Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)
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.
In addition to the APR, the following programs are available:
- Certificate in Principles of Public Relations for college juniors, seniors and recent grads.
- Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication (APR+M) for military public affairs professionals.
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.
Journey to APR with Matt
Follow along as PRSA CEO, Matt Marcial, CAE, CMP, takes on the challenge of earning his Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). This journey is about more than just a credential—it’s a chance to grow, lead by example, and inspire others to
take the first step.
Take Five: Q&A with Yolanda Stephen, APR, UAB Vice Chair
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.”
Marsha Pitts-Phillips, APR
"Going through the process of APR was really helpful, particularly as an independent practitioner.”
Ready to start your Accreditation journey? Here are the four key steps:
Use the resources below to help you navigate each step of your APR journey with confidence.
Apply for candidacy
Earning your APR is more than initials after your name — it’s a commitment to your professional development and advancement within the PR field. Explore resources and support offered by PRSA to guide you through the process..
Advice From the APR Community
Fact vs. Fiction:
Debunking the Top 5 APR Myths
by Cassidy Davis, APR
APR Opens Doors to Career Growth
By Heather Cavanaugh, APR
How to Convince Your Employer to Fund Your APR Journey
By Michael N. Daily, APR
Finding Your Why for Earning the APR
By Grace Fee, PRSSA member
On-Demand Webinars
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.
APR+M Process and Overview:
Everything You Need to Know
Join this PRSA Learning Webinar designed specifically for military public relations practitioners looking to earn accreditation in the industry!
More Resources from PRSA
Study and sit for a panel presentation
The Panel Presentation plays an important role in the Accreditation process. It evaluates, through a questionnaire and live presentation, knowledge, skills and abilities that cannot effectively be judged in the 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.
Advice From the APR Community
Live and On-Demand Webinars
APR Virtual Boot Camp
LIVE
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.
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.
More Resources from the APR community
Take the online exam
This section offers guidance, tips and exam-day insights to help you prepare for and complete the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) exam.
Advice From the APR Community
More Resources from the APR community
APR Practice Examination
This practice test covers the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to prepare you for the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) examination.
Maintain your expertise through renewal
Continue to expand your knowledge base, track how you are learning and growing, and demonstrate what sets you apart.
Advice From the APR Community
The Latest Practice Analysis:
Identifying the Core Competencies Necessary in Public Relations Today
By Marlene S. Neill, Ph.D., APR, PRSA Fellow
How the APR Enhances My Work Every Day
By Tara L. Smith, M.S., APR
More Resources from the APR community
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).