Those letters after the name - Which ...

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Author Message Russ Hinkle, AIA, CDT, LEED AP Senior Member Username: rhinkle Post Number: 75 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 11:18 am:    So most of us as professionals have aquired a few initials after our names. Some we pay for, others are earned. Those that are paid for: Which do you get the most value from (CSI, AIA, SCIP, NCARB, etc)? Those that you earned: Which are you the most proud of and why (CDT, CCS, LEED AP)? Do all these intials mean anything to those we work for (clients and employers). With limited time and resources I am looking toward my next professional goal and am interested in others opinions. Russ Hinkle Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED® AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1030 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 11:38 am:    Paid for: CSI Earned: CCS I try to make sure that clients understand the value. My employers seem to get it; the last 4 have either required that I pursue the CCS or required it outright. But then, I write specs. I'm a SCIP Affiliate and that's next in value. I'm an Associate AIA, and if I had to make a choice, that would be the one I'd drop. I'm a LEED AP only because my employer insisted that as many people in the office as possible should be. It has little value to me; however, there are many people out there who seem to feel that it's closer to God than cleanliness. My kids joke - sort of - that I have more letters after my name than are in my name. Oh well...that's the nature of this industry and probably the world in general. It doesn't matter whether you passed the test by 1 point or got a perfect score - as long as you can add those letters, you prove to them that you have a value. Superficial? Yes, but I don't know an alternative. Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1174 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 11:59 am:    I'd go with RA which was both paid for [education] and earned [via 5-day written exam in the old days] Also value CPCA and CBO both earned as building code official. And of course, currently the CDT which in my instance was earned through the years of RA experience. Robin E. Snyder Senior Member Username: robin Post Number: 313 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 12:08 pm:    I think Assoc. AIA has the most influence on my clients. It shows them that I am "one of them". For me, it's probably CCS, since that is something I earned. Come December, when I complete my Juris Doctor program,"JD" will be the one I am most proud of earning. Hopefully, I will follow that up with "Esquire" in the next year or two. Doug Frank FCSI, CCS Senior Member Username: doug_frank_ccs Post Number: 264 Registered: 06-2002 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 12:20 pm:    I agree with Lynn in that the most value comes from CSI and SCIP and the most pride from CCS. I dropped the Associate AIA several years ago because of my perceived lack of value to me. My CCS does mean something to my employer as well as to certain of our clients. I’ve heard that LEED AP means more to clients when it’s the Principal in Charge of any given project rather than a whole bunch of project team members. CSI Certifications are of real value and should be encouraged for all individuals that deal in the related categories: CCS for specifiers, CCPR for Product Representatives, and CCCA for Construction Contract Administrators. The CDT Certificate is of value to everyone who has earned it and to those few employers who know what it means. The real trick, in my humble opinion, is getting the folks who matter to understand and appreciate the value of your alphabet soup. I’m lucky that mine do but it might take some self-promotion and marketing if yours don’t. Doug Frank FCSI, CCS, SCIP Affiliate FKP Architects, Inc. Houston, TX Dave Metzger Senior Member Username: davemetzger Post Number: 352 Registered: 07-2001 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 02:07 pm:    The difference between CSI and AIA is that CSI is paid for solely; while membership in the AIA and the use of "AIA" initials is paid for, one cannot use "AIA" without having earned registration, and having a current registration. John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: bunzick Post Number: 1200 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 02:24 pm:    Dave, unless you are "Assoc. AIA" Most important to me: CCS, then CCCA. If I was a registered architect or P.E., that would probably be first. I generally don't highly value membership initials, though I may place very high value on the benefits of the organization. LEED AP--similar story to Lynn. Our firm wants to have lots of them, and I believe it is overvalued. J. Peter Jordan Senior Member Username: jpjordan Post Number: 414 Registered: 05-2004 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 04:38 pm:    BA, BArch, MBA, NCARB, CSI, CCS, AIA, LEED AP, MAI, SCIP... (Omitting RA since I am a member of AIA) Definitely an E-I-E-I-O Passing the architectural licensing exam was the culmination of a goal that was 12 years in the making. If and when I get dinged on for a lack of long term goals and focus, I have only to remember this