...  MD, DDS, DV, OD, RN, CPA, MSW, MBA .... etc.
      E.g., a CPA might list only CPA after his name since it's pertinent to his/her professional practice ... even though he/she might have a BA and a MA as well ... a business consultant and holder of an MBA might list MBA ... but not other, less pertinent, degrees.

    Ultimately it will be your peers who are the most critical ... so see what others are doing and follow their lead!

         -- Robert Hickey

Can I Use My Post-Nominals on E-Mail Address Block?
      Is it considered correct to use one´s post nominal letters in a business e-mail address block?
             -- L-M-N-V

Dear L-M-N-V:
    Your question is answered in my book in Chapter Four: Abbreviations and Post-Nominals.
    Post-nominals can be used in official situations ... especially in academia .... on business correspondence. They are not used in social situation or on social correspondence.  So if that describes you, then the answer is yes with the following caveats:
    #1 Generally only the pertinent post-nominals for the interaction at hand are included. 
        For example in the US:
            A military honor would be skipped on a civilian card. 
            Rudolf Giuliani, who is was knighted by Her Majesty the Queen after 09/11, might include OBE at a somehow British-related event, but probably not on his business card.
    #2  BA and MA are traditionally not included outside academia or research unless they are directly pertinent to the job is one is performing. So a therapist/counselor would include a masters in counseling after their name... a business consultant would include MBA. But a person with an MFA working in administration at city hall would not.
        Even doctorates are frequently omitted it they are not related to the professional service being rendered ... a person with an PhD in a history typically does not present him or herself as a "Dr." when offering yoga lessons.
        -- Robert Hickey

How Many Post Nominals To Use on My E-mail Signature? 
        I currently have a two certifications that I include on my e-mail signature block. I will be adding a number of additional certifications over the next 6-12 months, and eventually a Master’s degree in Homeland Security as well. Do I use them all in professional email correspondence if they are relevant to my profession on the whole, or should I tailor them on an email-to-email basis?
        -- Justin Dwight, CHLS, PCP

Dear Mr. Dwight:
        A signature block is not your resume where you would list everything.
        The real gauge will be what is the typical use ... the practice of your colleagues and peers ... what's right to present your self as qualified to hold your position.
        Your peers are the ones who will have an opinion on whether you have too much alphabet soup after your name -- or if you are being pertinent & appropriate.
       -- Robert Hickey

Post-Nominal for Lawyers?

How Do I Write My Name as an Attorney?
    I am not sure if I should show my name followed by Esq., J.D. or Esq., Dr. or Dr., Esq. or just Esq. or J.D.  Any help would be appreciated.
         -- Kenneth Millard

   I am an attorney and I do not use Esq. following my surname.  Although I am a practicing attorney (with many professional accolades from my peers), it strikes me that to insert the Esq. would project an aura of self-importance I do not feel.
         -- Robert Simpson

Dear Mr. Millard:
     In the much of the public's mind Esq.is used after a name to identify a lawyer in exactly the same way M.D. after a name identifies a doctor. But in fact they are not equivalent.
    The most traditional form of address for others to use when writing to a practicing attorney (e.g., on a letter) is:
          Kenneth Millard, Esq.
    Use of Esq. is important among the ethics rules of the legal profession which require communications from an attorney (on one side) be with the opposing side's attorney rather than directly with the opposing side. By addressing the other side's attorney as Esq., the person initiating the communication is being clear that he or she is following correct procedure.
     However, traditionally Esq. is not used reflexively ... that is, one does not call oneself an Esq.  Thus on a business card or letterhead names of the principals, partners, associates, are be presented without post nominals:
          Kenneth Millard
          Attorney at Law
     J.D. is most often used in academic contexts. If you are the author of a article that's published in an academic journal or teach at a university and are listed in the catalog, then using your specific academic degree is pertinent and traditional:
          Kenneth Millard, J.D.
     And finally:
          Esq. and J.D. are not used in combination.
          I'd say that it is very, very, very rare for a person holding a J.D. to want to be addressed as Dr. (name).
          Dr. is not used before or after an attorney's name in any circumstance.
                   -- Robert Hickey

May I Use Esq. with Academic Degrees?
      I live in the U.S., am a registered pharmacist (R.Ph.). I also have a master of science in molecular biology (MS) unrelated to my work in pharmacy and obtained after may pharmacy degree/registration. And I have a Juris Doctor I obtained last: I am a member of my State Bar Association so I believe I may use Esq.
       I work at a Federal Agency in a medical/science/regulatory role. 
      Can I use  Esquire with my other degrees?
              -- RD

