Professional Development Accreditation in Public Relations APR Cohort

Earning your accreditation in public relations (APR) is a powerful way to elevate your career and strategic expertise. Whether you’re ready to pursue your APR or motivated to map out your path, NSPRA's APR Cohort gives you the structure, support and expert insight to move forward with purpose.

Registration for the Winter 2026 APR Cohort is now open!

Register for the Winter 2026 APR Cohort

Help to Start Your APR Journey

The APR Cohort is offered three times a year, with start dates typically in April (spring cohort), September (fall cohort) and January (winter cohort). It is open to NSPRA members only as a free member benefit. The cohort program is designed specifically for those who are serious about earning accreditation but who aren’t sure how or when to start.

NSPRA is committed to supporting aspiring APRs, so it offers this cohort as a free support service for members. It complements but does not replace other, more intensive APR preparation courses and workshops.

Participants in the cohort can expect the following outcomes:

• Develop a personal APR timeline.
• Strengthen your understanding of the four-step strategic PR planning process: research, planning, implementation and evaluation (RPIE).
• Break down the Candidate Questionnaire and understand what reviewers are looking for.
• Identify a campaign idea for the Panel Presentation.
• Connect with an APR mentor for personalized guidance throughout your journey.
• Build a national network of peers who are preparing for the APR alongside you.

Before enrolling in a cohort, member are encouraged to review NSPRA's Frequently Asked Questions about the accreditation process, eligibility and preparation.

Register for the Winter 2026 APR Cohort

Self-Paced Learning, Live Networking Opportunities

Cohort participants receive access to online learning materials, which they can review at any time in NSPRA's online learning management system (password-restricted access for enrollees only).

Once every two weeks, enrolees meet virtually to learn about the accreditation process from NSPRA Accreditation Committee members and other APRs, to build their professional network and to discuss ideas and challenges. Virtual live meetings are held every other Tuesday via Zoom for one hour beginning at 3 p.m. ET (2 p.m. CT, 1 p.m. MT, noon PT). 

The Winter 2026 APR Cohort will hold live virtual meetings on the following dates:

• Tuesday, January 6, 2026 - Module 1: Why APR? Understanding the Value and Process
• Tuesday, January 20, 2026 - The APR Journey: How the Process Works
• Tuesday, February 3, 2026 - Module 2: RPIE Part I - Research
• Tuesday, February 17, 2026 - Module 3: RPIE Part II - Planning
• Tuesday, March 3, 2026 - Module 4: RPIE Part III - Implementation
• Tuesday, March 17, 2026 - Module 6: Module 5: RPIE Part IV - Evaluation
• Tuesday, March 31, 2026 - Module 7: Pulling It All Together: Your Campaign and Next Steps

Register for the Winter 2026 APR Cohort