Want to add more credibility to your name? How about three letters? APR.
Accountants have CPA. Doctors have MD. Lawyers have Esq. We have APR.
The time is now. Get accredited.
If you have been thinking about joining the ranks of thousands of practitioners across the US that have earned their accreditation in public relations (APR) - the time is now. Practitioners who have successfully completed PRSA's voluntary certification program have said it's added to their PR knowledge base, made them more credible in the field, and enhanced their desire to continue practicing and studying public relations. Here's a podcast with several national leaders on the value of APR: http://aprpod.blogspot.com. APR is not just three letters to put behind your name. It's proof that you have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the public relations field. It also signifies your commitment to study for and prepare for the Readiness Review and written test - the two requirements in achieving APR.
Any PRSA member in good standing can take on the challenge of earning Accreditation. However, it is recommended that candidates have at least five years' experience in the full-time practice or teaching of public relations and have earned either a bachelor's degree in a communication-specific field (e.g., public relations, journalism, mass communication) or have equivalent work experience, which includes public relations principles, public relations writing, public relations campaigns, research, ethics and law and internship (practical experience under supervision).
The Accreditation program is administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), a consortium of 9 leading industry organizations, including PRSA.
The Readiness Review - your time to shine
The Readiness Review is your opportunity to show your stuff. With three accredited peers as panelists, the Readiness Review is your time to shine with a portfolio review and assessment of your readiness to take the written examination. (www.praccreditation.org). The Readiness Review panel provides feedback and an evaluation as to what your strengths and weaknesses are, which then helps identify specific areas you should focus on for further study and the written examination.
The Readiness Review should not be taken lightly. It's an intense two hours of demonstrating your knowledge of public relations research planning, implementation and evaluation. You must advance through the Readiness Review in order to take the written test.
You'll be notified by a member of Minnesota's PRSA Accreditation committee if you are advanced to the written examination - usually within two weeks. If you are not advanced, go back and study the areas that you and your panelists agreed are areas you need to strengthen and schedule another Readiness Review after 90 days.
Here's the beauty of the Readiness Review - Minnesota PRSA and its accredited members will provide guidance and tips on your portfolio and areas of study. In fact, the Minnesota PRSA Accreditation committee provides free classes to help you prepare for the Readiness Review and test. Remember, we want you to succeed and achieve this mark of distinction!
The Written Examination - putting your knowledge into practice
Once advanced from the Readiness Review, you'll move on to the written examination. The Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations is computer-based and administered at Thomson Prometric Testing Centers throughout the United States. There are Prometric centers in most major cities. You'll have three hours and forty-five minutes to complete the Examination. This time includes a 10-15 minute optional break for candidates. The test is based on a number of industry textbooks, the PRSA code of ethics and other professional resources. (http://www.praccreditation.org/Preparation%20Sources/index.html).
A few weeks after the Examination, you'll receive notification on your results. The cost for the written examination is $385. PRSA members receive a rebate of $110 upon completion of the test.
Ready to start? Here's how:
To receive an application (http://www.praccreditation.org/documents/application.pdf), simply visit http://www.prsa.org and click on Accreditation or e-mail accred@prsa.org. When applying you will be asked to pay a $25 registration fee.
Here are the steps:
Remember, you're making a difference that lasts a lifetime...
The APR designation is a lifetime accreditation. However, APRs must complete maintenance requirements every three years.
Who should I call if I have questions?
Locally, please contact MN PRSA APR co-chairs Betsy Anderson at (651) 962-5258 or bdanderson1@stthomas.edu or Patty Hoffman at (612) 455-1700 or phoffman@psbpr.com.
Nationally, you may also contact Kathy Mulvihill, Manager, Universal Accreditation at (212) 460-1436 or kathy.mulvihill@prsa.org, or click on the following website for additional information: http://www.praccreditation.org/becomeAPR/index.html.