ACCREDITED IN PUBLIC RELATIONS (APR)

Please contact Dan McFadden, APR, at mcfaddendc@archildrens.org if you have any questions.

PRSA Releases Second Edition of APR Study Guide

The second edition of the APR Study Guide is now available to anyone interested in Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). Although designed for APR study, the guide is a great resource for anyone new in the field to learn more about public relations or for long-time professionals to review various topics of interest. If you are interested in the Accreditation process, please contact chapter APR Chairman Dan McFadden, APR, at mcfaddendc@archildrens.org.

Download the second edition study guide (PDF).

Where your career in public relations takes you is based on individual drive, determination and diligence. The Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation proves you have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today’s business arena.

Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is a mark of distinction for public relations professionals. Develop the knowledge, strategic perspective and sound professional judgment and demonstrate your commitment to the profession and to its ethical standards by pursuing your APR.

Recognized Standard

Established in 1964, the Accreditation Program is the profession’s only national post-graduate certification program. It measures a public relations practitioner’s fundamental knowledge of communications theory and its application; establishes advanced capabilities in research, strategic planning, implementation and evaluation; and demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and ethical conduct. The skills acquired through the process are applicable to any industry or practice area. Currently, more than 5,000 professionals from the agency, corporate, association and education fields hold the APR mark, Harold Burson and Daniel J. Edelman notable among them. Granting of APR is overseen by the Universal Accreditation Board.

NEW! Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication (APR+M)

The new credentialing effort to provide public affairs and communication certification for military, contractor, and Department of Defense public communication professionals launched May 26, 2010. This program is a joint effort between the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), Joint Public Affairs Support Element (JPASE), and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). An APR+M Advisory Council has been established by the UAB to oversee and manage the new program, while the UAB grants APR +M. Read more at www.praccreditation.org.

WHAT IS THE APR?

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.

Interested? Download an APR checklist here.

THE SIX STEPS TO EARNING YOUR APR

1. Apply:  Once you’ve completed three to five years experience in the practice or teaching of public relations, complete and submit your application to PRSA National. For your convenience, the application is (PDF file) is available here.

2. Complete Readiness Review Questionnaire: After your APR application has been approved, you’ll be asked to complete the readiness review questionnaire which contains questions about your current role in public relations. To preview the Readiness Review Questionnaire, click here.

3. Request Readiness Review:  Following approval of your readiness review questionnaire, you may request that your readiness review be scheduled by your chapter’s accreditation chairman.

4. Participate in Readiness Review:  Under the guidance of your chapter’s APR chairman and two other accredited members, your portfolio will be reviewed and graded based upon the required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s). For a complete listing of the KSA’s, click here.

5. Schedule Your Computer-Based Examination: If you successfully complete your readiness review, you will be advanced to schedule the computer-based examination.  To learn more about the examination, take part in an online demonstration of the exam here.

6. Take the Computer-Based Examination: Once you’ve been advanced to take the computer-based examination, you may schedule your examination. In central Arkansas, the Prometric Test Center (site number 5212) is located at 1405 N. Pierce Street, Forest Heights Building, Suite 203, Little Rock, AR 72207 (501) 663-8341.

To learn more about becoming Accredited in Public Relations, visit the PRSA website here.

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF ACCREDITATION?

The purpose of Accreditation is to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the field of public relations. The program seeks to improve the practice of public relations. The APR distinction signifies a high professional level of experience and competence.

KEY RESOURCES FOR ACCREDITATION CANDIDATES

PRSA and the Arkansas Chapter have developed a wide variety of resources for accreditation candidates. All candidates should check out the following resources:

Becoming an APR
Learn more about the process of becoming Accredited in Public Relations here.

Competencies/KSA’s Tested
Examine the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSA’s) tested throughout the Accreditation process here.

Code of Ethics
Central to the KSA’s tested throughout the Accreditation process is the PRSA Code of Ethics. View it here.

APR Study Guide
The First Edition APR Study Guide is a key tool in preparation for Accreditation in Public Relations and a tremendous resource for all APR candidates.  Produced by the Universal Accreditation Board, the guide is the product of many hours of research and evaluation. It contains exercises, case studies and insight into modern public relations practices.  And, it’s available at no cost to those pursuing Accreditation. Download this must-have PDF here.

OnLine2Learn
Although provided at an additional cost, this ten-module online course includes information on the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) covered in the Readiness Review and the Examination and was designed based on the topics and exercises included in other UAB study materials. Preview the multimedia course here.

READY TO EARN YOUR APR?
To learn more about the process, gather practical tips or request one-on-one coaching, contact PRSA Arkansas Chapter Accreditation Chairman Dan McFadden, APR, at mcfaddendc@archildrens.org or 501-688-8848. Isn’t it time you earned your APR?