Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) beta
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.
Save $35 when you bundle PRSA membership with an APR application enrollment.
Ready to start your Accreditation journey? Here are the four 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.
Use the resources below to help you navigate each step of your APR journey with confidence.
Apply for candidacy
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Advice from the APR community
On-Demand Webinars
The Value of Accreditation:
What APR Can Do for You and Your Career
What is Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), and why should it matter to you? Join us for a discussion of the APR process and the value this designation brings to you and to your career.
Ask the APR Expert
Interested in becoming an APR, but don’t know where to start? Grab a virtual seat and let us help you on your journey to #PowerUpYourPRofessionalLife!
Study and sit for a panel presentation
The Panel Presentation evaluates a candidate’s knowledge, skills and abilities in areas that cannot be effectively judged in the computer-based examination.
Panel Presentation Guide
Use this document to assess your public relations experience and ability to respond effectively to the Panel Presentation Questionnaire before completing the application.
Live and On-Demand Webinars
APR Panel Presentation: Secrets to Success
On-Demand
Join this webinar to see what a “great” APR panel presentation looks like as Juanita Traughber, MBA, APR, shares the presentation she made as part of her Accreditation process.
APR Virtual Boot Camp
Nov 5 – 7, 2025
This course is designed to provide a setting for busy professionals to focus on final preparations. We strongly recommend that candidates complete previous preparations through their local chapter, on their own or by taking the APR Online Course.
Advice from the APR community
Advice on How to Advance From the Panel Presentation
By Meredith Libbey, MBA, APR
Advancing from the Panel Presentation to the examination is a major milestone on the path to Accreditation in Public Relations.
Take the online exam
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On-Demand Webinar
APR Practice Examination
This practice test covers the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to prepare you for the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) examination.
The Secret to My APR Exam Success: Self-Care
By Adam Paluka, APR
Imcorporate these self-care practices into your APR exam preparation routine to optimize your exam performance.
Maintain your expertise through renewal
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See what our APRs have to say about the benefits of the Accreditation, then take your first step by completing your application online.
John Gregory Clemons, APR, ABC
"When I look at resumes of people trying to get jobs at the organizations where I worked, I always look at APR first."
Jacque Coe, APR, Fellow PRSA
"The ROI on the APR was incredible because it boosted my knowledge, I became more strategic, and my salary increased by about 40% within the first two or three years.”
Ray Day, APR, PRSA 2025 Chair
"There are a lot of professional organizations in our industry but there's only one that has that APR and that credential."
Marsha Pitts-Phillips, APR
"Going through the process of APR was really helpful, particularly as an independent practitioner.”
In addition to APR, the following programs are available from PRSA.
For College Juniors, Seniors and Recent Grads
Show employers you mean business by adding the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations to your resume.
For Military Communications Experts
Military public affairs professionals can earn the Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication (APR+M).