Who administers the exam?
The Universal Accreditation Program was formed in January 1998. Nine public relations organizations now participate in the universal program, including the Agricultural Relations Council, Florida Public Relations Association, Maine Public Relations Council, National School Public Relations Association, Public Relations Society of American, Religion Communicators Council, Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, Southern Public Relations Federation and the Texas Public Relations Association.

Who governs the process?
The Universal Accreditation Board - comprised of one chair and representatives from each partner organization dedicated to three-year terms - oversees the program. Providing a balanced blend of backgrounds in a number of public relations specialities, this group of senior-level Accredited members meets four times a year. Responsibilities of the Universal Accreditation Board include the following:

• Develops and implements policy for the program
• Develops and maintains the Accreditation Exam
• Oversees the development of Exam questions, answer keys, and ensures content is based on the Body of Knowledge
• Reviews appeal cases
• Grants Accreditation

How is the new exam for Accreditation in Public Relations different?
The written portion of the new exam for Accreditation in Public Relations is in a multiple-choice question format and takes 3 hours to complete. It will test what public relations professionals do in the 21st century while maintaining the same high level of quality embodied in the previous exam. This new, enhanced exam for Accreditation in Public Relations is credible and relevant to today's practitioner and employs current best practices in professional certification testing.

What happens when I pass the APR exam?
Congratulations! You are now one of more than 5,000 accredited PR professionals. You are entitled to use the APR initials after your name, on business cards, etc. (Note: individuals are accredited, not firms)

Is Accreditation good for life?
Yes, with fulfillment of Maintenance of Accreditation requirements. Every three years, professionals accredited after January 1, 1998 must accumulate the required number of points in continuing education, professionalism or service categories as part of the Maintenance of Accreditation Program. This further strengthens the value of the APR credential and keeps professionals actively involved in the currents of the public relations profession.