The 'APR' Professional Accreditation is respected and recognized by the Canadian Public Relations Society, the Public Relations Society of America and the International Association of Business Communicators as a measure of practitioner excellence. It assures you that you are hiring a communicator dedicated to excellence and trained to the highest standards. In order to receive accreditation an individual must complete rigorous examinations, have at least 5 years top level industry experience and submit a body of work reflecting excellence in public relations.
Here's what North America's leading Public Relations Societies have to say about those who hold the 'APR'.
Recognized Standard.
Established in 1964, the Accreditation Program is the profession’s only national post-graduate certification program. It measures a public relations practitioner’s fundamental knowledge of communications theory and its application; establishes advanced capabilities in research, strategic planning, implementation and evaluation; and demonstrates a commitment to professional excellence and ethical conduct. The skills acquired through the process are applicable to any industry or practice area. Currently, more than 5,000 professionals from the agency, corporate, association and education fields hold the APR mark, in the United States and 450 professionals in Canada. Granting of APR is overseen by the Universal Accreditation Board.
Promotes Lifelong Learning
All APRs are required to complete continuing education programs, pursue volunteer work or pursue other professional development activities to keep their skills sharp and their Accredited status active.
Public Relations Professionalism
Through their high professional and ethical standards, Accredited professionals contribute to greater understanding of public relations as a vital management function.
All those who hold the ‘APR’ have dedicated themselves to a Code of Professional Conduct to ensure the protection of the public interest takes priority in all of their professional endeavours.
* Condensed from the websites of the American and Canadian Public Relations Societies
