Charles Davis Jan 8, 2012:

I have to say that I agree with you, Muriel. I am really quite shocked, in fact, that people do this. There is no justification for using a formulation that may lead people to assume you have a degree that you haven't. Until you have completed the dissertation/thesis and had it approved by the examiners, "PhD" should not appear next to your name, however qualified. I had never heard of this practice until I looked up examples for this question.

Muriel Vasconcellos (asker) Jan 8, 2012:

@Juan Pablo When I was studying for my Ph.D., this didn't exist. We were told to use (ABD) in our curriculum vitae, but that was a while ago. Obviously, (c) is more discreet. After you posted your answer, I did find a few Internet references that said they were the same. My reaction hasn't changed yet - I'm still shocked!

Juan Pablo Sans Jan 8, 2012:

Hello Muriel, I do not think it is the same, as it would be an informal text, and this instead is a formal text. Actually, you see that many professors use the (c) in their CV. I do not think the would like to use the ABD in their CVs.

Juan Pablo Sans Jan 7, 2012:

Hello Muriel. Please see that both are my answers, but I did not know how to make you see the explanation (still newbie at KudoZ).

Muriel Vasconcellos (asker) Jan 7, 2012:

Hmmmm I understand that both your answers are correct, and I am torn between who should get the points. That said, I find the practice distasteful, and I'm going to write out 'candidate' in full in my translation. ABD was bad enough, but this is rank misrepresentation. Anything less than the degree in hand is like being a little bit pregnant. How would you like to be treated by an M.D.(c)? I'm sorry, I've paid my dues and I know what's involved. The last part (that these people have yet to face) is the hardest.

Juan Pablo Sans Jan 7, 2012:

hahahahaha

Charles Davis Jan 7, 2012:

This reminds me of an old joke in the UK about someone who put "BA (failed)" after his name.