achievement at what seem to me now to be an incredibly young age. CSI is the professional/technical affiliation I have maintained the longest (30 years this last December); I have allowed my AIA membership to come and go. Have only been a member of SCIP since going independent 4 years ago. CSI and SCIP are where I find people with whom I share many values about "place making." CCS means a lot to me, and as I have matured as a design professional and a specification writer, it means more and more. Am not quite as cynical about the LEED AP thing, but then we do find it of some use. Am considering CCCA. Would value FCSI because it means recognition from people who matter to me, and I percieve CSI to be more selective of their fellows than is AIA. Sheldon Wolfe Senior Member Username: sheldon_wolfe Post Number: 396 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 05:23 pm:    CSI's order of precedence works for me: RA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA. A lot went into that license, at, as Peter notes, a young age. I certainly wouldn't want to go through that again! I value the FCSI and CCS most, and they do have value to a few others. I see little value in LEED accreditation, though it appears to be much more marketable than the rest of my alphabet soup. On that issue, I think USGBC has gone over the edge with their multitude of accreditation types, and continuing education requirements that are greater than those for maintaining a professional license. I had to laugh when I saw their twenty-six page trademark policy! Gotta give 'em credit, though, they came up with a plan and marketed the bejeebers out of it. Paul Gerber Senior Member Username: paulgerber Post Number: 6 Registered: 04-2010 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 05:23 pm:    We're supposed to have letters after our name? I was an interm member of the AATO (Association of Architectural Technologists of Ontario) but since the OAA (Ontario Association of Architects) governs the use of the title "Architectural Technologist" under the Architects Act and has always had a "we're not giving you guys anything" type of attitude with the AATO I got tired of paying my membership dues when it got me diddly-squat! Since I have started writing specs full time, I have re-joined CSC (Construction Specifications Canada - sister organization to CSI) and will be working my way towards my RSW (Registered Spec Writer - equivilent to CCS). I am also considering membership in CSI, but at this point am unsure of whether or not I would pursue CCS as it really doesn't benefit me in Canada and being as unfamiliar with construction contracts in the States, not sure if I would be able to pass the exam on that basis. There is also a CCCA designation available through CSC, but in the last 8 years at the firm I am currently employed by (5 years as CA, 3 years as Spec Writer/CA) nobody has ever spoken to me about getting that designation or any benefit to having it within my current employment. This may be the jaded side of me coming out (especially after the day I had today...thank God for my winemaking club meeting tonight!) but it seems like generally in Canada (or at least specifically in my experience) unless you have a B.Arch or M.Arch and they are considering you for partnership, most firms couldn't give a rat's a$$ about any designations you have. The only thing after my name on my business card is Dipl. Arch. Tech. (Diploma of Architectural Technology). After 20 years I also feel my resume speaks for itself. Ride it like you stole it!!! (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 11:40 am:    Pay for: CSI Earned: CCS Mean nothing to clients nor employers. (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 06:04 pm:    In order of importance: Registered Architect. Certified Construction Specifier Bachelor of Architecture LEED AP - Way, way down the list (it's on my business card only because my employer insists on it - I had purposely left it off for years because I am embarrassed to be associated with the rest of the flock with the same meaningless "credential.") Sheldon Wolfe Senior Member Username: sheldon_wolfe Post Number: 397 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Thursday, April 15, 2010 - 06:39 pm:    Paul, thanks for reminding me of something I saw in a CSC's alphabet soup. In her e-mail, her RSW appears as a link to the CSC website page that explains what an RSW is, like this - RSW. Perhaps that's something all specifiers should consider. I'll also note that I use alphabet soup only as needed by the situation. If it's my first e-mail to a client, I use the whole nine-line signature block (company policy). After that, it's just name without soup, followed by firm and phone number for a while, and then name only. If I'm e-mailing as a CSI officer or committee member or the like, I do the same - start with a six-line block, then drop off to just my name after first contact. I wish everyone would do that; I hate e-mail threads that are six pages long, almost all of it being half-page signature blocks - especially the ones with pictures and disclaimers. Outlook includes an option to use one signature block for outgoing mail, and a second - presumably shorter - one for replies. That makes it easier to get the right size block, but some thought is occasionally required. As for disclaimers, many offices blindly require the use of disclaimers even when their terms prevent productive use of the e-mail. Let's think, people! Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED® AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1031 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 09:19 am:    Thanks for that tip, Sheldon. I don't have Outlook at work, but Thunderbird seems to have a similar option. I found and clicked on a button that seems to indicate that my signature will not be attached to replies. We'll see what happens. I've often wanted to remove my full signature in that situation, but didn't know I could. John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: bunzick Post Number: 1201 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 09:45 am:    Sheldon, My Outlook is set up so signature line is not automatically included on emails forwarded or replied to. Helps to shorten things up. Richard A. Rosen, CSI, CCS, AIA Senior Member Username: rarosen Post Number: 63 Registered: 08-2006 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 10:50 am:    Sheldon: It appears that RSW is the CSC equivalant of CCS. One of the requirements is that you be a member of CSC. Sheldon Wolfe Senior Member Username: sheldon_wolfe Post Number: 399 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Friday, April 16, 2010 - 10:56 am:    Richard: It's only a rough equivalent. The requirements for RSW to way beyond those for CCS. Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 943 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 05:04 pm:    FCSI -- which I believe is both paid for (in thirty years of dues and dinners) and earned (ditto). my clients may not know what CCS is (and explaining it doesn't seem to help much) but they do understand the F in FCSI -- "just like a Fellow in the AIA but different". its the only set of initials I use on my cards now. And wiht Sheldon, I have to give the USGBC credit for creating what is essentially a mountain range out of what started as a manufacturer's marketing strategy during a down economy. Jo Drummond Senior Member Username: jo_drummond_fcsi Post Number: 45 Registered: 06-2007 Posted on Monday, April 19, 2010 - 05:48 pm:    I agree with Anne. I have FCSI on my cards and nothing else. When I first joined CSI (I was the second female member in Los Angeles), and became senior enough in my firm to get cards, I put CSI on them. I knew that CSI had arrived when reps, architects, etc., stopped asking me what CSI was. Every trade association, every professional association, has a multiplicity of certifications, with initials for the people who meet their criteria. Certifications are in, but few know, besides the peers of those who have them, what the initials mean. Since it is important for us all to have the respect of our peers, this is OK by me. But maybe sometimes it goes a little far. I was writing a spec. for duct cleaning a couple of weeks ago. There is an association of duct cleaners, and the sample I had limited the workers to people who have designation as Certified Duct Cleaner! Steven T. Lawrey, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA Senior Member Username: lawrey Post Number: 89 Registered: 08-2004 Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 12:18 pm:    I have collected so many credentials that the string really looks quite silly. To an outsider, these strings probably make us appear to have big egos. Lately, I've been thinking about which ones to drop from my business card. The email signature could be taylored to the recipient. After giving it some thought, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP are equivalent to a one semester college course and really pale in comparison to professional registration, advanced degrees, and fellowship. If I had to reprint my business card today, it would include NCARB, AIA, CSI. As Philly Chapter President, I welcome you to Philadelphia and the Delaware Valley. The information which I submitted to CSI and Hanley Wood included my certifications, therefore you will hear them at the opening session and annual business meeting; however were among friends and colleagues. For those who have registered, I look forward to meeting Thursday evening at the Water Works. Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 953 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 02:11 pm:    I give more credence to those initials that require continuing education to keep them (which lets out the FCSI) -- and until recently the LEED intitials did not require that, nor does the CDT. (and like Jo, I was the first woman professional member in my Seattle CSI chapter. there were a few members who thought that perhaps I "couldn't be eligible" for CSI membership, and steered me towards WIC.) I'm glad that aspect of the business has changed... Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED® AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1045 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Friday, May 07, 2010 - 02:17 pm:    Thank you, Anne, for having that determination! I haven't faced much of that discrimination in the mid-west, but I certainly can appreciate what some women have faced. Chris Grimm, CSI, CCS, LEED-AP, MAI, RLA Senior Member Username: tsugaguy Post Number: 247 Registered: 06-2005 Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 03:03 pm:    Continually learning, discovering something new every day, even after 17 years in design+construction with the last 6 of those as a full time specifier -- that you don't get letters for, yet I count it as the most important for a spec writer. But regarding the letters and their relative importance in my case, ditto exactly what Lynn says in her April 15 post. Chris Grimm, CSI, CCS, SCIP Affiliate, LEED-AP, MAI, RLA Senior Member Username: tsugaguy Post Number: 248 Registered: 06-2005 Posted on Friday, May 14, 2010 - 03:05 pm:    ...except swap AIA for RLA in my case. I am a SCIP Affiliate too now, as of Tuesday night. Ann G. Baker, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, SCIP, LEED AP (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 04:36 pm:    I agree with Sheldon, that CSI's order of preference works: RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA. After that, I value SCIP more than LEED AP, even though the LEED AP is more recognizable in general. One thing that annoys the heck out of me is the fact that I've had to educate even sophisticated clients on the fact that RA means I'm licensed to practice architecture even though there is no "AIA" after my name. (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Monday, May 17, 2010 - 06:03 pm:    Ann, When and where did RA start, and how did it come to be recognizable as a licensed architect? Shouldn't that be LA for licensed architect? Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1191 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 07:35 am:    In most cases [if not all] under state laws, one is registered as an architect, not licensed. RA, I think, has the same root source as the PE for Professional Engineer [oddly enough, engineers are also registered, but I have never seen RE used; perhaps because of other useage of those letters]. Merely simple acronyms overall. Russ Hinkle, AIA, CDT, LEED AP Senior Member Username: rhinkle Post Number: 76 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 10:28 am:    This has been a great discussion so far and I do appreciate the input as I think about the future. First - that little piece of paper on my wall says Architect License. I think AL would really confuse the average person. AIA seems to do the job although I really don't think I am getting my money's worth right now. If it was not for office politics and the company paying for it . . . Which leads me to ask one of the first questions differently. Membership in these organizations cost money. We belong for many different reasons, but mostly to benefit out work. What do you feel you get for that membership fee? Deals on life insurance? CEU's? Influence on our government? Shared knowledge? Good friends? Are some organizations better deals than others? Russ Hinkle Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED® AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1048 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 10:51 am:    Shared knowledge is the most valuable of what I get from both my CSI and SCIP memberships. Until about 5 years ago, my local AIA chapter didn't do educational meetings, so the only thing I got from that was hob-nobbing with people who just about snubbed me because I wasn't taking a traditional architectural track toward being licensed. They have changed, however, and it's almost worth the cost I pay as an Associate member. My local CSI chapter (now chapters) has always provided educational meetings, and consequently, has always given me that value for my dues. Besides the learning unit requirements, I feel that the day I stop learning is the day I'll die. Education has value. Networking and friendships only happen if you attend meetings. So AIA never served me that way and CSI did - and does. Life insurance, influence, deals in general, don't really interest me. Sharing knowledge and networking do - and will benefit me as well as my employer. CSI (and SCIP) serve me well in both areas. Sheldon Wolfe Senior Member Username: sheldon_wolfe Post Number: 403 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - 11:19 pm:    The terms "registered" and "licensed" are used almost interchangeably. Minnesota statutes use both but use licensed more frequently. Other statutes I've looked at are similar, with no consistency. Texas uses both in a single sentence, with each profession treated differently: "Licensed or registered professional" means a licensed architect, registered professional land surveyor, licensed professional engineer,... Hey! Let's form an organization to standardize terms! Forgot my password (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Friday, May 21, 2010 - 04:32 pm:    Personnally, I despise the term "registered architect." It sounds like a dog -- registered poodle. Why does it have to be qualified with registered or licensed? By most, if not all state regulations, the definition of "architect" is a person who holds a current license to practice architecture. One is either an architect, or not an architect. The initials I value most are AIA, so that I don't have to use RA; but, I do not get the best value from the organization. If I could put "Architect" on my business