APR … ACCREDITATION IN PUBLIC RELATIONS |
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Formed in 1998, the Universal Accreditation Program for public relations professionals seeks to identify those in the profession who have demonstrated their knowledge, experience and judgment in planning and managing public relations activities. APR signifies a high professional level of competence and validates a PR professional’s commitment to the field.
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Thinking about becoming Accredited in Public Relations?
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If you’re thinking about sitting for the APR exam, you might be wondering if you’re ready… The answer is YES … if you can say yes to the following questions:
- Do I have a thorough understanding of PR principles and how to apply them?
- Do I have real world experience in the practice of public relations? (A specific number of years experience is not required to sit for the exam, but a minimum of five years is recommended.)
- Do I have the skills to research, plan, implement and evaluate comprehensive PR programs?
- Do I have the skills to make a 30-minute presentation on how I planned or participated in the planning of a specific public relations program for my organization or a client?
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Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
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The APR exam draws its questions from all areas of the public relations body of knowledge, including:
- Research, planning, implementing and evaluating programs
- Ethics and law
- Communications models and theories
- Business literacy
- Management skills and issues
- Crisis communications management
- Media relations
- Using Information Technology efficiently
- History of and current issues in public relations
- Advanced communications skills
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What is involved in becoming Accredited?
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There are two steps to becoming accredited:
- Readiness Review: The Readiness Review includes written responses to a questionnaire and a portfolio review. These are used to assess the candidate's readiness to take the exam. This step is supported by local Accredited members who coach each candidate through the process.
- Multiple choice computer exam administered at a Prometric Testing Center.
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Process
Candidates will first fill out an application. Once accepted to continue with the APR process, candidates will schedule a Readiness Review – similar to an oral exam. |
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| The portfolio review will involve a Readiness Review Panel who will coach the candidate to determine his or her areas of improvement and help identify specific areas in which the candidate should focus further study. Candidates may not take the written exam until they have advanced from the Readiness Review. |
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| Once advanced from the Readiness Review, the candidate will take the written exam at their convenience at a Prometric Testing Center. Candidates must take the written exam within one year of their application acceptance. Click here to find a testing center. |
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What are the fees associated with Accreditation?
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| The fees for Accreditation in Public Relations are $385 if paid in full at the time of application or $410 ($205 and $205) if paid in two installments. |
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FPRA offers candidates trying to attain their Accreditation in Public Relations a $100 rebate provided the candidate sits for the exam within 30 days of completing the Readiness Review or the chapter's APR study sessions.
Download the APR Exam Application |
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Rebates
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To receive your rebate from FPRA, please fill out the form below and mail, along with a copy of either the registration card from the testing center showing payment for the exam, or a copy of your credit card receipt, to FPRA State Office, Attn: Christopher Carroll, APR, CPRC, 40 Sarasota Center Blvd., Suite 107, Sarasota, FL 34240.
Download the FPRA APR Rebate Form
Learn About CPRC |