Accreditation (APR)

Ready for a great return on investment in your career? Need to refresh or invigorate your perspective? Earn your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), the mark of distinction for public relations professionals who demonstrate broad knowledge, strategic perspective and sound personal judgment.

To be eligible for the APR, you need at least five years of paid, full-time experience in the professional practice of public relations. If you meet these requirements, then you can fill out an application.

Before you submit your application though, contact the chapter accreditation chair through our Contact Us form. This lets us know you’re interested and gives us the best chance to support you.

Submitting your application starts the one-year time frame to complete your readiness review and pass the exam. For good use of that time, you don’t have to follow the steps below in order. You can study and get your presentation and questionnaire ready before submitting the application and paying the fee.

We’re happy to help you with other tips and connections. For example, some prefer to study on their own. Some want to work with a mentor along the way. Some want to participate in free or paid study groups. We can help find the best local, district, and national PRSA options to fit your desired process and timing.

Here are the six easy steps:

1. Depending on your experience, you’ll need to pursue the APR or APR+M for military communications experts. Applications are on the APR overview website to fill out and submit to the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB). The application fee is $25 and is not refundable. If you have questions about the application, we can help you.
2. Once your application is submitted, the UAB will determine your eligibility and inform our Utah Chapter of your status.
3. After you receive approval for eligibility, the next step is to complete the Readiness Review Questionnaire. For additional assistance, visit the accreditation website. We'll be glad to review your draft if you’d like. Once you have completed the questionnaire and prepared your presentation, you're ready for the Readiness Review Panel.
4. We prepare a Readiness Review and exam preparation workshop in the fall each year, or we can schedule a different day and time that is convenient to conduct your Readiness Review. We'll make it pleasant and painless. It's exciting and rewarding to discuss your work with professional peers who understand. The panel will ask questions and offer mentoring in particular areas, if needed.
5. After completing your Readiness Review, you’ll receive confirmation to take the online APR examination at a local Prometric Testing Center. The fee, which is $385 (PRSA members receive a rebate of $110 upon completion of the computer-based examination), is not refundable and will be collected by Prometric when you schedule an appointment to take the exam. We'll help you find the testing center that is most convenient for you.
6. You'll receive immediate feedback from Prometric on your strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities. Within four to eight weeks, the UAB will inform you of your pass or not passed status. If you pass, you'll receive your APR designation!

Any questions? Submit our Contact Us form and we’ll reach out!