NP Credentials: Let’s (Try To!) Clear Up the Alphabet Soup Confusion

By Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C

I review a lot of resumes and LinkedIn profiles, and I notice a significant variation in the way my colleagues list their titles. Sometimes it’s right, but many times it’s wrong! Let’s face it—our profession makes it very confusing, and some people list everything they can think of listing! The NP Alphabet Soup of credentials! Yes, it’s confusing, so let’s review it!
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Properly listing your credentials as a Nurse Practitioner (NP) or Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) isn’t just a formality—it reflects your hard work, your qualifications, and your professionalism. Whether you’re signing a prescription, updating your resume, or creating a business card, there is a correct and recommended format. And yes, it matters. Getting this right can make a difference in how employers, patients, and peers perceive you.

​The Recommended Order of NP Credentials

Both ANCC and AANPCB recommend listing credentials in this order:

1. Highest Academic Degree Earned
   (DNP, MSN, etc.—only list the highest.)
2. Licensure
   (APRN, NP, RN—if relevant to your state’s requirements.)
3. National Certification
   (FNP-C, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, AGACNP-BC, etc.)
4. Awards or Honors
   (FAAN, FAANP, etc.)
5. Other Certifications

        (CDE, NCMP, etc.—include only if relevant and current.)​

What Not to Include After Your Name

Let’s stop the over-stuffing! Here are some things to leave off:
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• “RN” – If you're practicing as an NP, don’t include RN. It’s redundant and not appropriate for your level of practice.

 

• Multiple Degrees – Only list the highest. No need to write BSN, MSN, and DNP.
  
  
• “FNP” alone – Always include your certifying body (unless you are no longer board certified): FNP-C (AANPCB) or FNP-BC (ANCC).
  
  
• Expired or irrelevant certifications – Leave off BLS, ACLS, or expired credentials from your name line.
  
  
• Both FNP-C and FNP-BC – Only list the one you're certified in. These are from different certifying bodies. If you are board-certified in both, list both. (But first, I’d ask why!? Save your money and just do one! Both are quality board certifications and universally accepted.)

​

• Unrecognized titles – Skip titles like “Board Certified Holistic NP” unless issued by a nationally recognized body.

For more on what to skip and why it matters, APEA offers a great breakdown that’s worth reading.

Why Is This So Confusing?

Because, unfortunately, there’s no national standard for how NPs should list credentials across all contexts. That’s because:

• Licensure is handled at the state level.
  
• Certification is issued by national boards.
  
• Degrees come from academic institutions.

So what are we juggling?

• Academic Titles – DNP, MSN
  
  
• Licensure Titles – NP, APRN, ARNP (state-specific)
  
  
• Certification Titles – FNP-C, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, AGACNP-BC
  
  
• State Preferences – NP (CA), APRN (FL, KY), ARNP (WA)
  
  
• Specialty Boards – PNCB for pediatric NPs, not ANCC or AANPCB
  
  

No wonder people get it wrong. You're not alone. I had to carefully review this to ensure I had it right. 

Real-World Credentialing Examples

I’m all about “real-world education,” so let’s walk through what it should look like depending on where you live and what certification you hold:

 Example 1: Lynn McComas – California, ANP-C

• Professional (resume/LinkedIn):
  Lynn McComas, DNP, ANP-C
• Clinical documentation (California):
  Lynn McComas, NP
  
  

California recognizes “NP” as the legal title. “ANP-C” is your national certification. No need to list APRN.

 Example 2: FNP in Florida – MSN-prepared, certified by AANPCB

• Professional:
  Alex Martinez, MSN, FNP-C
• Clinical documentation (Florida law):
  Alex Martinez, APRN, FNP-C
  
  

Florida requires “APRN” on all legal documents. You may—and should—also include your specialty to avoid confusion. “FNP-C” provides necessary specificity.

Example 3: FNP in Texas – DNP-prepared, certified by ANCC

• Professional:
  Samantha Green, DNP, FNP-BC
• Clinical documentation (Texas):
  Samantha Green, APRN or FNP-BC (I’d suggest you add the FNP-BC for clarity.)
  
