Accreditation
Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is a voluntary certification program for public relations professionals, administered by the Universal Accreditation Board. APR represents a high standard of knowledge and excellence in our field. Challenge yourself to obtain APR. It will give you a good body of knowledge and increase your commitment to the field of public relations.
- Here are our chapter members who have earned their APR:
- Susan M. Bartel, APR, Stephens College
- Michael B. Cleary, APR, Ameren Services
- Sonja M. Derboven, APR, University of Missouri Health Care
- Kris L. Farris, APR, Daniel Boone Regional Library
- Laura Gerding, APR, University of Missouri Health Care
- Michelle Gleba, APR
- Elizabeth Ann Hammock, APR, University of Missouri-Columbia
- Scott A. Holste, APR, Missouri Governer’s Office
- Barbara S. Long, APR, E-savvy Communications
- Susanne Crawford Medley, APR, Missouri Department of Natural Resources
- Bruce A. Moe, APR, Missouri State Teachers Association
- Mark R. Newell, APR, United States Geological Survey
- Melody G. Parry, APR, OutFront Communications, L.L.C.
- Robert R. Ross, Jr., APR
- David R. Russell, APR, University of Missouri System
- Stephen E. Veile, APR, Communique, Inc.
- Jo Ann Wait, APR, University of Missouri Health Care
For more information, please contact our chapter accreditation chair, Laura Gerding, APR at gerdingla@health.missouri.edu.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ACCREDITATION
What is Accreditation?
What is the Universal Accreditation Board?
What is the purpose of Accreditation?
Why become Accredited?
How old is the Universal Accreditation Program?
Who is eligible?
What is the fee to take the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations?
Is accreditation good for life?
Chapter support.
What is Accreditation?
Accreditation in Public Relations is a voluntary certification program for public relations professionals, administered by the Universal Accreditation Board.
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What is the Universal Accreditation Board?
The Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) comprises one chair and representatives from each public relations participating organization. Each member serves a three-year term. The UAB oversees the Accreditation program and provides a balanced blend of backgrounds in a number of public relations specialties. This group of senior-level Accredited members meets several times a year. Day-to-day operations are administered at PRSA Headquarters. Responsibilities of the Universal Accreditation Board include the following:
- Develops and implements policy for the program
- Develops and maintains the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations
- Reviews appeal cases
- Grants Accreditation
What is the purpose of Accreditation?
The purpose is to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the field. The program seeks to improve public relations practices. The designation Accredited in Public Relations (APR) signifies a high professional level of experience and competence.
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Why become Accredited?
Increasingly, job listings are specifying APR preferred. Senior public relations professionals have been outspoken in support of Accreditation. “APR is a symbol of professionalism. It demonstrates that individuals have the knowledge, ethics and experience that set them apart. It also demonstrates that they care about their own profession and that they are dedicated to enhancing their own personal abilities,” says Joe S. Epley, APR, Fellow PRSA, Chairman and CEO, Epley Associates, Charlotte, NC.
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How old is the Universal Accreditation Program?
The program originated in 1964 and was administered by PRSA until 1998, when the Universal Accreditation Program was formed to administer the Examination. The public relations organizations that are members of the Universal Accreditation Program include the Agricultural Relations Council, Florida Public Relations Association, Maine Public Relations Council, National School Public Relations Association, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Religion Communicators Council, Southern Public Relations Federation, Texas Public Relations Association and Asociación de Relacionistas Profesionales de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Public Relations Association).
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Who is eligible?
Members of participating organizations who are involved in the professional practice of public relations, or in the teaching or administration of public relations courses in an accredited college or university.
Also, non-members who belong to member organizations of the North American Public Relations Council (NAPRC) and who meet the same requirements as Members are eligible. Please contact PRSA Headquarters for details.
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What is the fee to take the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations?
The fee is $385. Several UAB participating organizations offer their members a rebate for a portion of the examination fee as a member benefit. Check with your organization’s accreditation chair for details on the rebate.
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Is Accreditation good for life?
Yes, with fulfillment of Maintenance of Accreditation requirements and continued membership in a participating organization. Every three years, PRSA members accredited after January 1, 1993 and participating organization members accredited after January 1, 1998, must accumulate the required number of points in continuing education, professionalism or service categories as part of the Maintenance of Accreditation Program. This further strengthens the value of the APR credential and keeps professionals actively involved in the currents of the public relations profession.
For more information about accreditation, contact Laura Gerding, APR
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CHAPTER SUPPORT
Our chapter offers financial assistance for the APR test.
- The study books recommended by PRSA are now available at the Reference Desk (2nd floor) in the Columbia Public Library.
- As always, a candidate’s identity is confidential, and this chapter is very supportive of the process. We hold one of PRSA’s highest APR-member ratios.
The chapter holds two Readiness Review Panels a year: one in May and one in November. To participate in the May session, apply for testing by April 1. For the November Readiness Review Panel, turn in your testing application by October 1.
If you need more information, PRSA.org has great resources that are easy to access. Our accreditation chair, Laura Gerding, APR, is available to answer questions.
