Accreditation

Invest in yourself. Get accredited in 2010

No more excuses! If you have at least five years experience in public relations and are looking to enhance your knowledge and expertise, consider taking the Accreditation exam. Now you can prepare for your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) exam on your own time, at your own pace, at work or in the comfort of your own home through the new APR Online Study Course.

This interactive online multimedia course is designed to help APR 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.

The St. Louis Chapter of PRSA is also planning live, face-to-face APR prep classes again in 2010 - most likely early summer through early fall. Watch for a full listing of the class schedule including dates, times, locations and facilitators, please see the table below. If you are interested in finding out more about the benefits of becoming an APR, please contact Tina Carroll at for more information.

APR logo: APR logo

Universal Accreditation Program

The Universal Accreditation Program was formed January 1, 1998. Nine public relations organizations now participate in the program, including the Agricultural Relations Council, the Florida Public Relations Association, the Maine Public Relations Council, the National School Public Relations Association, the Public Relations Institute of New Zealand, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), the Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development, the Southern Public Relations Federation, and the Texas Public Relations Association. The program is administered by PRSA, which began operating its own Accreditation program beginning in 1964. Other public relations societies are encouraged to join this partnership.

PRSA Members who were Accredited after January 1, 1993 are required to maintain their APR status every three years by completing professional development activities.

For more information, please see www.accreditationboard.org.