Accreditation in Public Relations

Accreditation in public relations (APR) is a voluntary certification program for public relations professionals, administered by the Public Relations Society of America and affiliate organizations.

Purpose
Accreditation unifies and advances the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the field. The designation Accredited in Public Relations (APR) signifies a high professional level of experience and competence.

Requirements
Candidates must:

1. Submit an application demonstrating pre-requisite experience
2. Pass a readiness review
3. Pass a written examination

Maintenance
Accreditation is a lifetime designation, but must be maintained by accumulating points for continuing education, professionalism, and public service. Members submit a Maintenance of Accreditation Form every three years documenting 10 points of accumulated activities. There is a fee for the maintenance application.

Local Study Sessions for the APR Exam

The White Pine chapter helps its members to attain accreditation through local study sessions and coaching on the process. Sessions are organized once a year, depending on need. Benefits include:

• Regularly scheduled sessions to review material and help you manage your time
• Study tips, test-taking strategies and coaching on preparing for the readiness exam
• Updates on changes in exam format, accreditation process and application requirements
• Camaraderie and emotional support from previously accredited members and fellow candidates

If you are interested in participating in a study session, please contact the White Pine chapter's accreditation committee chair.

About the Exam

Eligibility

The exam is designed for people who have:

• At least 5 years experience in the practice or teaching of public relations AND
• A bachelors' degree in a communications-specific field, such as public relations or journalism OR
• Equivalent work experience.

Members must submit an application to the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) demonstrating their eligibility.

Readiness Review

Candidates must pass a readiness review before taking the written examination. You will present your portfolio to accredited PR professionals in your local area, who then provide feedback on your preparedness to take the exam and areas for further study.

Candidates must submit a written document to the local chapter no fewer than 15 days before the readiness exam. A submission form and instructions for preparing your portfolio are available at www.praccreditation.org

Written Exam

The written exam is a three-hour multiple choice exam covering the following topics:

• Research, planning, implementing and evaluating programs - 30 percent
• Ethics and law - 15 percent
• Communication models and theories - 15 percent
• Business literacy - 10 percent
• Management skills and issues - 10 percent
• Crisis communication management - 10 percent
• Media relations - 5 percent
• History of and current issues in public relations - 2 percent
• Using information technology efficiently - 2 percent
• Advanced communication skills - 1 percent

The exam is offered periodically at Prometric testing centers. The nearest center for the White Pine Chapter is in Lansing.

Once candidates have passed the readiness review, they will receive a unique id number and instructions for how to schedule a written exam at their convenience. Prometric recommends scheduling written exams at least 30 days in advance. There is a fee for the exam.

Additional exam preparation materials are available at www.praccreditation.org

More information

Information about the accreditation process is available through your local accreditation committee chair or at www.praccreditation.org