card, I would. Vivian Volz, RA, CSI, CCS Senior Member Username: vivianvolz Post Number: 125 Registered: 06-2004 Posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2010 - 05:59 pm:    Considering "AIA" to replace the "RA" in my list, so that my architect clients will be more firmly reminded that I, too, am an architect. Even the licensed ones don't seem to get "RA". Still, that's an expensive purchase, just to let someone track my continuing ed credits the easy way and sip the occasional fizzy water at a reception. CSI speaks volumes to other CSI members. They aren't often my clients, but they are my peers and friends and have been very, very helpful throughout my spec career. Also considering SCIP, which (bonus!) gets me EIEIO, too. (Or is EIEIO after six sets now?) Does SCIP speak to anyone besides other specifiers? I actually think LEED AP has been helpful for distinguishing me from among other specifiers in my area. John McGrann Senior Member Username: jmcgrann Post Number: 77 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 - 08:07 am:    Eastern Institute of Enlightenment and Intellectual Outgrowth (EIEIO) is my alma mater. Most of you may know of it by the more informal "Virginia Tech." http://www.vtmagazine.vt.edu/spring04/letters.html John T. McGrann, Jr., AIA, CSI, CCS, LEED AP (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 - 10:45 am:    I agree whole heartily with Forgot my password. Under my name on my business card is simply "Architect." Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1196 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 - 11:46 am:    To me, RA and AIA are mutually exclusive. RA is a personal attribute acquired through education, knowledge and examination and is a notation of my status. AIA [like CSI, SCIP,etc.] indicates an organzaition to which you enter into memership for some specific reason. I like the shared knowledge concept of Lynn's, and take note of mild disdain in this thread about the AIA-- yet some still feel AIA better represents them [and can replace RA?]. Confusing. AIA has long been maligned about not really being of service to their average member and offering little for local consumption for the fees involved-- don't know, that may be correct. Also, being involved with dogs on number of issues and levels [including show dogs], I take some umbrage with my registration being confused and equated to a poodle that is registered WITH the AKC [as in having its litter and pedigree legitimized, numbered and recorded], and speaking nothing about the dog itself or its capabilities! John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA, LEED AP Senior Member Username: bunzick Post Number: 1209 Registered: 03-2002 Posted on Wednesday, May 26, 2010 - 01:07 pm:    Except that, Ralph, one must be 'RA' to be allowed to put 'AIA' after thier name. This, I think, is what posters are referring to. I'm a member of AIA, but am not registered. I can only put 'Assoc. AIA' after my name. Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 956 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 12:53 pm:    My poodle is registered and has her own registration number. (and she has a better pedigree than I do, which is also is traceable back more generations than mine is). I wouldn't mind coming back as my poodle in my next life -- she can go nearly anywhere, and people give her treats all the time. And to show that she is smarter than me, she doesn't even have to pay for her own registration! come to think of it, maybe she's more like some architects than I first thought... John Regener, AIA, CCS, CCCA, CSI, SCIP Senior Member Username: john_regener Post Number: 464 Registered: 04-2002 Posted on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 05:45 pm:    I verified this old tale just today during a mid-morning coffee break. I went to Denny's, showed the waitress my Architect's license and paid $3.80 and got a cup of coffee. After drinking the coffee, I showed the waitress my AIA membership card and got a free refill! I wonder what I could have gotten had I gone to Starbuck's and additionally showed by CSI membership card. Steven Bruneel, AIA, CSI-CDT, LEED-AP Senior Member Username: redseca2 Post Number: 235 Registered: 12-2006 Posted on Friday, May 28, 2010 - 08:45 pm:    Checking into a roadside motel after a long day on the road, the desk person asked the inevitable, "are you a member of AAA?" To which I said, "no, but I am a member of AIA and here is my card". "Okay, I guess that works too". Russ Hinkle, AIA, CDT, LEED AP Senior Member Username: rhinkle Post Number: 77 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Tuesday, June 01, 2010 - 08:58 am:    I pay around $700 a year and get about $50 savings on my car and home insurance. And just to show you how much they value AIA, on my insurance bill it indicates that I get a SAE discount (Society of Automotive Engineers). How many of you take advantage or the O.L.D. intials and get Senior Citizens discounts? Not sure if I am looking forward to that in a couple years. Russ Hinkle Robert W. Johnson Senior Member Username: robert_w_johnson Post Number: 72 Registered: 03-2009 Posted on Wednesday, June 02, 2010 - 10:22 am:    Getting old is better the available alternative!! Tracy Van Niel, FCSI, CCS Senior Member Username: