What is Universal Accreditation?
Universal Accreditation, which results in the APR designation, demonstrates that a public relations professional has demonstrated commitment, experience and competence as a public relations practitioner. Employers increasingly seek accredited professionals to fill senior and management level positions.
Click here to find out more about the Accreditation Process
It is also one of the best personal development available to people in our profession. In order to earn accreditation, the individual must pass a day-long written examination and an oral interview with three accredited professionals. The accreditation exams are offered twice a year, in the spring and the fall. Study materials and official registration materials should be obtained from the national PRSA office. The Alabama chapters of PRSA and PRCA are cooperating in offering both a study support group and the local examinations.
A candidate must have a minimum of five years of paid, full-time experience in the professional practice of public relations, or in the teaching or administration of public relations courses in an accredited college or university, and must be a member of PRSA or one of the other participating organizations. The fee to take the examination for accreditation is $275 for PRSA members and $385 for members of other partner organizations. Extensive study materials are available from the national PRSA accreditation office.
Maintenance of Accreditation
Every three years, each accredited professional must accumulate a minimum number of points in continuing education, professionalism, or service categories. This further strengthens the value of the APR credential and keeps professionals actively involved in the currents of the PR profession.
For more information, click below:
http://www.praccreditation.org/documents/maintenance.pdf
For More Information:
Helen Todd, PRSA Accreditation Chair, 205-445-5076.
© 2008 Alabama PRSA
