“Accreditation is incredibly important to our association and has become a valuable asset to me professionally as well. I feel very accomplished after successfully completing the APR national certification and was overjoyed to learn our chapter was recognized by FPRA for our certification and accreditation efforts during my year as chapter president. It was like icing on the cake.” – Allison Campbell, APR, CPRC
The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential, is the only nationally recognized certification of the public relations profession. Currently, more than 5,000 professionals from the agency, corporate, association and education fields hold the APR mark. The Ocala Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association boasts 16 accredited members.
Established in 1964, the Accreditation in Public Relations is the profession’s only national postgraduate certification program. It measures public relations practitioner’s fundamental knowledge of communications theory and its application; establishes advanced capabilities in research, strategic planning, implementation and evaluation; and demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and ethical conduct. The skills acquired through the process are applicable to any industry or practice area. Granting of the APR is overseen by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB).
Unlike other professional certifications, such as CPA, Accreditation in Public Relations is a voluntary demonstration of competency; as such, it reflects a strong commitment to the profession. Earning Accreditation also provides a distinction that can set individuals apart and open doors to career advancement and higher compensation. Through their high professional and ethical standards, Accredited professionals contribute to greater understanding of public relations as a vital management function, and undermine those who would refer to our craft as spin, our professionals as flacks, and our currency as misrepresentation and disinformation.
Why APR? Read this testimonial on how APR can improve your work life and confidence.
The APR accreditation process can be summarized in four steps. It is important to review resources available for all four steps, starting with the process chart, before pursuing APR.
- Review and complete the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations Application.
- Study and sit for a Panel Presentation.
- Online Study Course available to assist with studying for the APR examination.
- Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through APR Renewal.
Getting Started
Interested candidates are encouraged to review the APR information page, download the APR study guide, and complete the application. The Examination fee must be paid at the time of registration, and FPRA offers members a $100 rebate to help offset the cost. Some chapters offer additional financial assistance. In 2024, following the sudden passing of chapter member Beverly Brown, APR, the Chapter created an APR Scholarship in her honor. For more information about the Beverly Brown, APR Legacy Scholarship application process, or to make a donation in her honor, please click here for more information.
Before sitting for the Examination, candidates must schedule a Panel Presentation to ensure that they have the knowledge and experience they need to advance to the computer-based Examination. Candidates are also encouraged to take advantage of FPRA’s local and statewide Examination review sessions. After the panel recommends that a candidate be advanced to the computer-based examination, they are able to take the Examination at their convenience. Candidates who receive a passing grade are encouraged to apply for a $100 rebate within 30 days of completing the exam.