Credentials validate expertise and give tangible recognition of professional achievements. At CAMFT, we understand the importance of listing credentials for Board Members, Staff Members, Committee Members, Chapter Members, Speakers and others published on the website at CAMFT.org.

To remain consistent and fair with our process of listing credentials, the CAMFT communications team offers these guidelines for displaying names and credentials on the website:  

Names: Names often include a first name and last name, though they can follow any culturally appropriate format for each individual, and can also include middle name or middle initial, and suffix if applicable.

Credentials: CAMFT follows the common practice of listing credentials in order of permanence, listing permanent credentials such as academic degrees first, followed by non-permanent credentials such as those that have renewal requirements through a state or an advisory board. Lastly, if applicable, certifications and professional designations are listed. Stylistically, CAMFT lists all credential acronyms without periods. 

Credentials should not contain redundant information. For example, some degrees are not included if they are redundant. A Bachelor’s degree would not be listed if the individual has a Master’s degree or Doctorate, for instance, and a Master’s degree would not be listed if the license the person holds designates they have earned a Master’s degree.

To clarify, here is the framework for publishing credentials on CAMFT.org:

1. Terminal Academic Degrees such as PhD, PsyD, EdD, JD, MBA will be listed first. [Master’s degrees will only be listed if they are not redundant. If the licensing credential (such as LMFT) inherently denotes a Master’s degree has been earned, the MA or MS will not be listed.]
2. Renewable Licenses, such as LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, and including associate licenses such as AMFT or APCC, will be listed next.
3. Certifications and other professional designations, such as CAE, SEP, CSP, CPC, CADC will be listed last.

Here are a few examples:

Timi Lederan, PhD, LMFT
Donnre F. Khan, LMFT, LPCC, SEP
Chris Wang, Jr., PsyD, LMFT, CAE
Blue Clouded Sky, MBA, LMFT,

If you have any questions or concerns about these guidelines, please contact the Managing Director of Communications at hdaniels@camft.org.

Sources:

How To List the Order of Credentials After a Name

Credentials can get complicated, are you displaying your achievements the correct way?