Accreditation FAQs

What is accreditation?
A voluntary certification program for public relations professionals, administered by the Public Relations Society of America

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 judgement 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.

Why become Accredited?
Increasingly, job listings are specifying APR preferred. Senior public relations professionals have been outspoken in support of Accreditation. "APR is a symbol of professionalism. It demonstrates that individuals have the knowledge, ethics and experience that set them apart. It also demonstrates that they care about their own profession and that they are dedicated to enhancing their own personal abilities." Joe S. Epley, APR, Fellow PRSA, President, Epley Associates, Charlotte, NC.

How old is the Universal Accreditation Program?
The Universal Accreditation Program was formed in January 1998. Nine public relations organizations now participate in the universal program, including the Agricultural Relations Council, Florida Public Relations Association, Maine Public Relations Council, National School Public Relations Association, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Religion Communicators Council, Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, Southern Public Relations Federation, and the Texas Public Relations Association. The program is administered by PRSA, which operated its own Accreditation program beginning in 1964.

Who governs the process?
The Universal Accreditation Board - comprised of one chair and representatives from each partner organization dedicated to three-year terms - oversees the program. Providing a balanced blend of backgrounds in a number of public relations specialities, this group of senior-level Accredited members meets four times a year. Day-to-day operations are administered at PRSA Headquarters. Responsibilities of the Universal Accreditation Board include the following:

  • Develops and implements policy for the program
  • Develops and maintains the Accreditation Examination
  • Oversees the development of Examination questions, answer keys, and ensures content
    is based on the Body of Knowledge
  • Reviews appeal cases
  • Grants Accreditation

Who is eligible?
Members of partner organizations who have at least 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.

Also, non-members who belong to member organizations of the North American Public Relations Council (NAPRC) and who meet the same requirements as Members are eligible. Please contact PRSA Headquarters for details.

What is the fee to take the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations?
The fee for PRSA members us $275. The fee for members of other Partner Organizations is $385. The fee for non-members equals the fully allocated cost of administering the Examination . Additionally, non-member must pay an annual maintenance fee equal to PRSA member dues ($225).

Is Accreditation good for life?
Yes, with fulfillment of Maintenance of Accreditation requirements. Every three years, professionals Accredited after January 1, 1993 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.