Accreditation
APR: Your PRofessional Credential
WHO is eligible?
The new APR exam was designed to test knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) of public relations professionals with a bachelor’s degree in communications and/or 5-7 years’ experience, although the five-year minimum experience requirement is no longer mandatory.
WHY should I take the exam?
Benjamin Franklin said, “If a man empties his purse into his head, no one can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
With that in mind, the number one reason for taking the exam is personal growth and development. The process of studying and challenging yourself to stretch your professional understanding can be exhausting—but the rewards are exhilarating!
The exam preparation process stimulates a new appreciation for the profession and sharpens the tools of the skilled practitioner.
WHEN can I take the new exam?
The new exam process provides much more flexibility. In general, the time between the Readiness Review and the written exam is determined by the readiness of the candidate, but must take place within one year.
HOW much does it cost?
For PRSA members, the total cost is $300 ($25 is paid at the time of application, $275 is paid when you register for the exam).
WHAT is the process?
After submitting the application to National, with the $25 fee, eligibility is determined. Once eligible, your chapter Accreditation Chairs (Cecilia Green and Natalie Scholberg) are notified. A “Readiness Review Panel” is assembled (consisting of three accredited members). The candidate must submit a Readiness Review Questionnaire to the panel before the Readiness Review is scheduled. After the Review, panelists vote to advance/not advance the candidate to written examination. The candidate is counseled on additional study preparation. If the candidate is not advanced, the next Readiness Review is scheduled at least 90 days later. If the candidate is advanced, he/she will receive a unique ID# to schedule a seat to take the exam at a Prometric testing center (there are four in the Chicagoland area). After taking the exam, PRSA National will notify the candidate of pass/fail within 4-8 weeks.
WHAT is the Readiness Review?
During the Readiness Review, you will present your portfolio and respond to interview questions. Accredited panelists will score your knowledge, skills and abilities in 16 areas, and help you to assess and direct your written exam study preparation needed. Your Accreditation Chairs (Cecilia Green and Natalie Scholberg) will be learning more about the Readiness Review in a June conference call sponsored by National, and will communicate new information to all interested candidates.
WHAT study materials are recommended for the APR exam?
The examination is designed to test mastery of 60 specific competencies that are required of successful Public Relations practitioners. On the PRSA National Web site, there is a “bookshelf” of recommended texts, along with the specific knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA) covered in each. The Web site also contains FAQ and links for purchasing information. See the links at right for details.
WHAT resources will our PRSA Suburban Chicagoland chapter provide?
The purpose of these informational e-mails is to spark questions/interest from our membership. Since the new process is “on-demand” and not limited to specific test dates, the Accreditation Committee will respond to the need for coaching, mentoring and support services once we get an idea of the number of members to include in scheduling.
Upcoming Chicago JumpStarts:
APR JumpStarts