Universal Accreditation Board Announces
2006 First Quarter Results

NEW YORK, May 23, 2006 – The Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), the leading certification body for the public relations profession, today released 2006 first quarter results for the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations.

2006 First Quarter Results & Quarter-to-Quarter Comparisons

“Following 2005, when we saw the number of candidates completing the computer-based examination grow by 73% over the previous calendar year, there was some slippage in a few metrics this quarter while others improved,” said 2006 UAB Chair Mary Graybill, APR. “As we look to sustaining momentum, a key to candidate participation and success is local Accreditation leadership. Growth in the number of candidate application approvals and the Examination pass rate for the quarter are a credit to the hard work and enthusiasm of Accreditation chairs, coaches and other volunteer members of our UAB Participating Organizations.”

The UAB and its nine Participating Organizations continue to concentrate on bringing candidates into the process, providing preparation guidance and materials, and encouraging them to become Accredited. The group’s members are also working closely together to

identify areas for continuous improvement.

The computer-based Examination with the Readiness Review step was introduced on July 1, 2003; therefore, the UAB’s reporting year ends June 30. Year-over-year results will be released at that time.

The Universal Accreditation Board was established in 1998 by a coalition of public relations professional organizations including the Agricultural Relations Council, Asociación de Relacionistas Profesionales de Puerto Rico, Florida Public Relations Association, Maine Public Relations Council, National School Public Relations Association, Public Relations Society of America, Religion Communicators Council, Southern Public Relations Federation and Texas Public Relations Association. Each organization contributes resources and senior-level volunteer members who represent all segments of the public relations profession.