Accreditation

PRSA DETROIT APR OVERVIEW AND SUPPORT

WHAT IS ACCREDITATION?

Established in 1964, the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential is the public relations profession’s only national post-graduate certification program. The APR designation signifies a high level of skill and competency in the public relations field.

WHO CAN PURSUE THE APR?

Accreditation is recommended for candidates who have at least five years of experience in the full-time practice or teaching of public relations and who have earned either a bachelor’s degree in a communications-related field or have equivalent work experience. However, any PRSA member in good standing can take on the challenge of earning Accreditation.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ACCREDITATION?

  • A Recognized Standard – The APR designation is widely known and respected and the only national post-graduate certification program.
  • Enhanced Knowledge & Skills – The APR process refreshes and/or enhances your public relations knowledge and skills. No matter what college degree you might have earned, or what practice area your career is focused on, with Accreditation, it is back to the basics! The process builds upon the fundamental knowledge critical to our field. This information can be applied to your practice of public relations, making you an even better professional.
  • A Potential Edge in the Job Market – If you find yourself in the job market, the APR designation is a “stamp of approval” on your resume. It demonstrates you have a high level of experience and competency in the field, and it’s a nice talking point for your interviews with potential employers.
  • PR for PR – Overall, the APR designation helps move the public relations profession forward, which benefits all of us in this industry. As more of us become Accredited, the overall perception and respect for our industry improves.
  • Personal Satisfaction – Earning Accreditation is a challenge and something you’ll be proud of when you have completed the process.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO EARN ACCREDITATION?

To earn your APR, you must complete the following steps:

  • Submit an application to PRSA National/Universal Accreditation Board, along with your payment. Upon approval, notify the PRSA Detroit Chapter of your pursuit to connect you with support resources.
  • Complete your Candidate Questionnaire and submit it to the PRSA Detroit Accreditation Committee.
  • Participate in a Panel Presentation/Review. Based on your professional experience, you will develop and present the comprehensive PR plan outlined in your questionnaire during a formal presentation to a panel of three local Accredited members of PRSA to highlight applied mastery of Accreditation KSAs that would be difficult to evaluate in a multiple-choice exam.
  • Pass a computerized exam, delivered in a multiple-choice format, within a year of your application.
  • Celebrate your success with the PRSA Detroit Chapter membership. You’ll be recognized on the Chapter’s communications platforms and/or at the PRSA Detroit Annual Meeting (determined by your Accreditation achievement status as of Oct. 31 each year).

 

Detailed information about each step to earning Accreditation can be found at PRSA.org.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO EARN ACCREDITATION?

Candidates have up to one year from the date of application approval to complete the testing process. Earning Accreditation requires preparation, such as reading and studying, over the course of several months. Even seasoned professionals should approach the Accreditation process as an academic exercise.

 During the self-directed process, candidates should allow themselves enough time for:

      • Adequate study to help ensure success.
      • Scheduling realities to interact with mentors, coordinate schedules with panel reviewers and sit for your exam.
      • The possibility of a second attempt at the panel presentation (which requires a 90-day wait period) or exam (for which an additional fee is assessed).

 

Please note, PRSA National also offers APR Bootcamps multiple times each year. These events give candidates the opportunity to complete the panel review and exam in the course of three consecutive days. However, these events are intended to support candidates who have already invested the time in academic study and questionnaire preparation.

HOW DO I RECEIVE ACCREDITATION MENTORSHIP?

If you need support on your APR journey, we have a roster of PRSA Detroit APRs who are ready to mentor candidates through the process. Mentors can support your course of study, recommend resources and/or review your questionnaire and presentation for practical advice. Please get in touch with the Detroit PRSA Committee chair, Michelle Franzen Martin, APR, and she will connect you with a local APR to assist you with any questions you may have about the process.

I'M ALREADY ACCREDITED. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO MAINTAIN MY ACCREDITATION?

To maintain your Accreditation, you must be a member of PRSA or another organization recognized by the Universal Accreditation Board. In addition, you must keep your PR knowledge and skills fresh by accumulating a minimum of 15 CEUs in continuing education, ethics training, professionalism and public service. You must submit documentation of these activities, along with your renewal fee of $75 fee, to PRSA National every three years from your date of accreditation.

Visit PRSA.org for detailed information about maintaining Accreditation.

QUESTIONS?

For more information about Accreditation, contact:

PRSA Detroit Accreditation Committee:
          • Michelle Franzen Martin, APR (chair) 
          • Melanie Davis, APR
          • Karen Couf-Cohen, APR 
          • Karen Swim, APR 

PRSA National Manager of Accreditation:

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