Final answer:
It is true that REALTORS® may only use and display professional designations they have earned, as doing otherwise is unethical and can lead to disciplinary action. Earned designations signify credibility and expertise, critical for professional integrity and consumer trust in the real estate industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that REALTORS® may only use and display professional designations they've actually earned is true. In the real estate industry, professional designations are considered a mark of credibility and expertise. These designations, such as CRS (Certified Residential Specialist) or ABR (Accredited Buyer's Representative), are awarded by real estate institutions after a Realtor has completed certain educational courses and met specific practice requirements.
It is both unethical and deceptive for Realtors to claim designations they have not earned, and doing so can lead to disciplinary action by regulatory bodies or the Realtor's own professional association. Therefore, displaying only earned designations is crucial for maintaining professional integrity and trust.