What is APR?
APR is a mark of distinction for public relations professionals who demonstrate their commitment to the profession and to its ethical practice, and who are selected based on broad knowledge, strategic perspective, and sound professional judgment.

Interested in our Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations?

Download an application form and then review Become an APR.

When you are done taking the Online Demonstration, come back and give us your feedback.  Thank you!

Make APR Study Guide a Key Tool in APR Examination Preparation

The First Edition of the APR Study Guide – a tremendous resource for all APR candidates and Accreditation Chairs – is available to download.  Produced by the Universal Accreditation Board, the Guide is the product of many hours of research and evaluation.   It contains exercises, case studies and insight into modern public relations practices.   And, it’s available at no cost to those pursuing Accreditation and Accreditation Chairs from all Participating Organizations.  

Current APRs

Want to maintain your Accreditation? You'll find the Maintenance of Accreditation Application on our Current APRs page.


Click here to view the newest Accredited members

The Value to Employers

Learn why professionals who have earned the APR offer tremendous value to agencies, companies and associations in the market for new staff.

The APR Online Study Course is designed to help public relations professionals study at their own pace for the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). This course is ideal for candidates who travel frequently, cannot attend in-person study sessions, are not located near in-person study sessions, or simply want another opportunity to practice their skills.  For details, follow this link

"Accredited public relations professionals demonstrate their commitment to the profession and have achieved accreditation by applying broad knowledge, strategic perspective and sound professional judgment."

Based on the 2005 PR Week/Korn Ferry Salary Survey, accredited public relations professionals earn $102,031 vs. $85,272 for those who are not Accredited, or 20 percent more.

The influence of Accreditation increased to $94,000 from $80,000 when professional experience was controlled. This suggests that formal professional development programs and education are efficient ways to increase income when compared to mere experience. 

Findings from a study on independent public relations practitioners,  Practice and Personal Characteristics Related to Billings Income among Independent Practitioners: Moving Toward Theory. By Hazleton, Rayburn, Lynch, March 2007.

About UAB

What's in the Examination for
Accreditation in Public Relations?

NEWS

Universal Accreditation Board Announces 2008 First Quarter Results - June 2008

Participating Organizations

• 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(PRSA)
• Religion Communicators Council
• Southern Public Relations Federation
• Texas Public Relations Association

"When I received the letter saying I had reached accreditation status, I was more excited than when I received my master's degree! However, it was also the process to reach that point that was wonderful too. It really taught and reinforced tactics and methods that we should use every day. (And, of course, I'll forever remember the Schramm Communications Model!)"

- Monica Faulkenbery, APR
Asst. Director of Communications
Northside School District
San Antonio, TX

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