Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)

 

“Receiving my APR not only continues to open doors to new clients and career opportunities, but has also provided me a solid foundation to ensure the work I do is of the highest quality. Maintaining accreditation requires me to continually challenge myself to learn more. I’m a better PR practitioner for pursuing and maintaining my APR credential. Everyone in our field should pursue it!”

David B. Oates, APR
Principal, Stalwart Communications

WHAT IS ACCREDITATION

Accreditation in Public Relations is a voluntary certification program for public relations professionals, administered by the Universal Accreditation Board. The designation signifies a high professional level of experience and competence, and is a mark of distinction for those who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and demonstrate broad knowledge, strategic perspective, and sound professional judgment. Increasingly, job listings are specifying APR preferred, and senior public relations professionals have been outspoken in support of Accreditation.

Those eligible for the program must be members of UAB Participating Organizations, such as PRSA, who are involved in the professional practice of public relations, or in the teaching or administration of public relations courses in an accredited college or university.

Learn more about Accreditation

 

WHY EARN AN APR?

• APR designation demonstrates your knowledge, experience and ethical judgment in PR APR designation confers credibility and signifies longevity in the profession
• APR Preferred job listings are increasing nationwide – it is a symbol of excellence and professionalism
• Salary surveys consistently show APRs earn up to 25 percent more than their non-accredited peers
• Accreditation is a satisfying personal achievement

Steps to Becoming Accredited (pdf)

Accredidation in Public Relations Checklist (pdf)

APR Candidate Essay Instructions (pdf)

2013 APR Deadlines
Spring Deadlines
Applications Due: April 12, 2013
Essays Due: May 13, 2013. Submit the email version by 12 noon on Monday, May 13 to participate in the June Readiness Review. Your hard copy should be postmarked the same day.
Readiness Revue: Saturday, June 4, 2013 (Location TBD)

Fall Deadlines 
Applications Due: September 20, 2013
Essays Due: October 11, 2013. Submit the email version by 12 noon on Friday, October 11 to participate in the November Readiness Review. Your hard copy should be postmarked the same day.
Readiness Revue: Saturday, November 3, 2013 (Location TBD)

 

WHO TO CONTACT

San Diego/Imperial Counties Chapter

For more information about the APR process in San Diego, contact:

Bill Gay, APR
APR Chair, San Diego/Imperial Counties PRSA Chapter
Principal, Reliance PR
1850 Main Street, Suite H
El Centro, Ca. 92243 
Phone: 760-427-2314
Email: bill.gay@reliancepr.com

National

Kathy Mulvihill
National PRSA Accreditation Manager
Phone: 212-460-1436
Email: kathy.mulvihill@prsa.org