Overview
Accreditation
News
Congratulations to Diane Rhodes Bergman, Greater Fort Worth's newest APR! Diane reached this milestone in her career in September 2009.
If you're considering pursuing your APR, please contact Greater Fort Worth APR chair Lisa Starnes, APR, at lisastarnes@texashealth.org for more information about the APR process, to join or start a new study group, or to learn more about the Readiness Review questionnaire or process.
This interactive online multimedia course is designed to help APR – Accreditation in Public Relations, candidates prepare for the APR Examination. Course content, geared toward the knowledge, skills and abilities measured during the Examination, is presented through a variety of interactive methods, including multimedia module introductions, asynchronous activities, case study analysis, projects, directed discussions, self-correcting quizzes and simulations. It provides opportunities for self-study, collaboration and teamwork -- all situations that public relations professionals encounter in their day-to-day work.
A discount is available for groups of five or more. Please contact Lisa Starnes, APR, at lisastarnes@texashealth.org for more information or to inquire about starting a group.
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The Public Relations Society of America is proud to offer public relations professionals the opportunity to become certified through the universal accreditation process. Accreditation indicates that a professional is a knowledgeable, experienced and ethical practitioner.
Universal accreditation is the only international public relations and communications accreditation program professionally administered and independently field tested and graded in the same fashion as bar exams, teachers’ exams and certified public accountant testing. PRSA and 10 organizations in the U.S., New Zealand and Canada are members of the Universal Accreditation Board.
PRSA members and members of Universal Accreditation Board organizations who have at least five years experience in the full-time paid professional practice of public relations or in teaching or administration of public relations in an accredited college or university may apply. A member need not be currently employed to qualify to take the test. Successful candidates are designated APR: Accredited in Public Relations.
Why Accreditation?
The APR designation is a useful credential that indicates that practitioners have a working knowledge of business, communications, media relations and research. Employers today are in search of ethical, credible professionals who can bring value to an organization; the APR designation is an indication that you can do so.
Application Process
There are no longer fall and spring cycles for the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations! Now, candidates may schedule to take the computerized, multiple-choice Examination at their convenience.
Candidates must first declare their intent to prepare for the Examination by completing an application process, prepare for and schedule a Readiness Review and then Advance to take the written examination. Chapter Accreditation chairs can help candidates determine when to apply and sit for Readiness Review, especially if any local preparation sessions are planned. For Fort Worth members, please contact Lisa Starnes, APR, LisaStarnes@texashealth.org
Basic Process & Materials
1. Submit the Application
2. Answer the Readiness Review Questionaire and prepare portfolio
3. Sit Readiness Review Panel, which will "advance" or "not advance" you to step 3
4. Sit Computer Based Exam (see a demo--most all the questions are "sitational" where they give you a scenario and you have to pick the most appropriate answer)
Links
The official PRSA Candidate Process Chart: http://www.praccreditation.org/becomeAPR/CandProcesChart.html
Accreditation website is www.praccreditation.org
Accreditation FAQs: http://www.praccreditation.org/becomeAPR/FAQ-Accreditation.html
Application for Accreditation in Public Relations: http://www.praccreditation.org/documents/APR%20Application_2009.pdf
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) tested: http://www.praccreditation.org/becomeAPR/KSAs_Competencies.html
Preparation Resources: http://www.praccreditation.org/Preparation%20Sources/index.html
APR Study Guide: http://www.praccreditation.org/documents/APR_Study_Guide_First_Edition.pdf
Readiness Review questionnaire: http://www.praccreditation.org/documents/9.2007%20Candidate%20Questionnaire.doc
Readiness Review Panel (Candidate instructions): http://www.praccreditation.org/documents/RR%20Candidate%20Instructions%20Dec%202008.pdf(pay special attention to pg. 11, which lists the KSAs tested during the Readiness Review)
Demo of APR Computer-Based Exam: http://www.praccreditation.org/documents/9.2007%20Candidate%20Questionnaire.doc
The ultimate resource for the Examination for Accreditation in public relations is as close as your telephone or computer. If you can't find the answers to your questions from the Web site, www.accreditationboard.org, please contact Kathy Mulvihill, manager of accreditation, at accred@prsa.org. or 212-460-1436.
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