List of professional designations in the United States


Many professional designations in the United States take the form of post-nominal letters. Certifications are usually awarded by professional societies or educational institutes. Obtaining a certificate is voluntary in some fields, but in others, certification from a government-accredited agency may be legally required to perform certain jobs or tasks.
Organizations in the United States involved in setting standards for certification include the American National Standards Institute and the Institute for Credentialing Excellence. Many certification organizations are members of the Association of Test Publishers.

Accounting and finance

Actuarial

Architecture, interior design, landscape architecture and planning

NamePost-nominalAgency
Registered ArchitectRAstate licensing board
Professional Landscape ArchitectPLAstate licensing board
Professional PlannerPPstate licensing board
Registered Interior DesignerRIDstate licensing board
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards CertifiedNCARBNational Council of Architectural Registration Boards
National Council for Interior Design Qualification CertifiedNCIDQNational Council for Interior Design Qualification
Association of Licensed Architects MemberALAAssociation of Licensed Architects
Association of Licensed Architects FellowFALAAssociation of Licensed Architects
American Institute of Architects MemberAIAAmerican Institute of Architects
American College of Healthcare ArchitectsACHAAmerican College of Healthcare Architects
American College of Healthcare Architects FellowFACHAAmerican College of Healthcare Architects
American Institute of Architects FellowFAIAAmerican Institute of Architects
American Institute of Certified PlannersAICPAmerican Planning Association
American Society of Interior Designers MemberASIDAmerican Society of Interior Designers
American Society of Interior Designers FellowFASIDAmerican Society of Interior Designers
Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture MemberCELACouncil of Educators in Landscape Architecture
Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture FellowFCELACouncil of Educators in Landscape Architecture
American Society of Landscape Architects MemberASLAAmerican Society of Landscape Architects
American Society of Landscape Architects FellowFASLAAmerican Society of Landscape Architects
American Institute of Certified Planners MemberAICPAmerican Institute of Certified Planners
American Institute of Certified Planners FellowFAICPAmerican Institute of Certified Planners
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited ProfessionalLEED APU.S. Green Building Council
Construction Specification Institute MemberCSIConstruction Specifications Institute
Construction Document TechnologistCDTConstruction Specifications Institute
Certified Construction Contract AdministratorCCCAConstruction Specifications Institute
Certified Construction SpecifierCCSConstruction Specifications Institute
Certified Construction Product RepresentativeCCPRConstruction Specifications Institute
WELL Accredited ProfessionalWELL AP

Association, credentialing, and not-for-profit management

Broadcast engineering

Communications

Contract management

Economics

Emergency management and public safety

Engineering

Genealogy

Geology, soil science, and other earth sciences

Geospatial and surveying

Government

Hospitality, tourism and recreation

Human resources professions

IT industry

Law

Additionally, many jurisdictions grant some or all judges the right to use postnomial letters, which they generally employ in lieu of "Esq." The most common is "J.", but more complex systems exist. For instance, in New Jersey, Judges of the New Jersey Superior Court are entitled to the postnomials "J.S.C.", except for the a Presiding Judges of the Family, Civil, Criminal, and General Equity Parts in a vicinage, a vicinage assignment judge, Appellate Division judges and the Presiding Judge of the Appellate Division. Justices of the Supreme Court of New Jersey are entitled to the simple postnomial "J.", except for the Chief Justice, who uses "C.J."

