NEW YORK, NY (7-21-2005) - The Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) announced today the official launch an online study course designed to help candidates prepare for the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations. The course is available at http://www.online2learn.net/APR/.

The multimedia course offers candidates the opportunity to review the knowledge, skills and abilities covered in the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations. Course content is broken out into 10 modules narrated by Accredited public relations professionals. Participants learn through self-study, group discussions, assignments and Web conferences with other participants. Candidates can complete the course at their own pace. Technical and subject matter assistance are readily available to participants.

"We're pleased to be able to offer this additional learning opportunity to public relations professionals who are interested in sitting for the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, as well as to others who are simply interested in increasing their professional knowledge and capabilities," said Blake D. Lewis III, APR, UAB chairman. "We think it's a great tool for those whose schedules or locations make it difficult for them to participate in the traditional, chapter-sponsored study sessions."

UAB and the Public Relations Society of America developed the course in collaboration with Point-Productions to offer another preparation tool for the Readiness Review and the computer-based Examination. The course costs $195 for members of UAB Participating Organizations and $295 for non-members. Course participants have one year to complete all ten course modules.

"We've had great feedback from APR candidates, who enjoy the flexibility of the online study course," said Michael Henry, APR online course technical facilitator. "The course gives candidates who travel frequently a tool for studying for the examination. It also allows candidates who live in areas that do not offer in-person study groups an outlet for studying with other professionals."

The Universal Accreditation Board, which was created in 1998, is a consortium of professional communications organizations including the Agricultural Relations Council, Florida Public Relations Association, Maine Public Relations Council, National School Public Relations Association, Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Religion Communicators Council, Southern Public Relations Federation, Texas Public Relations Association and the Asociacion de Relacionistas Profesionales de Puerto Rico (Puerto Rico Public Relations Association). Each organization contributes resources and senior-level volunteer members who represent all segments of the public relations profession. The UAB oversees the public relations profession's professional certification program. The revised Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations was launched in July 2003.

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