Behind your name on a resume, list your highest earned academic degree first, then your professional licensure, and finally any certifications in order of specialty relevance. For example, “Jane Doe, DNP, APRN, FNP-C.”
Quick Fix Summary
Add your credentials in this order after your name: highest degree (e.g., DNP, MSN), state licensure or APRN designation (e.g., APRN, NP-C), and certification (e.g., FNP-C, PMHNP-BC). Separate each with a comma. Example: “Alex Rivera, MSN, APRN, FNP-C.”
What’s the deal with credential order?
Getting this right means employers instantly recognize your qualifications and legal authority. The standard order—degree, licensure, certification—keeps things clear and matches AACN and NONPF guidelines (as of 2026). Slip up with outdated abbreviations (like tacking “RN” on after becoming an NP) and you risk looking out of touch with current standards.
How do I get this right?
Start with your highest degree:
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
- Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) — only if you don’t have a graduate degree
Next, add your advanced practice designation:
- APRN (Advanced Practice Registered Nurse) — the gold standard in 2026
- NP-C (Nurse Practitioner-Certified) — if you’re certified by AANP
- State-specific titles (e.g., ARNP in Washington) — optional but still acceptable
Finally, tack on your population-focused certification:
- FNP-C (Family Nurse Practitioner)
- AGNP-C (Adult-Gerontology)
- PMHNP-BC (Psychiatric-Mental Health)
- PNP-AC (Pediatric Acute Care)
Put it all together like this:
First M. Last, Degree, APRN, CertificationExample:Taylor Lee, DNP, APRN, FNP-C
What if my credentials still aren’t working?
Check your state board’s website for approved NP titles as of 2026—some states have ditched “ARNP” in favor of “APRN.”
Double-check your certification acronym with the issuing body (e.g., AANP for FNP-C or ANCC for PMHNP-BC) to avoid using old or wrong labels.
Applying for academic jobs? Flip the order: list degrees first, then licensure, then certifications (e.g., “Jordan Kim, PhD, RN, CNE”).
How can I keep this from becoming a problem?
Update your credentials file every year. The NCSBN tweaks licensure and certification standards every 1–2 years, and outdated titles can slow down employers trying to verify your credentials. Keep a master list of all your credentials with their issue dates to dodge omissions or mistakes. Always cross-check with AANPCert or NONPF before you finalize your resume.
