APR Accreditation

Take your career to the next level, earn your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
Accredited in Public Relations (APR)

Where your career in public relations takes you is based on individual drive, determination and diligence. One next step all seasoned practitioners should consider is earning the Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation. Earning the APR certification proves you have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today's business arena.

For more information, visit the accreditation Web site
http://www.praccreditation.org/become_an_apr/

Who can pursue the APR?
Any PRSA member in good standing can take on the challenge of earning Accreditation. However, it is recommended that candidates have at least five years' experience in the full-time practice or teaching of public relations and who have earned either a bachelor's degree in a communication-specific field (e.g., public relations, journalism, mass communication) or have equivalent work experience, which includes public relations principles, public relations writing, public relations campaigns, research, ethics and law and internship (practical experience under supervision).

How to Start the Process
Complete the APR Application and submit it to the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) with the exam/application fee. UAB will inform your local APR Chair that you are eligible for your Readiness Review. Exam fee is $385 for PRSA members; $110 will be refunded to PRSA members upon completion of the exam. Allow at least one month for processing. Your PRSA membership must be active to qualify for application.

APR Readiness Resources - Orange County APR Preparation Class
Once a year (around February), the Orange County PRSA chapter offers a study session to prepare you for the Readiness Review and written exam. The class includes a study guide from national PRSA. This is a great way to get started and meet and study with other candidates going through the process. Contact Brad Lotterman, APR at brad.lotterman@phs.com for more information.

Online Study Session
National PRSA offers an online study session. It is available anytime. The cost is $195 for PRSA members for a one-year subscription to the course. For more information, visit http://www.praccreditation.org/Preparation%20Sources/index.html

More Information
If you have question contact:

Brad Lotterman, APR
Orange County APR Chair
brad.lotterman@phs.com

Kathy Mulvihill
National PRSA Accreditation Manager
kathy.mulvihill@prsa.org

Upcoming Readiness Reviews
The next Readiness Review will be conducted in September (exact day TBD). Candidates interested in participating, contact brad.lotterman@phs.com.