The purpose of sharing these with candidates is to provide insight as to how questions are worded. Some establish a situation in which candidates must apply a level of professional understanding to answer correctly, while others test knowledge of history, theory or tactics in a recitation manner. Some of the questions require multiple correct answers, all of which must be chosen in order for the question to receive one point.
The questions are not designed to be tricky, but they should be challenging for those with the proper professional public relations experience. Any APR candidates should contact UAB members or other APR leaders with questions or suggestions.
Multiple choice, single answer Questions
1) Which law restricts corporate communications for publicly traded companies before and during the period that new securities are being registered?
Correct Answer (A).
2) Which of the following entities cannot sue for libel?
Correct Answer (D).
3) What public relations pioneer is credited with being the first practitioner to insist on “a place at the management table”?
Correct Answer (D).
4) What World War I-era organization introduced decentralized publicity “drives” as a strategy to mobilize U.S. public opinion to support the war?
Correct Answer (A).
Multiple choice, multiple answers Questions
(You must get both answers correct to receive full credit. There is no partial credit given.)
1) What are two major reasons why organizations retain outside public relations counsel? (Choose two.)
Correct Answer (A and D).
2) What are two examples of an evaluation of outcome? (Choose two.)
Correct Answer (A and E).
Situation analysis Question
1) You work for a utility company that is building a biomass plant in the community. Your employer asks you to give a series of community talks about the plant and future operations. You visit the plant several hours before you are due to give a speech that has been prepared by your immediate supervisor. During the tour of the plant, you discover several claims in the speech are not true. What do you do?
Correct Answer (D).
2) You seek the counsel of one of your peers who designed and implemented a communication program that resulted in the successful permitting of an automotive recycling center, despite strong opposition from community organizations. You have to design a program to win approval for a similar project proposed by your company. Your peer gives you a brief piece of advice that succinctly describes the foundation of his successful program.
What is most likely your peer's advice for a successful communication program?
Correct Answer (A).
Earning the APR reinforced for me that although I was a sole practitioner in an association office, I still understood and practiced my profession with the same level of skill as “the big corporate boys.” Since I became APR while I was Chapter president, it gave other Chapter members confidence that they could earn the APR, too. When that first association position ended, having the APR gave me the confidence to open my own solo practice 21 years ago!
Diane Slaughter, APR, Fellow PRSA
Owner
Homestead Communications
Charleston, West Virginia
Have your own APR story to tell? Email accred@prsa.org