Become an APR

    Become an APR

    APR Tips Sheet

    Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) represents a significant professional development and career growth opportunity for PR practitioners. The Colorado Chapter of PRSA is committed to helping you achieve your APR. Below is a brief outline of steps that can help you on your journey.


    Notify Sarah Beatty, APR Committee Chair ([email protected]), that you are ready to pursue your accreditation. Be prepared to discuss your interest and ask questions.


    A full list of resources can be found at www.prsa.org/learning/accreditation.

    Steps to APR Success

    1.   Apply.

    • Initiate the process at your personal discretion. Review the full process first to be
      prepared prior to applying. The key to the application process is recognizing that
      you must finish the panel presentation and exam within one year of being
      approved as a candidate.
    • Submit your application and payment online. You will be notified that you’ve met
      the criteria to continue the process, and this is when your one-year clock
      begins.
    • Apply at prsa.org.

     

    2. Study

    • Studying is the bulk of the preparation process. Read the APR Study Guide.
    • Identify additional texts to read to fill in knowledge gaps.
    • Take advantage of other opportunities to help you prepare:
      - Take the online study course available through PRSA.                                                                                          -Sign-up for an online series offered by fellow PRSA chapters to help candidates prepare for the APR.
      - Find a study buddy with others also going through the APR process.
      -Find an APR mentor through our local chapter or PRSA.

    3.  Prepare for your panel presentation.

    •  Familiarize yourself with the panel presentation process.
    •  The panel presentation has two parts:                                                                                                               Panel Presentation Questionnaire. You will complete a questionnaire that will ask you to respond to written questions regarding your current role and PR experience. It will assess your background, experience and written communication. Your responses to the questionnaire will serve later as background for your judges attending your panel presentation. The questionnaire also provides space for you to outline a PR program or campaign, which you will use for your presentation.                                                                                                                Panel Presentation. After you’ve submitted your questionnaire, you have 15 days to finalize and schedule your presentation with the APR committee chair. Your presentation provides the details and any materials you wish to share regarding the PR program you highlighted in the questionnaire and are presenting to your panel of accredited members. It should showcase your use of public relations research, planning, implementation and evaluation. Panelists will review your submitted materials, score your presentation and send their feedback to the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB). You will be notified within three to four weeks if you can advance to take the computerized exam.

    Watch the APR Panel Presentation: Secrets to Success on-demand webinar to learn how to prepare.

     

    4. Take the computer-based examination.
    -Once advanced from your panel presentation, you will schedule your exam. The testing process is administered online using an online proctor. The three-hour, 30-minute exam will assess specific knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) about public relations. The exam is entirely multiple-choice and will include terms, situational analysis and scenario-based questions.
    -Preliminary results are immediate; however, you will be officially notified within three to four weeks if you’ve passed the exam.
    -Take the APR Practice Examination on-demand webinar to help you practice.


    5. Maintain your expertise through renewal.

    -Continue to expand your knowledge base, track how you are learning and growing, and demonstrate what sets you apart. Learn more about renewal requirements.

     

    A full list of resources can be found at www.prsa.org/learning/accreditation. 

    For more information, contact Sarah Beatty, APR at [email protected].

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