What are post-nominals ?
Contents |
[edit] What are they ?
Post-nominals are also sometimes known as post-nominal initials, designatory letters, or post-nominal titles. They are letters placed after a person's name to represent a qualification or award they have achieved. They can be received from an award such as Academic Degrees (BS, MBA, PhD), professional licences and certifications (MCIOB, FCIOB, CEnv), etc.
[edit] What are the benefits of using post-nominals?
Post-nominals represent an achievement, skill level, experience or sometimes an ongoing commitment to a way of working. They are a valuable signpost for the individual and those who choose to work with them.
The benefits of using your CIOB post-nominal are it:
- Showcases your credentials and strengthens your reputation
- Demonstrates your commitment to professionalism, integrity and excellence
- Displays your skill and experience level
- Indicates your dedication to continuous professional development
- Gives you recognition as a part of the international CIOB community
Using your post-nominal also positively impacts the CIOB and the industry. Showing your CIOB post-nominal increases our profile. It also heightens recognition and the desirability of certifications and, as a result, raises standards across the industry.
[edit] How do you use them?
We actively promote using your post-nominals to showcase your achievements.
You can use your post-nominals on your email signature, business cards, letterhead, business/corporate websites, publications, your LinkedIn profile, event speaking profile and, on your CV.
Post-nominals should be in the following order* :
- Civil honours (e.g. OBE)
- Military honours
- Appointments (e.g. MP)
- Higher Education awards (e.g. MBA, BSc)
- Membership in academic or professional bodies (FCIOB, MCIOB, CEnv)
If you have a lot of post-nominals, you can tailor the post-nominals you include, only showing the two or three most relevant to your current role and industry.
[edit] Terms and conditions for CIOB's post-nominal us
Designations can only be used by active members. Members whose registration has lapsed or who have resigned their registration are not eligible to use the CIOBs post-nominals.
Find out more information about becoming a Chartered Member on our Become a Member page.
This article appears on the CIOB blog page as "What are post-nominals, their benefits, and how should you use them?" written by Lyndsey Montgomery, Head of Qualifications, dated November 8 2022.
--CIOB
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Architects Registration Board ARB.
- Architect.
- Architectural education.
- Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists CIAT.
- CIAT responds to the architects' regulation review.
- National Infrastructure Plan for Skills.
- Page about me.
- Perkins review of engineering skills.
- Professional Qualifications Bill.
- Qualifying as a professional electrician.
- The Architects Act.
- UK Points-Based Immigration System 2020.
Featured articles
Check out some of the best features and news from Designing Buildings as well as key stories from around the web.
Communities will be able to build their own clean energy.
Why diversity and inclusion matters for SMEs
CIOB’s D&I Charter shows how practical changes can support long-term growth.
Cut electricity bills to power growth
Coalition sends joint letter to the Chancellor.
Gasholders: a history in pictures. Book review.
Recognition, influence and growth
SocEnv identifies three strategic pillars in new strategy to 2045.
Discover the future of roofing, cladding and insulation.
New guidance for professional practice, cultural change and regulation in social housing.
The heritage of nuclear and conventional power stations.
New measures to stop people being ripped off
Government to protect families from cowboy builders and aggressive bailiffs.
New Futurebuild showcase brings an innovation-first approach.
National Planning Policy Framework
Understanding the 2026 changes.
ECA's public affairs priorities
Member consultation opens to shape priorities for 2027 to 2030.

