tracy_van_niel Post Number: 304 Registered: 04-2002 Posted on Wednesday, June 02, 2010 - 10:41 am:    Two of my dogs have more titles behind their name than probably anyone on this list (or at the very least a heck of alot more titles than I do), but I'm still the one who pays their upkeep! Am/Can CH Meadowlake No Regrets RA AX OAJ AJP OAP ME CG CGC VX (Reggie) CH Meadowlake Angel In My Pocket RL1 NA NAJ JE CGC TDI V (Halo) That's T Bone in my avator but right now he's just Aardehond Crazy Heart CPiT (cute puppy in training) Ralph probably has a lot of them too (dog titles)! P.S. (Ralph) Are you going to Medina in July? Tracy L. Van Niel, FCSI, CCS (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Thursday, August 05, 2010 - 02:09 pm:    All of those initials after your name mean nothing when it comes to promotions; at least in my current employment. I have CCS, CCCA, LEED AP, and am a Registerd Architect and Registered Interior Designer, but was passed over for promotion for a person who is CDT. May be time to look elsewhere! Lynn Javoroski CSI CCS LEED® AP SCIP Affiliate Senior Member Username: lynn_javoroski Post Number: 1085 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Thursday, August 05, 2010 - 02:25 pm:    Gives a whole new meaning to the "...writing on the wall" Sheldon Wolfe Senior Member Username: sheldon_wolfe Post Number: 422 Registered: 01-2003 Posted on Thursday, August 05, 2010 - 04:07 pm:    That seems to be the way it goes with registration and certification. The value comes when you're looking for a new job, as companies often require a specific license or certification. If you get it while you're at a job, you go the boss and say, "Look at me - I got my license/CDT/CCS/etc.!" and the response is, "Good for you. Get back to work." Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1207 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Friday, August 06, 2010 - 06:34 am:    And the shame of it all is just that the value of the hard work to become registred is valued so low. Now one can lose skill and enthusiasm and become a non-player which is rather silly for the previous effort, but the intangible part of being registered is being a working and growing professional. The silliness currently at hand [to reduce the qualifications for registration] is beyond stupid and is unparalleled in medicine or law. Do you want your doctor to be "lesser: trained? What do some now think registration of an architect, without a degree is in any way valid? 'Course then too people live together without marrying. We, I think, need a stronger registration program supported by a much stronger and better directed, well-rounded academic sequence. But then employers who are not in the know will still exist-- how do they get their jobs? (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Friday, August 06, 2010 - 10:13 am:    All those letters mean nothing when it comes to layoffs, either. I have a string of letters and feel I have been fairly compensated for them, I enjoy my job, but I am getting strong signs that I will fall in the next layoff. Too much experience, too big a salary, too many others out of work willing to accept less. On the other hand, I feel sure I will be among the first hired when things start to pick up. Great experience, fair salary, and not many other candidates looking. Times change. Anne Whitacre, FCSI CCS Senior Member Username: awhitacre Post Number: 994 Registered: 07-2002 Posted on Friday, August 13, 2010 - 11:53 am:    Tracy: my dog, too. (and she has a much better pedigree than I do). Phil Kabza Senior Member Username: phil_kabza Post Number: 456 Registered: 12-2002 Posted on Wednesday, August 18, 2010 - 09:30 pm:    This topic has surpassed Specifiers Week as the most-commented topic in this category. Why? (Unregistered Guest) Unregistered guest Posted on Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 09:49 am:    Lack of understanding of the requirements required to obtain those letters? Dave Metzger Senior Member Username: davemetzger Post Number: 369 Registered: 07-2001 Posted on Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 10:28 am:    Folks get to talk about themselves Ralph Liebing, RA, CSI, CDT Senior Member Username: rliebing Post Number: 1214 Registered: 02-2003 Posted on Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 10:51 am:    The letters are not badges of glory, but rather hints of accomplishment and expertise. They are important when the card holder reaches for the card to call back and talk to "you" again, and uses the hints to remember what you can bring to the project. Your persona and demeanor made the impression! Russ Hinkle, AIA, CDT, LEED AP Senior Member Username: rhinkle Post Number: 79 Registered: 02-2006 Posted on Thursday, August 19, 2010 - 11:02 am:    Just about everyone in the group has letters after their name. (although I notice not all seem to use them in this discussion forum). They seem to mean different things to different people and were used for different purposes. Back in my fathers day, it meant you had arrived. You were a professional and that was it. No continuing ed. You just paid your dues and you were in the club. Today, things are more complicated, and we get to talk about this stuff on-line instead of at the monthly meetings! Russ Hinkle