Nuances of the real estate field and practice are widely varied, and while I probably wouldn't want to read 9 designations behind someone's name on a card, it can be highly useful to know what some of the training they've had may be – a CCIM, for instance, has significant professional knowledge beyond the average agent and needs to make that immediately clear to colleagues when conferences, MLS, Board of REALTORS® gatherings, etc. are under weigh.

It can also make a good deal of difference in a hospital setting to know that certain colleagues have the professional and academic background to have a voice in certain planning scenarios. Having the letters doesn't guarantee performance, but they sure give a great starting point for expectations.

Lastly, there are sometimes cases wherein a new designation is being rolled out, as is the case with the Human Services – Board-certified Practitioner (HS-BCP) sponsored by the Nat'l Org. for Human Services (NOHS) and the Center for Credentialing & Education (CCE). It's a designation being offered to eligible practitioners who successfully sit for a comprehensive exam and have also completed an accredited baccalaureate or master's curriculum in the field. If this designation appears on someone's card, for a good while NO one is going to know what it is, and the practitioner will just have to explain its meaning because it's so new. In time, the designation becomes better known in the field, but until then, there is considerable work involved in earning it and it speaks to the holder's professional knowledge. They need to show what sets their proficiency apart from others.

I hope this seems reasonable. Like you, I think there should be a happy medium between listing designations that are very specific (albeit relatively unknown) and being infatuated with one's own self-importance.

Getting quality teaching with an online degree means that you need to research each institute carefully. Talk to other students, if possible. Look at several schools offering both traditional programs and online degree programs. It doesn’t hurt to check out class size either. Try to find class sizes that are small and thus offer you the possibility of individual attention. Check into how the Institute can help you……………….

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I am in complete agreement. These should be used judiciously and not by anyone who has “paid” for their degree. Those who have put in the work and study to achieve high level degrees or job specific designations – most certainly. But honestly a Bachelor's degree is almost considered a must now so putting B.A or B.Admin is like Gr.12 behind your name. Stop it – it makes you look pompous.

Oh and don't choose your medical professional because of the letters behind their name – base it on their knowledge and experience. Regardless of how good of a doctor/nurse/technician you are they all have the same “letters” – I would prefer a competent professional not one concerned with how their business cards look.