  

Texas uses “APRN” for licensure, but it's not typically enforced in documentation. Use your certification title for clarity.

 Example 4: PMHNP in Washington – MSN-prepared, certified by ANCC

• Professional:
  Jordan Kim, MSN, PMHNP-BC
• Clinical documentation (Washington):
  Jordan Kim, PMHNP or NP
  
  

Washington uses “ARNP” as the legal license title but allows the use of “NP” or specialty title in practice.

 Example 5: AGACNP in Florida – DNP-prepared, certified by ANCC

• Professional:
  Michelle Zhang, DNP, AGACNP-BC
• Clinical documentation (Florida):
  Michelle Zhang, APRN, AGACNP-BC
  
  

Florida legally requires APRN on prescriptions and charting—but AGACNP-BC helps clarify your role and scope, especially in complex care.

Example 6: Pediatric NP – MSN-prepared, certified by PNCB

• Professional:
  Daniela Ruiz, MSN, CPNP-PC
  ​
  
• Clinical documentation (most states):
  Daniela Ruiz, NP or CPNP
  
  

CPNP-PC is the correct credential for pediatric NPs certified through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board (PNCB)—not FNP or PMHNP! Always use the credential that matches your certifying body.

How Should You List Your Credentials on a Resume?

On your resume, you’ll want to do both:

• At the top under your name, list your credentials in the correct format, just like we discussed above.
  
• In your education and licensure sections, go into more detail:
  
  
  • Education:
    
    
    • Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), XYZ University – 2023
      
    • Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), ABC University – 2020
      
      
  • Licensure and Certification:
    
    
    • California Board of Nursing – APRN, License #xxxxxxx
      
    • ANCC – Family Nurse Practitioner, FNP-BC, Certification #xxxxxxx
      
      

Be precise. Don’t mix and match credentials from different certifying bodies (i.e., don’t write FNP-C if you're certified through ANCC—that’s for AANPCB).​

 In Practice: What You Should Use and Where

• On Medical Records / Prescriptions: Follow your state’s rules. In California, for instance, “NP” is the recognized title. So, "Jane Smith, NP" is usually appropriate for clinical documentation.​

• In Professional/Academic Settings: Use your full list of credentials. This is the place to list DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, FAANP if relevant.

​

• On LinkedIn & Business Cards: Keep it clean but professional. Your full credential line should appear under your name, and then you can explain more in your About section or job descriptions.

A Few Quick Tips

• Stick to the credential that matches your certifying organization. FNP-BC = ANCC; FNP-C = AANPCB.
  
• Be consistent everywhere—LinkedIn, resume, email signature, business cards.
  
  
• Know your state’s rules. Some states use ARNP, some use APRN, and others use NP.
  
  

Drop the RN after your name if you’re functioning in an APRN role. Your APRN licensure encompasses your RN licensure.

Bottom Line

There’s no “one-size-fits-all” way to list NP credentials—but there is a right way based on your state, your certification, and your context.

Keep it:

• Clear
•  Accurate
• Consistent

And please, please, please, ditch the extra fluff. You worked hard for your title. Accurate credentialing isn’t about showing off. It’s about clarity, professionalism, and patient safety. Represent your title the way it was meant to be.

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​About Lynn

Lynn McComas is the CEO and founder of PreceptorLink and a recognized expert in precepting nurse practitioners and advanced practice provider students. With over two decades in primary care, Lynn has served as a coach, advisor, mentor, and preceptor for countless healthcare professionals, including NPs, nurses, and medical assistants. She co-founded a successful skills and procedures business and speaks nationwide on NP-related issues.

Lynn is also a regular contributor on LinkedIn, KevinMD, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram @preceptorlink, X @LynnMcComas, and her blog, where she addresses the growing NP and PA professions and the urgent need for preceptor sites. Her unique perspective, shaped by her business, clinical, and educational experiences, positions her as a key voice in tackling preceptor shortages. Lynn is committed to driving change—through a paradigm shift in NP education, reducing barriers, offering preceptor incentives, and advocating for reforms within the profession.