Accreditation is a voluntary certification program for public relations professionals, administered by the Public Relations Society of America. The purpose of Accreditation is to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgement 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.
APR is a mark of distinction for public relations professionals who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice, and who are selected based on broad knowledge, strategic perspective, and sound professional judgment.
The Accreditation process is governed by The Universal Accreditation Board, comprised of one chair and representatives from each partner organization dedicated to three-year terms. Providing a balanced blend of backgrounds in a number of public relations specialties, this group of senior-level Accredited members meets four times a year.
Eligibility
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 are eligible for Accreditation. 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.
Fees
The fee for PRSA members to take the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations 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-member must pay an annual maintenance fee equal to PRSA member dues ($225).
With fulfillment of Maintenance of Accreditation requirements, Accreditation is good for life. Every three years, professionals Accredited after January 1, 1993 must accumulate the required number of points in continuing education, professionalism or service categories as part of the Maintenance of Accreditation Program. This further strengthens the value of the APR credential and keeps professionals actively involved in the currents of the public relations profession.
For more information, a schedule of examinations, and examination application forms, log on to http://www.accreditationboard.org/
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