The Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) administers the accreditation process for partner members, including NSPRA. Detailed information about the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) exam and application form to become a candidate for accreditation may be obtained from the Universal Accreditation Board web site at www.praccreditation.org.)

History From 1976 until 1998, NSPRA conducted a professional development program that awarded Accredited in School Public Relations (ASPR) status to 139 members who passed rigorous written and oral tests on public relations theory and the practice of school public relations. On January 1, 1999 at the urging of its members, NSPRA closed its accreditation program and became one of the eight public relations organizations participating in the Universal Accreditation Program. The other participating organizations are the Agricultural Relations Council, Florida Public Relations Association, Maine Public Relations Council, Public Relations Society of America, Society for Healthcare Strategy & Market Development, Southern Public Relations Federation, and Texas Public Relations Association. Here are the answers to the most-asked questions about the Universal Accreditation program:

What is Universal Accreditation? A voluntary certification program for public relations professionals, administered by any of the above groups.

What is the purpose of Universal Accreditation? The purpose is to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who have demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and professional judgment in the field. The program seeks to improve public relations practice. The designation Accredited in Public Relations (APR) signifies a high professional level of experience and competence.

Who governs the process? The Universal Accreditation Board - comprised of one chairman and representatives from each participating organization dedicated to three-year terms - oversees the program. Providing a balanced blend of backgrounds in a number of public relations specialties, 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 examination
• Oversees the development of test questions, answer keys, and ensures content is based on the Body of Knowledge
• Reviews appeal cases
• Grants Accreditation

Who is eligible? It is recommended that members of participating organizations have at least five years of paid, full-time experience in the professional practice of public relations, or in the teaching or administration of public relations courses in an accredited college or university.

How is the new examination for Accreditation in Public Relations different? There are two major changes to the APR exam. The process now requires candidates to first sit for a Readiness Review panel to determine whether or not they are prepared to advance to the written portion. This is similar to the previous orals panel, but now is designed to help candidates strengthen areas of weakness for further study before taking the written exam. The new APR examination process is now complete and in place. Detailed information about the new exam may be obtained from the UAB web site www.praccreditation.org. Once candidates have been advanced by the review panel they may take the written portion of the exam at any Prometric testing facility around the country. The new process eliminates the set testing cycle that was established in the past. It is now up to local chapters and umbrella organizations to determine when and how often Readiness Review panels will be convened for candidates. The candidates schedule their own written exams with a Prometric facility.

Is Accreditation good for life? Yes, with fulfillment of Maintenance of Accreditation requirements. Every three years, Accredited professionals 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.

What is the fee to take the examination? The fee for NSPRA Members is $385. NSPRA members who take the APR exam under NSPRA (not as members of their local PRSA chapter) will receive a reimbursement of $110 if they successfully pass the exam (limited to the first 20 candidates each year due to budget considerations). Successful candidates are also presented with their APR pin at the annual seminar in July.

Who do I contact for more information? For more information, contact NSPRA Associate Director Karen H. Kleinz, APR, at 301-519-0496; kkleinz [at] nspra [dot] org; or Accreditation Committee Chair Karen McDermott, APR at 316-722-0614 ext. 2021; kmcdermott [at] usd266 [dot] com.