Supply chain, logistics and transportation

Medicine and health care

NamePost-nominalAgency
American Board of Professional PsychologyABPPQualification beyond state licensure currently in 13 specialties, including clinical, school, and forensic psychology
Basic Life Support InstructorBLS-IAny credentialing organization that conforms to the recent International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation guidelines for Basic Life Support.
Certified Genetic CounselorCGCThe American Board of Genetic Counseling is the credentialing organization for the genetic counseling profession in the United States and Canada. The ABGC certifies and recertifies qualified genetic counseling professionals. In this way, the work of the ABGC protects the public and promotes the ongoing growth and development of the genetic counseling profession.
Certified Nursing AssistantCNAVaries by state
Certified Health Education SpecialistCHESNational Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
Master Certified Health Education SpecialistMCHESNational Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.
Master of Public HealthMPHAccredited through the Council on Education for Public Health. Focuses on public health practice and includes health education and epidemiology.
Master of Health InformaticsMHIAccredited through AMIA, a member of the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management.
Certified Director of Assisted LivingCDALSenior Living Certification Commission is a nonprofit corporation, autonomous from Argentum, with its own governing Board of Commissioners. SLCC offers a voluntary certification program for assisted living executive directors.
Certified Healthcare Simulation EducatorCHSESociety for Simulation in Healthcare
Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator CHSE-ASociety for Simulation in Healthcare
Certified Healthcare Simulation Operations SpecialistCHSOSSociety for Simulation in Healthcare
Certified HIPAA Privacy AssociateCHPABasic level certification for covered entities and business associates employees, interns, volunteers and others.
Certified HIPAA Privacy ExpertCHPEIntermediate level certification for covered entities and business associates employees who need to validate their HIPAA Privacy knowledge. This certification is mainly for HR staff, privacy consultants and Privacy compliance team members.
Certified HIPAA Privacy Security ExpertCHPSEHighest level of certification for covered entities and business associates HIPAA compliance officer who need to validate their HIPAA Privacy & Security knowledge. This certification is mainly for compliance staff, HIPAA consultants, HIPAA auditors and HIPAA Compliance officer.
Certified HIPAA ProfessionalCHP
Certified Professional in Infection ControlCIC
Certified Hospice and Palliative Licensed NurseCHPLNmust hold a current, unrestricted practical/vocational nurse license in the United States or its territories and must have hospice and palliative licensed practical/vocational nursing practice of 500 hours in the most recent 12 months or 1000 hours in the most recent 24 months prior to applying for the examination.
Certified HIPAA Security ExpertCHSEIntermediate level certification for covered entities and business associates employees who need to validate their HIPAA Security knowledge. This certification is mainly for IT staff, security consultants and Security compliance team members.
Certified HIPAA Security SpecialistCHSS
Certified Tissue Banking SpecialistCTBS
Certified Veterinary AssistantCVA-
Certified Wound, Ostomy, and Continence NurseCWOCN, CWCN, COCN, CCCN, or CWONMust hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing and complete WOC Education Program accredited by the WOCN Society. Certification must be re-established every five years.
Doctor of Veterinary MedicineDVMA professional doctoral degree for veterinarians
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal MedicineDACVIMVeterinary Internal Medicine specialists who have completed a professional doctoral degree in veterinary medicine, completed a post-doctoral internship, and an accredited residency program.
Doctor of ChiropracticDCA professional doctoral degree for chiropractic physicians.
Doctor of Dental SurgeryD.D.S. or DDS
Doctor of PsychologyPsy.D. or PsyDA professional doctoral degree for clinical psychologists. Clinical psychologists who complete additional research as a component of their academic training are awarded a PhD in Psychology. Either of these degrees may be listed postnominally with ABPP to designate completion of board specialization beyond licensure.
Dentariae Medicinae Doctoris D.M.D. or DMD
Doctor of MedicineM.D. or MD
Doctor of Nursing PracticeDNPA terminal professional degree that focuses on the clinical aspects of nursing rather than academic research. The curriculum for the DNP degree generally includes advanced practice, leadership, and application of clinical research. The DNP is intended primarily to prepare registered nurses to become advanced practice registered nurses. Advanced practice roles in nursing include the nurse practitioner, certified registered nurse anesthetist, certified nurse midwife, the clinical nurse specialist, and Nursing Administrators.
Doctor of Occupational TherapyOTD
Doctor of OptometryODA professional doctoral degree for Optometrists
Doctor of Osteopathic MedicineD.O. or DOA professional doctoral degree for physicians in the United States. Holders of the DO degree are known as osteopathic physicians and have equivalent rights, privileges, and responsibilities as physicians with a Doctor of Medicine degree. Osteopathic medical school curricula closely mirror those of Doctor of Medicine M.D.-granting medical schools. However, osteopathic physicians also receive an additional 300 – 500 hours in the study of hands-on manual medicine and the body's musculoskeletal system integrated into the medical curriculum, which is referred to as osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Doctor of Physical TherapyDPTA professional doctoral degree for Physical Therapists
