APR+M: Accredited in Public Relations and Military Communication

Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication (APR+M) improves the military public affairs practice, encourages ongoing professional development and establishes a standard of knowledge within the public affairs community that is transferable to civilian work.

APR+M, a joint effort among the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), Department of Defense (DOD) and the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), signifies that an individual, such as those recently granted the credential, meets all the qualifications of Accreditation in Public Relations and has demonstrated additional skills in and nuances of military public affairs.

Explore this website, read the APR+M testimonials, talk to Accredited members of your organization or Chapter and then begin your journey to Accreditation in four steps.

Accreditation in Four Steps

The 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+M.

1. Review and complete The Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication Application.
   • APR+M online Application for new candidates
   • APR+M Application for APRs adding +M
2. Study and sit for a Panel Presentation.
3. Continue to study and complete the computer-based Examination.
4. Demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through Accreditation renewal.

Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions
  • FAQs
  • FAQ - The Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations
  • APR Examination FAQ for 2016 and subsequent years
• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Tested
  • APR+M KSAs Tested (in the Panel Presentation)
  • APR KSAs Tested (in the computer-based Examination) 
• Steps to APR+M (PPT)
• APR+M Candidate Process Chart
• APR+M Applications
  • APR+M Application for New Candidates
  • APR+M Application for APRs
• APR+M Panel Presentation
  • The APR+M Panel Presentations will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis and will be held during the weeks of:
    • December 4-11, 2020
    • March 11-19, 2021
    • July 9-16, 2021
    • September 16-24, 2021
• APR+M Panel Presentation Candidate Questionnaire
• Study Materials
  • APR+M Study Guide
  • APR Study Guide
  • The Value of Accreditation Webinar
  • APR Online Study Course
  • Some sample examination questions
• APR+M Renewal
• University Waivers for APR
  • Boston University grants academic waiver to APRs
  • Northeastern University - Transfer Credit Awarded to APRs
  • Syracuse University accepts the APR in lieu of GRE scores
    

Testimonial

The information environment is incredibly complex and rapidly evolving. This makes communication decisions among the most strategic and consequential many senior military commanders will face. As communication advisors, we must be able to provide the best-informed expert counsel at all times. APR+M both provides the continuous learning crucial to staying current in our dynamic profession and demonstrates a commitment to achieving and maintaining public affairs and communication expertise. 

Rear Admiral Paula Dunn, APR+M
Vice Chief of Information
U.S. Navy
Washington, D.C.

 Have your own APR+M story to tell?  Email accred@prsa.org.