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 now 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.

Accreditation Renewal Update: Accredited PR professionals must renew their APR credential every 3 years. Accreditation renewal can be achieved through lifelong learning, participating in industry events, giving back to local accreditation programs, or some combination of the above.

The APR system of points required to renew the credential has been discontinued in favor of a new CEU system, effective Jan. 1, 2022. The Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) found that many of our peers in other industries measure education units in CEUs rather than points, and believes the CEU system makes it easier to quantify PRSA professionals’ efforts when compared to other certificate and licensing programs across the country.

A minimum of 15 CEUs is required for renewal over a 3-year period. One CEU equals 10 hours of participation in approved training or other professional development activities. An additional requirement has been added: An ethics course is a new requirement in line with the professional code of conduct APRs espouse. Furthermore, you can now keep track of all your CEUs online.

You can read more about the accreditation process, including the reasoning behind these changes and related FAQs, as well as download a list of professional development opportunities based on CEUs, here: https://accreditation.prsa.org/MyAPR/Content/Renew/Renew.aspx.

Calling all APRs! Serve as a Panel Presentation judge and keep your accreditation current! Contact PRSA MD 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. 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. 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. 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 PRSA Maryland