Doctor of Podiatric MedicineD.P.M.A Doctor of Podiatric Medicine is a physician that specializes in diagnosing and treating conditions of the foot, ankle, and related structures of the leg. DPMs are also known as podiatric physicians or surgeons. They complete four years of training in a podiatric medical school and three years of hospital residency training. This training is similar to that of other medical or osteopathic doctors but with an emphasized scope on foot, ankle, and lower extremity.
Emergency Medical DispatcherEMDCertified through the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch, and PowerPhone, Inc.
National Board for Certification in Hearing Instrument SciencesNBC-HISThe achievement of this designation represents the initiative to excel beyond the normal requirements for operating a hearing instrument dispensing practice. The designation, BC-HIS, distinguishes the Board Certificant's outstanding skills and professional expertise needed for completion of the National Competency Exam.
Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Responder NREMRAll require passage of the National EMS Certification Exam-EMR, developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Emergency Medical Technician - Basic EMT-BAll require passage of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT-Basic Exam, developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Nationally Registered Emergency Medical Technician NREMTAll require passage of the National EMS Certification Exam-EMT, developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate/85 EMT-I/85All require passage of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT-Intermediate/85 Exam, developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Emergency Medical Technician – Intermediate/99 EMT-I/99All require passage of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT-Intermediate/99 Exam, developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Nationally Registered Advanced Emergency Medical Technician NRAEMTAll require passage of the National EMS Certification Exam-Advanced EMT, developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Emergency Medical Technician - Paramedic EMT-PAll require passage of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians EMT-Paramedic Exam, developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Nationally Registered Paramedic NRPAll require passage of the National EMS Certification Exam-Paramedic, developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
Board Certified Critical Care ParamedicCCP-CInternational Board of Specialty Certification
Board Certified Flight ParamedicFP-CInternational Board of Specialty Certification
Board Certified Community ParamedicCP-CInternational Board of Specialty Certification
Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic MICPMICPs are currently licensed by the Alaska State Medical Board
Licensed Paramedic LPLicensure by Texas Department of State Health
All require passage of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians- EMT-Paramedic or National EMS Certification Exam-Paramedic, developed by the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians
All require an associate degree in emergency medical services, a baccalaureate degree, or a postgraduate degree
Licensed Practical Nurse
Licensed Vocational Nurse
LPN
LVN
Licensure by individual state nursing boards
All require passage of the National Council Licensure Examination-Practical Nurse, developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Registered NurseRNLicensure by individual state nursing boards
All require passage of the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse, developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing
Advanced Practice Nurse
Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
APN
APRN
Various
Certified Massage TherapistCMTCertification by individual state boards
Licensed Massage TherapistLMTLicensure by individual state boards
Requires passing of NCETMB or MBLEx
Licensed Clinical Massage TherapistLCMTLicensure by individual state boards
Requires passing of NCETMB or MBLEx
Clinical education specialized for health care practice
Certified Traditional/Non-traditional Reiki MasterRMQualification can be given by certified Traditional/Non-traditional Reiki Masters for the capacity to teach and practice reiki
Licensed MidwifeLMstate or provincial licensing
Certified MidwifeCMAccreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
American Midwifery Certification Board
American College of Nurse-Midwives
Certified Professional MidwifeCPMNorth American Registry of Midwives
Certified Nurse-MidwifeCNMAccreditation Commission for Midwifery Education
American Midwifery Certification Board
American College of Nurse-Midwives
Certified Registered Nurse AnesthetistCRNAAmerican Association of Nurse Anesthetists Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs
AANA Council on Certification of Nurse Anesthetists
AANA Council on Recertification of Nurse Anesthetists
Nurse PractitionerNPState licensure
Marine Physician AssistantMPAFederal Certificate of Registry U.S.C.G.
Music Therapist- Board CertifiedMT-BC
Occupational TherapistOTState licensure
Certified Occupational Therapy AssistantCOTAState licensure
Physician AssistantPA-CNational Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants
Registered Veterinary TechnicianRVT-
Physical TherapistPTState licensure
Physical Therapy AssistantPTAState licensure
Certified in Public HealthCPHNational Board of Public Health Examiners
Medical Laboratory ScientistMLSAmerican Society for Clinical Pathology
Medical TechnologistMTState Licensure, American Medical Technologists
Medical Laboratory TechnicianMLTState Licensure, American Society for Clinical Pathology, American Medical Technologists
Licensed Professional CounselorLPC or LCPCState licensure
