Home / Professional Development / Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)

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.

In addition to the APR, the following programs are available: 

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.

Learn More!

young people around table

 


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:

 

1. Review and complete the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations Application online.
2. Study and sit for a Panel Presentation
3. Complete the monitored, online exam
4. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through renewal.

 


Use the resources below to help you navigate each step of your APR  journey with confidence.

one

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..

Apply Now!

 

Advice From the APR Community


On-Demand Webinars


finger pushing electronic expert button
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.

young woman in military uniform using computer
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


two

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 and Materials

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.

Download the Guide

 

Advice From the APR Community


 

Live and On-Demand Webinars


Video webinar view on laptop
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.

young woman giving virtual panel presentation
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


three

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


sylized image of hand selecting checkboxes
APR Practice Examination

This practice test covers the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to prepare you for the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) examination.

four

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


 

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.

Get Started

For Military Communications Experts

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

Get Started