Universal Accreditation
Universal Accreditation is a voluntary program that allows you to demonstrate your proficiency in public relations through a standardized written exam following advancement from an oral readiness review. Successful completion of the exam validates a PR professional's commitment to the field and level of knowledge in public relations practice.
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 APR signifies a high professional level of experience and competence.
Requirements
FPRA members, along with members of any of the partner organizations, are eligible to sit for the exam. Although 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 is not required, it is strongly recommended.
Process
APR Readiness Review
Candidates will sit for a Readiness Review prior to the candidate taking the written portion of the exam, and will replace what has been known as the oral exam. The Readiness Review will include a portfolio review and assessment of the candidate's readiness to take the Exam. The local Readiness Review panel (comprising Accredited members) will coach each candidate to determine his or her areas of weakness and help identify specific areas of the body of knowledge in which the candidate should focus further study. The panel will provide candidates with a specific set of textbook references related to these areas. Candidates may not take the written exam until they have advanced from the Readiness Review.
Test Dates and Locations
Following being advanced from the Readiness Review, candidates will take the exam at their convenience (no longer limited to twice each year) at more than 300 Prometric Testing Centers in the United States and Canada. Strict confidentiality procedures will be enforced, and feedback and results will be available quickly.
Click here to find a testing center
Click here to download the APR Exam Application.
FPRA APR Rebate
Florida Public Relations Association 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. The cost of the exam is $385 if paid in full at the time of application, and $410 ($205 and $205) if paid in two installments.
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.
Click here to download the FPRA’s APR Rebate Form
Contacts
Please direct your questions to the State Office Christopher Carroll, APR, CPRC or the VP Accreditation/Certification Nancy McCarthy, APR, at Nancy.McCarthy@lcec.com. Contact the FPRA State Office at (941) 365-2135 or Fax (941) 906-1556.
More Information
For more information visit the Universal Accreditation Web site at www.praccreditation.org
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