Frequently Asked Questions About Accreditation
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation in Public Relations is a voluntary certification program for public relations professionals, administered by the Universal Accreditation Board.

What is the Purpose of Accreditation?
The purpose is to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the field. The program seeks to improve public relations practice. The designation Accredited in Public Relations (APR) signifies a high professional level of experience and competence.

What Is Its Value?
Preparing for Accreditation helps professionals broaden, validate and refresh their knowledge. Having the APR designation demonstrates a serious commitment to the profession, to corporate management, colleagues and clients. More and more employers are seeking accredited candidates for senior- and management-level positions.

Is Accreditation Good For Life?
Yes, with fulfillment of Maintenance of Accreditation requirements (applies to professionals who receive the APR credentials after January 1, 1998). Every three years, accredited professionals must accumulate the required number of points in continuing education, professionalism or service categories as part of the Maintenance of Accreditation Program. This further strengthens the value of the APR credential and keeps professionals actively involved in the currents of the public relations profession.

What is the Cost?
Currently the cost is $385 per person.  The Southern Public Relations Federation provides a subsidy of up to $100 to SPRF members in good standing who have sat for the Computer-based Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations.  To receive a subsidy, please follow the process outlined on sprf.org at http://sprf.org/accreditation/examination-subsidy-request/)

Several PRAM chapters also offer a subsidy to their members who have taken the APR exam. Please check with your chapter president for more information.

How Do I Register for the Exam?
Click here to download the Examination application and go to praccreditation.org to review detailed information on preparation, the Readiness Review process and computer-based Examination.

In addition, PRAM has regional APR coordinators ready to assist you.  Your local chapter may also have an accreditation chair to help you through the APR process.
North -- Robin Street, APR                     rbstreet@olemiss.edu
Central -- Shannon Coker, APR           scoker@mhanet.org
South -- Kurt Brautigam, APR               kbrautigam@smepa.coop

back to top