07-16-2014, 03:47 PM
I'd say it varies by professional field and context. As a starting point, what do peers in your profession, in your area, at your organization or similar do? Two fields that come to mind where long strings of degrees and certifications seem common are nursing, and financial planning / investment and insurance sales. On which, see
Alphabet Soup: Why So Many Letters After Nurses' Names? (Genevieve M. Clavreul, RN, PhD, Working Nurse.com)
and Is Your Adviser Pumping Up His Credentials? Those Fancy Initials After Your Financial Adviser's Name Might Not Be As Impressive as They Seem (Jason Zweig and Mary Pilon, The Wall Street Journal, October 16, 2010).
Alphabet Soup: Why So Many Letters After Nurses' Names? (Genevieve M. Clavreul, RN, PhD, Working Nurse.com)
and Is Your Adviser Pumping Up His Credentials? Those Fancy Initials After Your Financial Adviser's Name Might Not Be As Impressive as They Seem (Jason Zweig and Mary Pilon, The Wall Street Journal, October 16, 2010).