Professional Development Accreditation in Public Relations

Universal accreditation in public relations (APR) is a voluntary certification program for public relations professionals. Internationally recognized and supported by participating organizations, it seeks to improve the practice of public relations and integrates timeless communication principles with contemporary strategies and tactics. The process of earning your APR takes your skills to the next level by exposing you to today's cutting-edge strategies and practices, assessing your skills to identify strengths and opportunities for growth and demonstrating your personal and professional commitment to excellence.  

NSPRA has a wide breadth of resources available wherever you are in the process! 

Ready to get started earning your APR? 

1. Consult NSPRA's Step-by-Step Guide.
2. Get answers to the most frequently asked questions about accreditation. 
3. Read testimonials from NSPRA members who have earned their APR.
4. If you are a current NSPRA member, let NSPRA’s Accreditation Committee know where you are in the APR process and how we can help by completing NSPRA's APR Interest Survey. 
5. Consider registering for NSPRA's APR Cohort Program when the next cohort opens (exclusively for current NSPRA members). Space is limited and the program is very popular, so plan ahead as you may not be able to get into your first choice cohort.
6. Watch the Preparing for the APR Questionnaire webinar from NSPRA (October 2024)

Note: The UAB has announced an increase in APR fees effective July 1, marking the first fee increase in more than 25 years. The application fee will change from $385 to $495 (payment can be made in two installments, but that fee becomes $520) and the renewal fee from $75 to $150. Applications submitted before July 1 will be charged the current fee.

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Are you prepared to earn your APR? 

Review the Frequently Asked Questions section: What does the examination for the accreditation process entail? If you think you're ready, complete the APR Panel Presentation Request Form to notify the Accreditation Committee of your desire to schedule a panel presentation.

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Already have your APR?

Congratulations! You’ve taken an important step in your career as a PR professional.

• Want to help set up a candidate's panel presentation? Review Setting Up Panel Presentations: A Step-by-Step Guide for APRs and watch the webinar “Panel Presentations Today: A How-To Guide for APRs and Candidates.”
• Want to renew your accreditation? Learn about the activities for APR Renewal available to NSPRA members.