Accredited in Public Relations (APR)

Where your career in public relations takes you is based on individual drive, determination and diligence. One next step all seasoned practitioners should consider is earning the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation. Earning the APR certification proves you have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today’s business arena. It is suggested that you have a minimum of five years of paid, full-time experience as a public relations professional or as a teacher or administrator of public relations courses in an accredited college or university.

Where your career in public relations takes you is based on individual drive, determination and diligence. One next step all seasoned practitioners should consider is earning the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation. Earning the APR certification proves you have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today’s business arena. It is suggested that you have a minimum of five years of paid, full-time experience as a public relations professional or as a teacher or administrator of public relations courses in an accredited college or university.

Where your career in public relations takes you is based on individual drive, determination and diligence. One next step all seasoned practitioners should consider is earning the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation. Earning the APR certification proves you have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today’s business arena. It is suggested that you have a minimum of five years of paid, full-time experience as a public relations professional or as a teacher or administrator of public relations courses in an accredited college or university.

Where your career in public relations takes you is based on individual drive, determination and diligence. One next step all seasoned practitioners should consider is earning the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation. Earning the APR certification proves you have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today’s business arena. It is suggested that you have a minimum of five years of paid, full-time experience as a public relations professional or as a teacher or administrator of public relations courses in an accredited college or university.

Any PRSA member in good standing can take on the challenge of earning Accreditation. However, it is recommended that candidates have at least five years’ experience in the full-time practice or teaching of public relations and who have earned either a bachelor’s degree in a communication-specific field (e.g., public relations, journalism, mass communication) or have equivalent work experience, which includes public relations principles, public relations writing, public relations campaigns, research, ethics and law and internship (practical experience under supervision).

Any PRSA member in good standing can take on the challenge of earning Accreditation. However, it is recommended that candidates have at least five years’ experience in the full-time practice or teaching of public relations and who have earned either a bachelor’s degree in a communication-specific field (e.g., public relations, journalism, mass communication) or have equivalent work experience, which includes public relations principles, public relations writing, public relations campaigns, research, ethics and law and internship (practical experience under supervision).

1. You must complete an application that lets the UAB gauge your full-time public relations experience.
2. Once your application is approved, you must schedule a Readiness Review, which is a face-to-face review by three APRs to determine whether you have a grasp of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to pass the comprehensive examination.
3. Prior to the Readiness Review, you must complete a Readiness Review Questionnaire that addresses: your organization and position in public relations; overall experience; and assessment of readiness to pass the computer-based written examination.
4. Successfully pass a Comprehensive Examination that is administered at numerous testing centers around the nation.

1. You must complete an application that lets the UAB gauge your full-time public relations experience.
2. Once your application is approved, you must schedule a Readiness Review, which is a face-to-face review by three APRs to determine whether you have a grasp of the knowledge, skills and abilities required to pass the comprehensive examination.
3. Prior to the Readiness Review, you must complete a Readiness Review Questionnaire that addresses: your organization and position in public relations; overall experience; and assessment of readiness to pass the computer-based written examination.
4. Successfully pass a Comprehensive Examination that is administered at numerous testing centers around the nation.

The cost is $385. PRSA members receive a rebate of $110 upon completion of the computer-based Examination.

The cost is $385. PRSA members receive a rebate of $110 upon completion of the computer-based Examination.

It’s best to begin seeking Accreditation when you can commit the time, energies and resources to completing the entire process.

It’s best to begin seeking Accreditation when you can commit the time, energies and resources to completing the entire process.

It varies based on the individual and the number of applicants in your area. Once your application is approved, you have one year to complete Readiness Review and take the computer-based Examination.

It varies based on the individual and the number of applicants in your area. Once your application is approved, you have one year to complete Readiness Review and take the computer-based Examination.

The PRSA Tampa Bay Chapter Accreditation chair is Jeff Caponigro, APR, Fellow.

The PRSA Tampa Bay Chapter Accreditation chair is Jeff Caponigro, APR, Fellow.