Dear RD:
        In business and commerce (areas outside formal academia), people use whatever post nominals are pertinent to the position they hold / or the services they offer .... so the public will know what credentials the bearer has to offer the expertise / provide the service they present themselves to provide.
        So one's name on a business card or e-mail signature isn't presented in the same form one might put it on one's resume or paper in an academic journal.
        1) If any of the degrees/certifications show you to be more able to regulate medicine/science ... then they are pertinent
        2) Find out what your colleagues are doing. Use of post-nominals is more "etiquette" (unofficial, and changes from place to place and situation to situation) than "protocol" (official, written, and more fixed over time)  and it will be your peers who would offer the harshest criticism if you do it 'wrong'.
       3) I suggest you use JD rather than Esq.
            Esq. is a courtesy title used by others when addressing you, but like all courtesy titles is not used reflexively .... not used by the attorney with his or her own name.
               -- Robert Hickey

How to Use "Esq." With Other Post Nominals?
Dear Mr. Hickey
      What is the correct order of professional post-nominal abbreviations if one of the identifiers is Esq.?
      The others are as follows: CFS, CHS-III, CIG, CPM.
            -- Melena Brodsky

Dear Ms. Brodsky
    In the US, an attorney will have a post-graduate legal degree ... and academic degrees outrank and precede honors, decorations, and certifications.
    But Esq. is not an abbreviation for an academic degree, so it doesn't fit in with the other post nominals.
    Use just Esq. when listing the name in reference to activities related to the practice of law ... and use JD when listing the name in reference to academic situations.
            -- Robert Hickey

Post-Nominals: Matters of Style

How to Denote a Degree with Honours on Business Cards?
     In British and Canadian universities, a B.A. is awarded after completion of a three year program, while an Honours B.A. are awarded to graduates that complete another year.
     If someone holds a Honours Bachelor of Arts degree, what would be the proper post-nominal style? 
     Would it be B.A., B.A. Hons. or H.B.A.?
        -- Justin, Again

Dear Justin,
    I polled a number of Canadian universities as well as some graduates of The Protocol School of Washington and here's what I found.
     The honours is reflected on the certificate, in an academic publications or on a C.V. (resume). It is not used on personal correspondence or on business cards. Actually bachelors degrees wouldn't be include anywhere except in an academic publication or a C.V. anyway.

    When it is used, an Honours B.A. does not warrant a unique post nominal: Use B.A.
    Thanks Protocol School graduates -- Jan Cottle, London, Ontario; Jay Remer, St. Andrews, New Bruswick; and Nancy Kosik, Outremont, Quebec .
         -- Robert Hickey

Dear Mr. Hickey,
      As a graduate of a British university (University of Hull, 1974) I can say that, at least when I graduated, an Honours degree was based on grades obtained on university exams, and had nothing to do with completing an additional year.  I graduated from a three-year psychology B.A./B.S. program (depending on whether the individual graduated high school with an arts emphasis, or sciences). My Upper Second Class Honours degree was based on examination marks—individual marks or grades were not disclosed to students but classified by how well they performed in these final exams. An upper second was required for admission to graduate school, while first class honours were awarded to maybe 1-3 students per discipline each year. My year in psychology was exceptional in producing three students who graduated with first class honours. Naturally, this might have changed in the intervening years, but I would be surprised if the honours degree system would have completely changed. A student who did not achieve high enough grades to attain an honours degree were given a “Pass”.
       The correct style for this would be B.A. (Hons.)—used anywhere that someone might care that the student attained an honors degree.
     --- Claire W.

Dear Claire W.:
      Thanks  for your note.
      What you describe is the way I experiences 'honors' at the US university I attended (University of Virginia).
      1) I do observe at various institutions, degrees which have the same name, vary in the preferred post-nominal abbreviation. The precise requirements vary, although the broad requirements (probably established by the accrediting institutions) are similar. 
      2) Regarding the parentheses: based on styles around the world, it would be odd to me to use parentheses as you note:
                  (Full Name), B.A. (Hons.)
            Usually the style manuals present forms something like:
                   (Full Name), B.A. (Hons.)
            But what is intended is that the words in inside the parentheses be is included when appropriate ... not that the word inside the parentheses is to have parentheses around it. I see it in military names all the time. In the style manuals it is shown as:
                  (Full Name), USN, (Retired)
            Meaning that either of these is correct:
                  (Full Name), USN
                  (Full Name), USN, Retired
            So to me the while parentheses ... (Hons.) ... might be commonly seen, it would be not the best style.
                     -- Robert Hickey

Do I Use my Post-Nominals on My Checks?
How should my name appear on my checks "Dr. Cynthia Brodart" or "Cynthia Brodart, M.D." ?
         --- Cynthia Brodart

