What is the APR?

Earning your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) shows you have demonstrated superior knowledge, skills and abilities in PR.

• Earn your APR - Get the facts here.
• Power Up Your PRofessional Life - See official brochure here.

How do I get accredited?

You must have five years’ experience in public relations and be a member of PRSA to start the APR process. You can join here.

You can study for it a few different ways - PRSA offers an online course ($195) and you can join an online cohort along with it. A new cohort begins on 1/24. In early March, the Oregon Chapter offers a free online cohort with instructors from across the western US. Some people also choose to muscle through it on their own using the PRSA Study Guide and recommended books.

Once you fill out the application and pay the application fee ($385), you have a year to complete the process by doing a readiness review, where you present a full PR plan to a panel of APRs who recommend whether you are ready to advance to the exam and then ultimately passing the exam. 

You can take the courses first and then complete the application, or vice versa. Some people complete the application first to have a firm deadline to work toward, and other people have taken the course and then applied. It's your choice!

Our VP of Professional Development, Todd Felts, EdD, APR, will help you throughout the process (or you can choose to work with someone else you know who has been through the APR process) answering questions and/or coaching you through the readiness review and the exam.

PRSA is currently offering a stipend of $100 if you pass the exam on your first attempt. Thanks to Renown Health's generous sponsorship of our BetterPR podcast the PRSA Sierra Chapter recently voted to also pay our members a $100 stipend when they pass their exam, whether you pass on the first time or another; and $50 for students or recent graduates who earn their Certificate in the Principles of Public Relations (CPPR).

For more information on how Accreditation in Public Relations can help you grow in your profession and for great conversations with great PR practitioners, listen to the BetterPR podcast - you can also catch it on Spotify, Apple and Google Podcasts.

Here's a great place to go for more information: Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) | PRSA