Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
APR (Accreditation in Public Relations) is a mark of distinction for public relations professionals who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice. Individuals are selected based on broad knowledge, strategic perspective, and sound professional judgment. APR FAQs
Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Universal Accreditation Program: What is Accreditation?
Accreditation is a voluntary certification program for public relations professionals, administered by the Public Relations Society of America. What is the purpose of Accreditation?
The purpose is to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the field. The program seeks to improve public relations practice. The designation Accredited in Public Relations (APR) signifies a high professional level of experience and competence. Why become Accredited?
APR is a symbol of professionalism. It demonstrates that individuals have the knowledge, ethics and experience that set them apart. Increasingly, job listings are specifying APR preferred. Many senior public relations professionals have been outspoken in support of Accreditation.
What is the new testing process?
The process for the Readiness Review and computer-based written Examination began in June 2003. Each candidate is now required to participate in a Readiness Review/portfolio review before being advanced to take the written examination. The written portion of the examination is a computerized, multiple –choice format that takes three hours to complete. See Examination for Accreditation Process Charts for specific details. Who is Eligible?
Members of partner organizations who have at least five years of paid, full- time experience in the professional practice of public relations, or in the teaching or administration of public relations courses in an accredited college or university. Also, non-members who belong to member organizations of the North American Public Relations Council (NAPRC) and who meet the same requirements as Members are eligible. Please contact PRSA Headquarters for details.
What are the costs?
The fee for PRSA members is $275. The fee for members of other Partner Organizations is $385. The fee for non-members equals the fully allocated cost of administering the Examination. Additionally, non-members must pay an annual maintenance fee equal to PRSA member dues ($225). The Examination Process
The process involves six steps:
1. Apply for Eligibility
2. Complete Readiness Review Questionnaire
3. Participate in Readiness Review
4. Request Coaching, Mentoring, Support Services
5. Schedule Your Examination
6. Take the Examination See Examination for Accreditation Process Charts for a more detailed description of the Accreditation Examination Process. Application for Accreditation The Readiness Review
The Readiness Review is a one to two-hour session with three review panelists, which includes submission of answers to a series of advance questions about a candidate’s professional experience, a portfolio review and a discussion between the panelists and the candidate. The panelists will assess the candidate’s readiness to take the examination. The candidate must successfully advance from the Readiness Review in order to take the examination. The candidate must submit four copies of Readiness Review questionnaire to local APR chair at least 15 business days in advance of the scheduled review. Readiness Review FAQs
Readiness Review Candidate Submission Form (includes requirements for accreditation maintenance) Contact Accreditation Chairpersons
We welcome questions, comments and suggestions. Please contact us. Please note: A select number of the suggested texts are available for loan through the Las Vegas Valley Chapter. Accredited Las Vegas Valley Chapter Members:
Deborah Ackerman, APR
Vince Alberta, APR
Lori Bachand, APR
Dick Benoit, APR
Christi Braginton, APR
Roger D. Buehrer, APR, Fellow PRSA
Kirsten Cannon, APR
Pete Codella, II, APR
Colleen Curran, APR
Fred De Sousa, APR
Gael Hancock, APR
Betty Hollister, APR
Alan Jensen, APR
Dawn Merritt, APR
Lori Nelson, APR
Detra Page, APR
Earnest Phillips, APR
Sharon Rorman, APR
Sonya Ruffin, APR
Mark Severts, APR
Keith Sheldon, APR
Rob Stillwell, APR
Lisa Story, APR
Nancy Syzdek, APR
Vicki Taylor, ABC, APR
Karen Threlkeld, APR
Nicole Wolf, APR As of January, 2008, 19% of PRSA-LVVC members are Accredited. Accreditation Maintenance
To maintain your Accreditation, you should have accumulated points in continuing education, professionalism or public service within a three-year period. Download the Application for APR Maintenance here. Additional APR information
Examination Preparation Resources (Publications and Study Guides)
Application for Accreditation
Application for APR Maintenance
Readiness Review Candidate Submission Form
Examination FAQs
APR FAQs
PRSA Code of Ethics and PR Ethics Resources
Accreditation Process Charts
PR Practice Analysis |