Dear Dr. Brodart:
     On your checks use Cynthia Brodart, M.D.
     Most formally one never gives oneself an honorific, so don't list yourself as "Dr. Cynthia Brodart".  Others address me as "Mr. Hickey" but I don't introduce myself by "Hello, I am Mr. Hickey."
    That said, sometimes medical doctors do identify themselves as "Dr. (surname)" in medical situations so the patient is certain that he or she is a physician and not a technician in a white coat. It comforting to us patients sitting in a backless gown to know you are the physician when you enter the exam room!
            -- Robert Hickey

How to Present Post Nominals Typographically?
       I tend to use a smaller font for the post-nominal letters than I use for my name.
            John Smith, MBA
       Is this O.K.? Or do they need to be the same size?
              -- Sebastian V. CPP

Dear SV:
    I have seen post-nominals set in a smaller type size or in small caps .... for example on a business card ... I would say it is a typographic style used a graphic designer .... and is more decorative than meaningful.
    Formally, post-nominal abbreviations are part of the complete name and should be treated the same as the rest name. Like the honorific ... Mr./Dr./Captain ... or a courtesy title ... The Honorable/The Reverend ... the post-nominal abbreviations are part of complete name.
    So when writing your name on a letter, or including someone else's post nominals on correspondence, keep them the same size as the name.  
              -- Robert Hickey

How to Punctuate Multiple Post Nominals?
     I've come across your interesting "Forms of Address" web site and it shed light on some questions I've been wondering about post nominals. However, I'm unsure of the punctuation to be used in multiple post nominals. Could you please explain how I would use punctuation when citing a MBA and a Master of Project Management (MPM)?
              -- Neil in Brisbane

Dear Neil:
    Do you mean punctuation between serial post nominals?
            Neil Henderson, PhD, MBA, BA
    Use of periods within post nominals is a matter of style, so just be consistent.
            Neil Henderson, Ph.D., M.P.M., B.A.
            Neil Henderson, PhD, MPM, BA
    There are rules for ordering post nominals .... 'high' to 'low' within a category ... and if they are equal, I'd do them in alphabetical order.
              -- Robert Hickey

Thanks for the reply; I was interested in the punctuation between serial post nominals and you've answered my question perfectly! Also helpful is your recommendation for ordering them alphabetically. I will observe this structure when using post nominals in the future.
              -- Neil in Brisbane

How to Include "Fellow" with Post-Nominal Abbreviations?
    We’d like to present a retired corporate officer some corporate business cards. The person has a Ph.D., is a Fellow of a prestigious professional organization e.g., ABC Fellow, and has retired as Managing Director, International Division.
What is the most appropriate designation on his business card now that he has no formal corporate responsibilities?
            Dr. James Doe, ABC Fellow
                      Managing Director, International Division, Ret.
            James Doe, Ph.D., ABC Fellow
                      Managing Director, International Division, Ret.
            Dr. James Doe, Ph.D., ABC Fellow
                      Managing Director, International Division, Ret.
     Dr. and Ph.D. sound redundant. Is it appropriate to use both? What is the best format in this case?
          -- Ike E.

Dear Ike E.:
    Yes ... Dr. and Ph.D. are redundant ... Ph.D. is used professionally in writing ... Dr. in conversation and socially ... so use James Doe, Ph.D.  on the card.
    I have a chapter in my book just on abbreviations and post-nominals. What most frequently appears as a post-nominal abbreviation (in the US) is an advanced academic degree ... M.B.A., M.D., D.D. ... or a professional certification ... A.I.A., A.S.I.D., C.P.A.  Those are initials, not words. I am not familiar with seeing a word like "fellow" included in a post-nominal abbreviation. I would think that the word fellow would be more appropriately included in an introduction or in a bio rather than as a post nominal.
    But, there are many traditions. Call the organization in question and find out how they see other members using the designation.  Usually I call the public relations department where editors will be knowledgeable -- OR a secretary in the president's office will know. It will be in James Doe's interactions with the other fellows he'll encounter that will provide the most critical eyes as to whether it's "right" or not.
    Either Ret. or Retired is fine: Your form for Managing Director, International Division, Ret. seems good.
             -- Robert Hickey

May I use Dr. as a Post-Nominal Abbreviation?
    I have a Doctor of Laws from a law school. Is it proper for me to use "Dr."  after my name in additon to J.D.?
    Is the order:
            Kevin Greenhutt, J.D., Dr.
    Or should I use:
           Kevin Greenhutt, Esq., Dr.
   Thank you for your assistance.
         -- Kevin Greenhutt
            Greenhutt, Macy, Cline, & Heffner

Dear Mr. Greenhutt:
     Usually I observe that attorneys in academia specify J.D. ... Kevin Greenhutt, J.D. ... so they are are using a form parallel to their academic colleagues who are specific as to their degrees ... Ph.D., D.M., D.Div. etc.
      Definitely not J.D., Esq.
     I've never met an attorney who sought to be addressed as Dr.
     In no circumstance would Dr. appear after anyone's name.
     FYI, your question is answered in my book on page 161.
                   -- Robert Hickey

Sequence Post-Nominal: Jr., 2nd, Third?

