Learn English – Do I use a forward slash or comma for the title and designations

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Do I use a forward slash or comma for my title and designations? I see both uses throughout my industry but which one is the correct usage, or could both be correct?

Broker/REALTOR®, CRS®, ABR®

Broker, REALTOR®, CRS®, ABR®

Thank you,
EM

Best Answer

According to REALTOR® Trademark usage FAQ:

The marks should not be used inadvertently and improperly to denote a vocation or business. A good rule to follow is if the term “Member” cannot logically be substituted for the term REALTOR®, then the term should not be used. Appropriate substitutions might include the phrases “real estate broker,” “real estate agent,” “real estate salesperson,” “property manager,” etc.

So, saying you are a REALTOR® is just a more qualified (or precise) way of saying you are a broker, therefore I believe that using the form with the comma would introduce ambiguity. Since a REALTOR® is a type of broker, you could always say "REALTOR® broker" as well, with no comma or slash. The comma would only be useful if it is used in a sentence where you are clarifying what kind of broker you are. Hope that helps.

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