Licensed Associate CounselorLACState licensure
Licensed Master Social WorkerLMSWState licensure
Licensed Clinical Social WorkerLCSWState licensure
Traumatic Event ManagerTEMMilitary Certification
Licensed Veterinary TechnicianLVT
Qualified Clinical Social WorkerQCSWNational Association of Social Workers
Certified Tissue Bank SpecialistCTBSAmerican Association of Tissue Banks
Certified HypnotherapistCHt
Certified Handwriting AnalystCHA
Certified Advanced Handwriting AnalystCAHA
National Board Certified Clinical HypnotherapistNBCCHNational Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists
National Board Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist in Public ServiceNBCCH-PSNational Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists
National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical HypnotherapyNBCDCHNational Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists
National Board Certified Diplomate in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public ServiceNBCDCH-PSNational Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists
National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical HypnotherapyNBCFCHNational Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists
National Board Certified Fellow in Clinical Hypnotherapy in Public ServiceNBCFCH-PSNational Board for Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists
Licensed AcupuncturistL.Ac.State licensure
Diplomate in AcupunctureDipl.Ac.National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Diplomate in Oriental MedicineDipl.O.M.National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine
Diplomate of the American Board of Family MedicineDABFMAmerican Board of Family Medicine
Diplomate of the American Board of Venous & Lymphatic MedicineDABVLM
Fellow of the American Academy of Family PhysiciansFAAFPAmerican Academy of Family Physicians
Fellow of the American Society for Parenteral and Enteral NutritionFASPENAmerican Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
American Geriatrics Society FellowAGSFAmerican Geriatrics Society
Fellow of the American Academy of NeurologyFAANAmerican Academy of Neurology
Fellow of the American Society of Health-System PharmacistsFASHPAmerican Society of Health-System Pharmacists
Fellow of the American College of Emergency PhysiciansFACEPAmerican College of Emergency Physicians
Fellow of the Aerospace Medical AssociationFAsMAAerospace Medical Association
Associate Fellow of the Aerospace Medical AssociationAFAsMAAerospace Medical Association
Certified Aerospace PhysiologistCAsPAerospace Medical Association
Aviation Medical ExaminerAMEFederal Aviation Administration
Senior Aviation Medical ExaminerSAMEFederal Aviation Administration
Fellow of the American Academy of PediatricsFAAPAmerican Academy of Pediatrics
Fellow of the American College of CardiologyFACCAmerican College of Cardiology
Fellow of the American College of DentistsFACDAmerican College of Dentists
Fellow of the American College of EndocrinologyFACEAmerican College of Endocrinology
Fellow of the American College of PhysiciansFACPAmerican College of Physicians
Fellow of the American Vein & Lymphatic Society FACPh
Fellow of the American College of SurgeonsFACSAmerican College of Surgeons
Fellow of the American College of Osteopathic Family PhysiciansFACOFPAmerican College of Osteopathic Family Physicians
Fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and GynecologistsFACOGAmerican Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Fellow of the Health Advocacy and Medical Exploration SocietyFHAMESPost-nominal title granted by the and sponsored by one of six councils representing personal and professional exemplary dedication and service to healthcare, medicine, science, legislation, or advocacy.
Doctor of PharmacyPharmDColleges of pharmacy
Certified Pharmacy TechnicianCPhTPharmacy Technician Certification Board
Registered PharmacistR.Ph. or RPhState boards of pharmacy
Registered Respiratory TherapistRRTNational Board for Respiratory Care
Registered Respiratory Therapist, Neonatal & Pediatric SpecialistRRT-NPSNational Board for Respiratory Care
Registered Respiratory Therapist, Sleep Disorder SpecialistRRT-SDSNational Board for Respiratory Care
Registered Respiratory Therapist, Adult Critical Care SpecialistRRT-ACCSNational Board for Respiratory Care
Respiratory practitionerRP, RCPState Boards of Respiratory Care
Certified Respiratory Therapy TechnicianCRTTNational Board for Respiratory Care
Certified Respiratory TherapistCRTNational Board for Respiratory Care
Certified Phlebotomy TechnicianCPTNational Healthcareer Association
Certified Personal TrainerCPTAerobics and Fitness Association of America, National Academy of Sports Medicine, American Council on Exercise, National Strength & Conditioning Association
Certified Athletic trainerATCBoard of Certification, Inc.

May be restricted by state licensure.
Certified Medical AssistantCMAAmerican Association of Medical Assistants
Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, RegisteredNDTR, DTR
Registered Dental HygienistRDHA licensed dental professional who specializes in preventive oral healthcare Requirements: Graduation from an accredited dental hygiene program;
Successful completion of the written National Board Dental Hygiene Examination;
Successful completion of a regional or state clinical board examination
Registered Dietitian/NutritionistRD, RDN
Registered Diagnostic Medical SonographerRDMSAmerican Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Registered Vascular TechnologistRVTAmerican Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Registered Diagnostic Cardiac SonographerRDCSAmerican Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Registered Musculoskeletal SonographerRMSKSAmerican Registry for Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Military

Real estate

Religion and theology

Telecommunications and cable

Workplace learning and performance

Other