How Should Jr., II, III, IV, and V Be Used
After A Man's Name?
Dear Mr. Hickey:
I am not sure of the name sequence in the following situation. My son is Walter C. Wentz IV.  His father and grandfathers are deceased.  What is the proper designation for him now?  What is the proper designation for the son he is expecting next month? I would very much appreciate your guidance and expert advice.
         --- Audrey Parker

Dear Ms. Parker:
    The name one uses is up to the person: So Mom, you won't be deciding anything here, you can only advise!
    Continued use is often a matter of clarity for those one encounters.
    1) Some men drop the sequence post-nominals ... Jr., II, or III ... when their father dies and they think it unlikely there will be social or professional confusion.
    2) Some men keep the sequence post-nominals if their father was well-known ... or if they work in the same law firm ... or same company ... and they think the friends/clients/customers will find the designation useful and interesting.
    3) One might keep the sequence post-nominals because his mother is Mrs. Walter C. Wentz III and his wife is Mrs. Walter C. Wentz IV and socially that differentiation matters to the family. However since you are using "Audrey Parker" (rather than Mrs. (name)) it won't be confusing.
    One situation is seen with Microsoft's Bill Gates, who is really William H. Gates, Jr., but never used the "Jr."  Now his father, born William H. Gates uses William H. Gates, Sr.  He added the Sr. to clarify that he is not his much more famous son.  He probably did not officially change is name in court ... it's just a informal and unofficial change.
    So, if your son names his son Walter C. Wentz V, he's probably going to keep using Walter C. Wentz IV. If he names his son Zachery ... his IV becomes less necessary.
           -- Robert Hickey

How to use I, II, III, IV?
      Aloha, Mr. Hickey,
      We're hoping you can answer a question regarding name titles I, II, III and IV.  Is it appropriate for someone to take on a numeric title just because there have been ancestors with the same name.  Does a numeric title need to be direct descent, as it would with Sr. and Jr.?
     It is our understanding that you can't have a III without a I or II, because they would have been Sr. and Jr. prior to the birth of the third party.  Once the III comes along, Sr. and Jr. now become I and II.  Is this correct?
      Thank you for your assistance.  We look forward to your reply.
        -- Adrienne in Hawaii

Dear Adrienne:
     Here's how these post nominals typically work:
     1) Once you get your name it does not change "legally" unless you go to court and have a judge change it. That doesn't mean some people change their name ... an as long as you pay your bills no one really cares!
     2) A son who is given the same name as his father is named at birth (Full name), Jr.   A boy who is given the same name as a relative (in memory of or to honor that relative) is named at birth (Full name), II.
     3) Any boy named after a "Jr." or a "II" is a III. Any boy named after a "III." is a IV. etc.
     4) If the person you were named for dies ... e.g., if you are born a III. and your father who was a Jr. dies ... you keep being the name you were given at birth.  Many men stop using the Jr. when their father dies  -- my brother did --  but if a father was famous ... a son may keep using it for clarity. E.g., if you work in the same business as your father and everyone knew him, it may be useful to keep using the "Jr." with your name so people who knew your dad will be clear who you are. While some "Juniors" use the "Jr." all the time ... many don't.
      -- Robert Hickey

Are Jr., II, III, IV treated as Post Nominals?
      Some in our office say that honorifics shouldn’t be used with any post nominal suffixes  -- Mr. James R. Bowden, Jr., for example. Isn't there a rule that if a name has a post nominal it can't have an honorific at the same time.
             -- James Bowden, Georgia

Dear Mr. Bowden:
     Yes ... the rule is either an honorific or a post-nominal.
     But .... Sr., Jr, II, III, IV, etc. are part of the person's name, they are not post-nominals abbreviations like honors, degrees and professional affiliations are ... so ...
       Mr. James R. Bowden, Jr.  .... is O.K.
       James R. Bowden, Jr., P.E. .... is O.K.
       Mr. James R. Bowden, Jr., P.E. ... is not O.K.
             -- Robert Hickey