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APR

Are you ready to distinguish yourself as a top-tier public relations professional? The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is your key to unlocking greater success.

The APR: Your Path to Excellence

  • Certifies your expertise: Demonstrate your commitment to professional standards and best practices.
  • Sets you apart: Gain industry recognition and position yourself as a leader among your peers.
  • Keeps you current: Stay ahead of the curve with the latest advancements in the ever-evolving communications landscape.

The APR isn't just a credential; it's a testament to your dedication, professionalism, and drive to excel.

Key Benefits:

  • Asserts professional competence: Validate your skills and knowledge to clients and employers.
  • Communicates value: Showcase your commitment to ethical and effective public relations.
  • Reflects industry best practices: Demonstrate your understanding of the latest trends and technologies.

 

How to Get Started?

The process to earn your APR is multi-phased and can be broken down into four steps:

  1. Complete the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations Application online and pay the fee. (Members of UAB participating organizations $385 or $410; Nonmembers $745) 
  2. Study and sit for a Panel Presentation.
  3. Continue to study and complete the examination. The examination is administered at Prometric either at their testing centers or through remote proctoring.
  4. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through renewal.

 

Resources

Exam Resources

Panel Resources

Questions?

If you have any additional questions or are interested in pursuing your APR, please contact COSPRA APR Chair Christy McGee at cmcgee@ffc8.org 


 

APR Maintenance and Renewal

As of January 2022, professionals renewing their Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) must accumulate a minimum of 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) within a three-year period. Staying engaged with COSPRA provides you with multiple avenues to earn these units. Here are a few ways you can accumulate CEUs:

Serve on Practice Panels for Aspiring APRs
Participating in practice panel presentations is a valuable way to support aspiring APRs while earning CEUs. Your feedback and expertise help candidates refine their skills and prepare for their final panel presentations.

Serve on an APR Panel
Contribute to the profession by serving as a panelist during the final APR presentations. Your involvement ensures the integrity of the APR designation while earning you CEUs.

Become an APR Mentor
Mentors play a crucial role in guiding aspiring APRs through the certification process. As a mentor, you’ll provide guidance, review applications and questionnaire responses, and advise on panel presentations. Your support keeps candidates motivated and on track to successfully complete their APR, all while earning CEUs.

Volunteer with NSPRA's APR Cohort
If you are a member of NSPRA, there are additional opportunities to volunteer as a module instructor or breakout room host for the NSPRA APR Cohort. This involvement not only supports aspiring APRs but also contributes to your CEU accumulation.

Track Your CEUs
Did you know that you can track your maintenance activities through your MyAPR account? Staying on top of your CEUs is essential for maintaining your accreditation. For more information about APR renewal, please visit: APR Renewal Information.