Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)

The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is a credential earned by public relations practitioners who commit to the profession through ethical practices, strategic planning, and the use of the four-step RPIE process. There’s no better time than April to begin your journey toward accreditation. Learn more at www.praccreditation.org.

Internationally recognized, the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) integrates timeless communications principles with contemporary strategies and tactics. The process of earning an APR takes your skills to the next level by exposing you to today’s cutting‐edge strategies and practices, assessing your skills to identify strengths and opportunities for growth, and demonstrating your personal and professional commitment to excellence.

Pursuing the APR gives you direct access to top public relations leaders—APR holders who will guide you through the process of achieving the accreditation—and provides the tools you need to distinguish yourself as a luminary in the public relations field.

Calling all APRs! Serve as a Panel Presentation judge and keep your accreditation current! Contact Dianna Fornaro, APR at info@prsamd.org for more information.

WHICH APR IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Experienced PR Pros

Showcase your hard-earned knowledge and commitment to life-long learning by attaining your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).

Get started with the APR.

Military Communications Experts

Prove that you are ready for anything in military public affairs by earning the Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication (APR+M).

Get started with the APR+M.

College Seniors & Recent Grads Certificate in PR

Show employers that you mean business by adding the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations to your resume.

Get started with the certificate.

APR Resources

View PRSA Maryland’s Powerpoint “APR in 3 Easy Steps.”

View PRSA National’s webinar “Five Steps to APR,” (23:46)

Also check out the resources available at PRSA National’s website (scroll to the bottom of the page).

Questions? Contact Dianna Fornaro, APR

Learn more and earn your APR today

For me, the APR was the capstone on an education in public relations and a way for me to show prospective employers and colleagues that I spoke the language of our profession.

– Jody Buffington Aud, APR

Director, Leader Communications, Global Operations, AstraZeneca

I’d just earned my master’s degree in communications management when I began the Accreditation process. I wanted to tie my degree and my practical experience together as a ‘capstone’ to my education. Earning my APR enriched my skills in strategic planning and gave me the confidence to advance my career. I’m honored to be part of such an esteemed group of professionals.

– Christine P. Barnhart, M.S., APR

Vice President, Strategic Communications, Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR)

Dedicating time to the APR process meant I invested in myself and my career. The exam preparation process and achievement of the APR designation connected me with a group of colleagues with shared values and a commitment to high-level performance.

– Anita A. Brightman, APR, Fellow PRSA

Founder and CEO, A. Bright Idea Advertising, PR, Design

Pursuing the APR took my public relations career to the next level. Going through the accreditation process honed my communications skills and heightened my confidence. Each day I draw upon my APR foundation, whether it be for strategic planning, tactical execution, or management decisions. It has been a great investment both professionally and personally!

– Cami Colarossi, APR

Director of Communications, Notre Dame Preparatory School

As a journalism major in college and later as a newspaper reporter, my education and early career experience did not focus on the theories and practice of public relations. Studying for the APR and earning the credential supplemented my education and opened my eyes to communication best practices, equipping me with knowledge to become a better professional.

– Jeffrey A. Davis, APR

Managing Partner, Van Eperen

Achieving APR has been one of the greatest milestones of my career. The knowledge gained has allowed me to excel in all aspects of my communication career.

– Daniel Dunne, APR, Fellow PRSA

Director of External Communications, Erickson Living

For me, the APR credential means that I have demonstrated mastery of strategic communications methods. It also shows my commitment to life-long learning and ethical behavior as a public relations professional. The process was rigorous and relevant to today’s digital marketplace.

– Tracy Imm, APR

Tracy Imm Worldwide

As an educator, it is very important for me to lead by example for my students. Earning the APR shows my commitment to best practices in the field, respect for the highest ethical standards, and the need to always upgrade your skills to remain current. My hope is that my investment in this process will elevate my teaching, and as a result, help produce the next generation of PR stars.

– David Marshall, Ph.D., APR

Professor and Chair, Department of Strategic Communication, Morgan State University

Achieving the APR is like having a Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval on your body of work. It shows your employer and colleagues that you value the core tenets of the public relations profession, including strategic planning and ethics, and that you’re committed to continued development in your own career.

– Allison S. Mayer, APR

Managing Director, Maryland Department of Commerce

The timing felt right to renew my commitment to my career in a very public fashion. I take my role as a leader very seriously. I serve as a working manager, allowing me to lead by example, grow talent within the agency, and instill a love of learning in my team. But, even more than that, I chose to do it for myself. The sense of accomplishment is priceless.

-Teri O’Neal, APR

Director of Public Relations, A. Bright Idea Advertising and PR

Earning the APR means that I have been tested and proven by the profession that I love. It is a significant accomplishment to be recognized for understanding the best practices of the profession in which we work and encourage others to pursue as a career path.

– Janice E. Smith, Ph.D., APR

Assistant Professor & Director of The Strategy Shop, Morgan State University