Stand Out When You Start Out 

Setting yourself apart from dozens or — in some cases — hundreds of other job candidates is a challenge. Fierce competition necessitates you demonstrate a superior knowledge of universal public relations principles. Click image to access the #StandOutInPR Toolkit.

As you approach graduation, adding the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations to your resume could be the leg up you need to secure the position you want. The process, which can be summarized in the four steps below, complements coursework and can be used to finish your college career on top.

The Certificate program is offered at many colleges and universities, and is expanding. So far, the following colleges and universities have participated:

• Appalachian State University
• Arkansas State University
• Baylor University
• Belhaven University
• Belmont University
• Biola University
• Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania
• California Baptist University
• California State University, Fullerton
• California State University, Sacramento
• Calvin College
• Central Washington University
• Drake University
• East Carolina University
• Eastern Illinois University
• Ferris State University
• Florida State University
• Illinois State University
• Indiana University Northwest
• Kean University
• Keystone College
• Lake Erie College
• Lee University
• Loyola University, New Orleans
• Metropolitan State University
• Mississippi State University
• Monmouth University
• North Carolina Central University
• New Jersey City University
• Nova Southeastern University
• Ohio State University

• Otterbein University
• Reinhardt University
• Roger Williams University
• San Diego State University
• Seton Hall University
• Spring Hill College
• Stockton University
• SUNY Plattsburgh
• Texas State University, San Marcos
• University of Alabama, Birmingham
• University of Alabama, Huntsville
• University at Buffalo
• University of Central Arkansas
• University of Central Florida
• University of Colorado at Denver
• University of Florida
• University of Kentucky
• University of Memphis
• University of Miami
• University of North Alabama
• University of North Carolina, Charlotte
• University of North Florida
• University of Nevada, Reno
• University of South Carolina
• University of Texas, San Antonio
• University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
• Webster University

Universities need to have a faculty coordinator to participate in the program. Email accred@prsa.org for more information on joining our list of participating colleges and universities.

Best Practices for Students interested in earning the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations
Hear from students who passed the examination as they share their study tips for success.

Earn the Certificate in Four Steps

It is important to review resources available for all four steps, starting with the Certificate FAQs, before beginning the process.

1. Review and complete The Certificate in Principles of Public Relations Application. (Please see step 2 before you submit application.)
2. Work with your university's faculty coordinator to certify eligibility.
3. Attend a certificate preparatory course or complete the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations Online Study Course.
4. Study for and complete the computer-based Examination for Certificate in Principles of Public Relations.

Resources

• FAQs – The Certificate in Principles of Public Relations
• About the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Tested
• The Certificate in Principles of Public Relations Application: (PDF) or (Word)
• Study Guide - Certificate in Principles of Public Relations
• Online Study Course - Certificate in Principles of Public Relations
• 6 Reasons To Take the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations
• From PRSSA to APR (PDF)
• #StandOutInPR toolkit – tools to celebrate achieving the Certificate as well as promote it to others