CONTACT:
Mary Graybill, APR – 2006 Chair, Universal Accreditation Board
310-441-2899 / mary@graybillcom.com

Universal Accreditation Board Announces 2005 Fourth Quarter Results

NEW YORK, February 2, 2006 – The Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), the leading certification body for the public relations profession, today released 2005 fourth quarter results for the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations.

The number of candidates who sat for the computer-based Examination in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2005 was nearly double that of the comparable period of 2004. Combined with a somewhat higher pass rate, more than twice the number of candidates earned Accreditation this quarter than in the same 2004 period.

With only ten quarters completed since the re-engineered Examination was introduced in July 2003, the various data points continue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter. "Conclusive trends have yet to emerge," said 2006 UAB Chair Mary Graybill, APR. "The pass rate has not leveled out, but we are encouraged because we have seen a steady increase in the number of new APRs in almost every quarter since the Examination was introduced."

With 41 candidates passing the computer-based Examination, Q4 of 2005 ties with Q3 of 2005 for the highest number of new APRs in a quarter since the re-engineered Examination was introduced. "We believe the upward trend is due to an increasing comfort level with the revised Accreditation process, and to the dedication of growing numbers of the already Accredited volunteers within UAB Participating Organizations and at local chapters around the country who support the process," Graybill added. "A change in the payment structure for Accreditation that occurred in mid-2005 may also be a positive factor."

The UAB and its nine Participating Organizations continue to concentrate on bringing potential 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 re-engineered Examination 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.

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