The best replacement for designation is title.

The best alternatives to designation are rated as following:
★★★★★  title
★★★★  position
★★★  appointment
★★  certification
★★  job title
★★  cfp
★  accreditation
★  will
★  role
★  credential
  profession
  cfa
  occupation
  md
  designator

Your alternative for designation is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about designation, one probably shouldn't forget about cga.

Other search terms related to designation and their ratings are:
★★★★★ cga
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Google Trends

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designation
title
position