Accreditation in Public Relations

[1] The PRSA continued to manage the program until 1998 when the Universal Accreditation Board - consisting of approximately 25 representatives from nine major PR professional societies — was formed as part of an effort to make the credential an industry-wide, instead of organization-specific, certification.

[4] A 2003 textbook cites a survey of unaccredited PRSA members which found that 80-percent felt a sense of disenfranchisement from the organization as a result of preferences within the group given to those holding the APR.

The final element is a computer-based examination covering key concepts in PR planning, relationship management, communications theory, legal issues, and professional ethics.

Once granted, the certification is retained for life, contingent on completion of regular continuing education activities, and current membership in a UAB member organization.

Candidates must have student-class membership in a UAB member organization, take a university-sponsored or online preparatory course, and pass a computer-based Examination on principles and theory of public relations.

Richard Edelman is among those who called for PRSA to eliminate the APR as a requirement to hold national office in the organization.
U.S. Marines at the PRSA 2010 "Digital Impact" conference in New York City. Since 2010, the UAB has offered the APR+M certification.