APRlogo

Are you ready to take the next step in your professional career by
seeking the prestigious APR designation?

Achieving your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) signifies your dedication to the field of public relations, establishes you as a capable and accomplished PR leader, offers you a chance to push your own boundaries, and grants you a professional credential that holds significance for both your current and prospective employers.

Save the Date

📅 Tuesday, Nov. 19 | 6 PM
📍 Priority Marketing – 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite #201, Fort Myers, FL 33966

Interested in earning your APR in 2025? Join us for an informational session to learn more about the upcoming APR Study Sessions! This no-obligation event is a great opportunity to ask questions and explore the credentialing process in a supportive environment.

Please RSVP or reach out with questions to Lisa Murray, APR, CPRC, VP of Credentialing, at lisadmurrs@gmail.com.

APR Eligibility

All FPRA members are eligible to sit for the examination for Accreditation in Public Relations, administered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB), however, we strongly recommended that candidates have at least five years of full-time public relations experience.

The Exam Process

The APR examination covers questions that stem from the enduring principles of public relations. These principles encompass RPIE (Research, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation), ethics, legal considerations, crisis communication management, and contemporary issues in the field.

Before sitting for the examination, candidates are required to participate in a panel presentation to test the knowledge and experience needed to advance to the computer-based examination. Candidates are highly encouraged to take advantage of the chapter’s FREE 10-week comprehensive APR study course for members held each Spring. This one of a kind program walks candidates through each step of the examination process.

Following the panel presentation, the panelists (3 local APR’s) will provide their recommendations to the UAB (Universal Accreditation Board) regarding whether the candidate is ready to proceed to the computer-based examination. Upon the UAB’s final approval, candidates are granted the opportunity to schedule the examination at their convenience through Prometric Testing Centers.

Application & Fees

There is a $385 examination fee that must be paid at the time of application. We do not recommend that our members complete their official application until they have begun the process of studying for the APR exam and have a good idea of what their personal study timeline will be. Some members find that they need more time to study than others. This is important because once you apply for the APR with the UAB, you only have one year from the date of approval to complete the exam process.

Preparing for the APR

The Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA is one of the only chapters in the state that offers a 10-week comprehensive APR study course, free to members. These study sessions are held annually, starting in January. Non-members who wish to join the class, must first become a member of the Southwest Florida Chapter of FPRA or pay $400 directly to the chapter.

Our 2024 APR study sessions concluded on March 27, 2024.

Our 2025 APR study sessions will be held at Priority Marketing on Wednesday evenings, starting January 15, 2025. We will also be conducting an in-person APR informational session on Tuesday, November 19, at 6 p.m. at Priority Marketing, located at 12140 Carissa Commerce Court, Suite 201, Fort Myers, FL 33966. During this meeting, we will provide candidates with additional details about the class schedule and expectations.

Download Sample APR Session Schedule

APR Benefits

Cutting-edge Industry Knowledge and Effective Practices.

Preparing for the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is a unique chance for busy mid-career PR professionals to enhance their skills and go beyond routine tasks. APR preparation equips you with the necessary tools to handle challenging responsibilities, the insight to implement broader strategies, and the expertise to be a thought leader in the field. This exposure to industry standards and trends helps you navigate confidently in the dynamic world of public relations and communications.

Identify Strengths and Weaknesses.

Engaging in self-assessment and the formal APR assessment highlights an individual’s strengths, limitations, and needs. The APR process delivers a clear overview of skills, offering personalized insights for professionals to enhance their current roles and future careers. Candidates requiring extra support gain access to a skilled network of mentors, providing lifelong guidance and expertise.

Recognition.

The APR credential is a significant professional and personal accomplishment, revealing your drive, capabilities, and dedication. Attaining this recognition signifies your proficiency and alignment with the latest PR practices, propelling you to the next level in your career.

University Waivers for APR.

APR holders, recognized for their mastery in strategic communication, competencies, and ethical standards, may receive waivers from certain universities, granting them advanced standing credit toward a Master’s Degree. An added benefit is that earning an advanced degree qualifies individuals for automatic reaccreditation during the three-year maintenance cycle. For an updated list of Universities that offer waivers for APR, click here.

FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

Why should I become an APR?

Begin your study process with the APR Study Guide (PDF) and the Resources for Candidates directory. Contact our SWFL Credentialing Chairs for additional information and details on when the next study sessions will begin.

The Southwest Florida Chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association can help you prepare! We offer one of the most comprehensive study programs in the state and it is free to Southwest Florida chapter members. This includes helping candidates prepare and set up their APR Panel Presentations and sit for the written exam. We even offer our members electronic flashcards to make preparations easier. Contact our Credentialing Chairs for additional details.

Congratulations! Having received the APR designation, be sure to maintain those valuable credentials! Click here to view renewal resources.

For more information on University Waivers for APRs, click here.

About the Universal Advisory Board (UAB)

The Universal Advisory Board (UAB) is the governing body of the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential. It is made up of several professional public relations trade associations worldwide. The UAB is tasked with oversight, making continued improvements and ensuring the viability and effectiveness of the program.

The Florida Public Relations Association is a member of the UAB and therefore, its members qualify to earn their APR credentials. As long as a public relations professional remains a member of an association that is part of the UAB, he or she will be able to keep the APR credentials (so long as they also meet the renewal requirements).

While the UAB oversees the program, PRSA oversees the day-to-day operations and logistical management of the credential. This is why FPRA members must obtain a MyPRSA login to access the application and why it is PRSA that sends out communications related to application acceptance, instructions for the exam and other communications related to the APR credential.

APR Testimonial Videos

CONTACT US

For questions or additional information on how to pursue accreditation, contact your SWFL Credentialing Chairs leading the APR process this year:

or use our contact form and select Credentialing Chair from the drop-down menu.