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Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)

Accredited in Public Relations

As a skilled public relations professional, you know that your success is dependent on staying relevant, resourceful, and inspired.

The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential certifies your drive, professionalism, and principles, setting you apart from your peers and positioning you as a leader and mentor in the competitive public relations field.

PRSA members receive a $100 rebate upon passing the APR examination on the first try.
Contact accred@prsa.org for further details.

Ready to start your Accreditation journey? Here are the key steps:

Review and complete the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations Application online.

Study and sit for a Panel Presentation.

Complete the monitored, online exam.

Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through renewal.

Already have your APR? Congratulations – that’s quite an accomplishment!
Here’s how to renew.

Renew Now!

young people around table

Save $35 when you bundle PRSA membership with an APR application enrollment.

Learn More!

Check out the latest issue of the monthly
APR newsletter

May 2025 APR Newsletter
The Pinnacle

From the APR Community

The Latest Practice Analysis:
Identifying the Core Competencies Necessary in Public Relations Today

Fact vs. Fiction:
Debunking the Top 5 APR Myths

APR Opens Doors to Career Growth

Finding Your Why for Earning the APR

How to Convince Your Employer to Fund Your APR Journey

Expanding Horizons:
APR en Español

The Secret to My APR Exam Success: Self-Care

How the APR Enhances My Work Every Day

6 Effective Ways to Prepare for the APR Exam

How to Make Accreditation Renewal Simple

Advice on How to Advance From the Panel Presentation

In addition to APR, the following programs are available

For College Juniors and Seniors and Recent Grads

Show employers you mean business by adding the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations to your resume.

Get Started

For Military Communications Experts

Military public affairs professionals can earn the Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication (APR+M).

Get Started

See what our APRs have to say about the benefits of the Accreditation, then take your first step by completing your application online.

Apply Online

Going through the Accreditation process not only made me a better practitioner, but also made me realize that I was capable of doing so much more for my career. It was a challenging process but it has changed the way I think and execute.

Sara Robbins, APR — Director of Social Media, KPS3

APR+M has made me a stronger leader, communicator and positioned me to effectively assist with mentoring the next generation of public relations and public affairs professionals.

Lt. Col. Christian Patterson, APR+M, Fellow PRSA — Director of Communications, U.S. Army ERDC Vicksburg, Mississippi

My APR gives me the confidence to help me work from a strategic point of view. It reminds me only to make the best ethical choices for my company and its audiences. Because of my APR, I am equipped to practice communications in any industry.

Ivy Johnson, APR — Senior Account Executive, MP&F Strategic Communications