UAB Accreditation Tips and Tools — Sept. 2015

Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations Blackout Dates: Dec. 15-31, 2015

Do you have candidates planning to take the APR computer-based Examination (CBE) before the end of the year? Better set the date prior to mid-December. Updates being made to the CBE mean the Examination will not be available from Dec. 15 to Dec. 31, while the testing firm uploads and tests the updated Examination. On Jan. 1, 2016, the 2016 Examination will be in place. The CBE is updated on a regular basis to keep the Examination current with today’s public relations practice. To learn more about this latest update, visit: http://prsay.prsa.org/2014/12/18/demystifying-the-apr-exam-from-blueprint-to-publication/

Plan Ahead and Make 2016 THE Year!

The new year is closer than you think! 2016 could be THE year with the most professionals yet taking the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations! Help your members start planning now, and encourage them to make the best New Year’s resolution they could possibly make to advance their careers.

To help get the Examination on as many “professional bucket lists” as possible:

  • Host an APR review session between now and Dec. 31.
  • Make sure to include an APR info session at holiday parties and fall professional development sessions.
  • Offer $50 off the Examination registration fee via a drawing for one lucky candidate among all members who sign up to take the Examination before Dec. 31.

 For more information on APR, visit: https://accreditation.prsa.org/

How to Advance Down the Path to APR

The upcoming PRSA 2015 International Conference, which takes place in Atlanta during Nov. 8–10, is the perfect way to learn about the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) tested in the Accreditation process, when attendees target the special session designations at the Conference. Encourage attendees from your Chapter or Participating Organization to look for the sessions marked with the APR logo, indicating they are the ones that will help candidates attain success in the Examination. For the latest program updates, visit PRSA Conference website .

Need Points for APR Maintenance?

Maintaining Accreditation is easier than APRs think! There are plenty of opportunities within your own Participating Organization or Chapter. Remind your organization’s APRs that when they attend a one-day professional development event, they get two points, and if these courses are between one hour and one-half day, they can earn one point. During the year, there are plenty of opportunities and educational seminars that APRs attend, accumulating points that you may not be aware of. Encourage your APRs to attend seminars and jot them down in a journal. When it comes time to renew Accreditation, they will have all the points needed, and then some! For more information on maintenance of Accreditation, visit: https://accreditation.prsa.org/MyAPR/Content/Renew/Renew.aspx

Colleges in YOUR Area May Be Able to Offer the Certificate Program

College seniors majoring in public relations/communications approaching graduation can take an exam to see if they qualify for the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations. For graduating seniors, adding this Certificate to their resumes is the leg up in the job search process. Right now, the Certificate program is only offered at select colleges and universities, including: 

  • Appalachian State University
  • Baylor University
  • Belmont University
  • Central Washington University
  • Drake University
  • Florida State University
  • Lee University
  • Monmouth University
  • San Diego State University
  • Seton Hall University
  • University of Central Florida
  • University of Miami
  • University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
  • Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

Check out the details of the certificate program at: https://accreditation.prsa.org/MyAPR/Content/Apply/Certificate/Certificate.aspx

We encourage POs and PRSA Chapters to reach out to colleges in your state to see if they are interested in offering the Certificate in Principles of Public Relations examination at their institution. Give them the link to the program details and have them contact accred@prsa.org for details.