Education
| Education | Earn Your APR | Courses | Code of Ethics |
In 1964, PRSA established a voluntary Education Program. This program is geared toward those who wish to change careers or improve their technical skills. Accredited status attests to a professional's competency in the practice of public relations. Upon successful completion of the examinations, individuals may use the letters APR (Accredited in Public Relations) after their name.
Increasingly, job listings are specifying APR preferred. Senior public relations professionals have been outspoken in support of Education.
"APR is a symbol of professionalism. It demonstrates that individuals have the knowledge, ethics and experience that set them apart. It also demonstrates that they care about their own profession and that they are dedicated to enhancing their own personal abilities."
— Joe S. Epley, APR, Fellow PRSA, President, Epley Associates, Charlotte, NC
The Universal Education Program, newly formed in 1998 and administered by PRSA, is a joint effort with other organizations in the North American Public Relations Council. The purpose is to create a "critical mass" of accredited professionals in the public relations field who all subscribe to a common code of ethics and a common professional certification process. Unifying these common elements from a diverse field of professional organizations, each created to meet different professional needs in terms of geographic presence and professional focus, will define common ground for the most effective and cooperative promotion of the Accredited credential and marketing of its professional significance to key decision makers.
Earn Your APR
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is a mark of distinction that helps you establish credibility and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. The purpose of the voluntary certification program is to unify and advance the PR profession by identifying those who have applied strategic perspective, broad knowledge, and professional judgment in the field.
Getting your APR also provides a development opportunity that sharpens your knowledge and teaches you how to write a detailed PR plan. Having your APR might even give you the edge in a job interview. Essentially, there are five steps:
1. Apply. Submit your application and a $25 fee to the Universal Accreditation Board.
2. Complete your written submission. Deliver your written submission to your local chapter’s APR Chair at least 15 business days prior to your review. He or she will schedule your Readiness Review panel.
3. Take the Readiness Review. A panel of judges will meet with you to discuss your written submission and view your portfolio. They will determine if you are ready to advance to the written exam.
4. Study. The Puget Sound Chapter offers APR preparation classes one to two times a year. Contact the APR Chair for more information. You may also study on your own using PRSA’s online resources.
5. Take the multiple-choice exam. Once you advance from the Readiness Review, you have one year to complete the exam. View an exam demo here.
Not sure if the APR is right for you? Consider this: Accredited PR professionals earn salaries 20 percent higher than their non-accredited colleagues. On average, APRs earn $102,031 compared to $85,272 for non-APRs (2005 PRWeek/Korn Ferry Salary Survey).
If you have questions or would like to get started, contact Linda Farmer, M.S., APR or visit the Universal Accreditation Board web site.
Courses
The Puget Sound chapter has endorsed the Certificate Program in Public Relations offered through the University of Washington Extension. This program is geared toward those who wish to change careers or improve their technical skills. Designed to accommodate working schedules, this is an excellent program for those wishing to grow their knowledge in the field of public relations.
