Accreditation
Take Your Career to the Next Level by Earning your Accreditation in Public Relations
Earning your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) designation proves that you have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today’s business arena. The process consists of a panel presentation and a computer-based written exam. For more information about earning an APR, visit PRSA.org/Learning/Accreditation.
Get Started Today!
Step One: Complete the APR Application and submit it to the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) with the exam/application fee. UAB will inform our local APR Chair that you are eligible for your panel presentation. The exam fee is $385 for PRSA members, with a $100 rebate to PRSA members who pass the exam on the first try.
Step Two: Inquire about our annual OCPRSA APR Study Session Course, a 10-week series of instructional classes held every spring that prepares mid- to senior-level practitioners to sit for the panel presentation and computer-based exam. An accredited PR professional instructs each class and candidates are provided with a structured process for learning the material and studying with each other. The course includes instructional classes, mock panel presentation, portfolio preparation, and formally evaluated panel presentation. The course costs $250, nonrefundable, with a $100 rebate for participants who complete the full process and earn their APR within a year from initially submitting their application.
Alternatively, you can register for the APR Online Study Session, offered year-round. The cost is $195 for PRSA members for a one-year subscription to the course. Visit https://online2learn.net/APR/ to see the schedule and check out an open house.
Step Three: Learn more about the APR process by visiting: https://www.praccreditation.org/apply/apr/.
CONTACTS
Patrice Smith, APR
APR and Ethics Chair
California State University, Long Beach
[email protected]
Kathy Mulvihill
National PRSA Accreditation Manager
[email protected]
“OCPRSA’s Study Session Course was a tremendous asset in helping me earn my APR. The course provided key knowledge needed to receive the accreditation, but perhaps more importantly it provided helpful guidance navigating the multi-step process and a support group of professionals rooting for my success.”
Heather Engel, APR (CAPIO member)
Director of Communications
Association of California Water Agencies
