Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
Are you ready to take your skills to the next level? Do you want to stand out as a public relations professional? Earn your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)!
The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential certifies your drive, professionalism, and principles, setting you apart from your peers and positioning you as a leader and mentor in the competitive public relations field. Building on the foundation of your educational degree, the APR keeps you current on today’s best practices and applications in the ever-evolving communications world.
The APR:
- Asserts professional competence
- Communicates professional expertise, plus personal and professional dedication and value
- Reflects progressive public relations industry practices and high standards
Why should you get your APR?
"I pursued my APR because I wanted to approach my practice with more intentionality, be more strategic about my communications efforts on behalf of the school district, and to make sure my work is targeted and effective. The accreditation process brings a very practical, real-life component that was missing from my master’s program in communications. Since completing the APR process, I have noticed a difference in my approach to my work, with increased confidence and credibility in my planning and execution. Finally, I serve as a mentor to other school PR professionals, and bolstering my knowledge and understanding of the field has only helped me become a better resource to others. "
Christine Paik, APR
Chief Communications Officer
Poway Unified School District
CalSPRA Regional Chair-San Diego/Imperia “Pursuing and earning my APR completely transformed the way I approach my work and my credibility and confidence at a leadership table. As an APR, your work becomes more consistently proactive and strategic and is grounded in the high-quality work and ethical standards that accreditation represents.”
Jennifer Dericco, APR
Director / Public Information Officer, Communications and Community Engagement
Santa Clara Unified School District
NSPRA Southwest Region Vice President, CalSPRA Past President
"Earning my ARP was an inspiring process that helped solidify my passion for the profession and build a stronger foundation for my day-to-day work."
Stacy Brandt, APR
Communications Strategist
San Diego County Office of Education
“I pursued my APR to expand my PR knowledge and create promotional opportunities and partnerships. It also aligned with the Master’s in PR program I was working on. Earning my APR opened opportunities and I landed a director of communications role for the BEST school district in California!”
Diana Meza, APR
Director of Communications and Public Information
Riverside Unified School District
“Achieving my APR solidified communication best practices in my work and elevated my credibility in the organization and across the region. The APR certification is not education industry-specific and is professionally advantageous across multiple sectors.”
Dina Gentry, APR, MBA
Director of Communications
El Dorado County Office of Education
CalSPRA Secretary
So what does it take to get started?
The process to earn your APR is multi-phased and can be broken down into four steps:
- Complete the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations Application online and pay the fee. (Members of UAB participating organizations $385 or $410; Nonmembers $745)
- Study and sit for a Panel Presentation.
- Continue to study and complete the examination. The examination is administered at Prometric either at their testing centers or through remote proctoring.
- Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through renewal.
Resources
- Are you an aspiring APR, but need support to get through the finish line? Consider joining a CalSPRA APR cohort! Join fellow CalSPRA members who are also interested in pursuing their APR to reap the benefits of having a network of support. Cohorts are open to CalSPRA members only as a free member benefit and will form three times a year: April (spring cohort), September (fall cohort), and January (winter cohort). The cohort program is designed specifically for those who are serious about earning accreditation but who aren’t sure how or when to start. Find registration information for CalSPRA APR cohorts in our member newsletters.
- NSPRA Members: If you are a member of NSPRA, please be sure to visit their Accreditation in Public Relations web page, which has great resources and support (including their APR Cohort Program) for NSPRA members. You’ll also want to complete their APR Interest Survey to let the NSPRA Accreditation Committee know where you are in the Accreditation process.
- Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) website: This website has all of the information, application and resources you will need to apply for and maintain your APR. Many of these resources are also linked below.
- APR Frequently Asked Questions: Accreditation in Public Relations
- Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)/Competencies Tested in Examination
- Candidate Process Chart for the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations
ResourcesVideos/Presentations
- Five Steps to APR (15-minute webinar)
- The Accreditation Advantage (PPT)
Exam Resources
- APR Study Guide (PDF)
- Recommended Texts for Study
- APR Online Study Course
- Computer-Based Examination Documents (Demo of Computer-Based Examination and sample questions)
Panel Presentation Resources
APR Maintenance Resources
As of January 2022, professionals renewing their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) must accumulate a minimum of 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within a three-year period. Staying engaged with CalSPRA provides you with multiple avenues to earn these units. Here are a few ways you can accumulate CEUs:
Serve on Practice Panels for Aspiring APRs
Participating in practice panel presentations is a valuable way to support aspiring APRs while earning CEUs. Your feedback and expertise help candidates refine their skills and prepare for their final panel presentations.
Be a Guest Speaker in the CalSPRA APR Cohort
Each APR cohort runs for eight weeks in the fall (early September to early November) and spring (early January to early March). The upcoming fall 2024 cohort starts on September 9th and runs through November 4th, with meetings every Monday from 12-1 p.m. via Zoom (no meeting on 10/14). Guest speakers can present on pre-selected topics or introduce their own relevant presentations. This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge on the KSAs and earn CEUs.
Serve on an APR Panel
Contribute to the profession by serving as a panelist during the final APR presentations. Your involvement ensures the integrity of the APR designation while earning you CEUs.
Become an APR Mentor
Mentors play a crucial role in guiding aspiring APRs through the certification process. As a mentor, you’ll provide guidance, review applications and questionnaire responses, and advise on panel presentations. Your support keeps candidates motivated and on track to successfully complete their APR, all while earning CEUs.
Volunteer with NSPRA's APR Cohort
If you are a member of NSPRA, there are additional opportunities to volunteer as a module instructor or breakout room host for the NSPRA APR Cohort. This involvement not only supports aspiring APRs but also contributes to your CEU accumulation.
Indicate your CalSPRA APR service preference for 2024-25 here.
Complete this form to indicate your interest in volunteering with NSPRA in 2024-25 here.
Did you know that you can track your maintenance activities through your MyAPR account? Staying on top of your CEUs is essential for maintaining your accreditation. For more information about APR renewal, please visit: APR Renewal Information.
If you have any additional questions or are interested in pursuing your APR, please contact CalSPRA APR Chair Josue Reyna at jreyna@powayusd.com