This is one of the most important benefits of being a Central West Coast Chapter of FPRA member! Accreditation (APR) and certification (CPRC) are well-recognized and highly regarded in the public relations profession.
Universal Accreditation
The "Accreditation in Public Relations" or APR accreditation process provides an excellent opportunity for public relations professionals to demonstrate their proficiency in public relations, obtain credentials that signify a high professional level of experience and competence, and advance the profession by adhering to high ethical standards.
The FPRA APR process became part of the Universal Accreditation Program in January 1998 and is governed by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB).* Nine public relations organizations now participate in the universal program...
- Agricultural Relations Council
- Florida Public Relations Association
- Maine Public Relations Council
- National School Public Relations Association
- Public Relations Society of American (PRSA)
- Religion Communicators Council
- Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development
- Southern Public Relations Federation
- Texas Public Relations Association.
*The Universal Accreditation Board is comprised of one chair and representatives from each partner organization, who are dedicated to three-year terms, and meets four times a year. Their responsibilities include...
- Developing and implementing policy for the program
- Developing and maintaining the Accreditation Exam
- Overseeing the development of Exam questions, answer keys, and ensuring the content is based on the Body of Knowledge
- Reviewing appeal cases
- Granting Accreditation
Requirements
FPRA members are eligible to sit for the exam. Although five years of paid, full-time experience in the professional practice of public relations, or in the teaching or administration of public relations courses in an accredited college or university is not required, it is strongly recommended.
Process
Candidates are tested on a variety of knowledge, skills and abilities such as research, planning, ethics, communication models, business literacy and more. Whether you studied communications in college or not at all, you will come away with an expanded appreciation and knowledge of Public Relations.
- Contact the CWC Vice President of Accreditation, Maura Howl, APR, at 941-751-7900 x 2095 or email at howlmc@fc.manatee.k12.fl.us.
- Complete the APR application
- Take the Readiness Review
- Study with other APR candidates through study sessions established by the CWC VPR of Accreditation or use the online study course
- Take a computerized multiple choice test
APR Readiness Review
Candidates sit for a Readiness Review prior to the candidate taking the written portion of the exam. The Readiness Review includes evaluating the candidate's portfolio and assessing the candidate's readiness to take the Exam. The Readiness Review panel (comprised of Accredited CWC members) coach each candidate to determine his or her areas of weakness and help identify specific areas of the body of knowledge in which the candidate should focus further study. Candidates do not take the written exam until they have advanced from the Readiness Review.
Test Dates and Locations
Candidates take the exam at a Prometric Testing Center. Strict confidentiality procedures are enforced, and feedback and results are available quickly.
Incentives
The CWC offers a candidate rebate of $100 if he or she sits for the exam within six months of having the application approved.
The CWC rebates are in addition to the $100 rebate awarded by the State FPRA Association.
The Vice President of Accreditation provides information to candidates regarding statewide study sessions and any communications sent from the Universal Accreditation Board. The VP of Accreditation also provides each candidate with all study and preparation materials and is available to the candidate during the entire APR process.
More than anything else I have done for myself, achieving APR gave me confidence that I was academically ready to perform in the professional arena. Those initials have opened doors for me throughout my career, and provided me membership in a group of really wonderful practitioners and friend.
Ginya Carnahan, APR, CPRC
Member, Central West Coast Chapter
For more information please call Julie Platt, APR, Vice President of Accreditation at 941-954-1600 ext 1024 or email: jplatt@scbb.org...
or visit the FPRA state website at www.fpra.org.
Certified Public Relations Counselor
The Certified Public Relations Counselor is the second tier credential offered by the Florida Public Relations Association. The certification process was developed to recognize professional growth and achievement of senior members who have already earned their APR.
Candidates for CPRC must be a member of the Florida Public Relations Association and have a minimum of 10 years of professional practice in public relations.
The exam consists of a written section comprised of case studies, and a 30-minute oral component, which requires the candidate to make a presentation to a panel of certified evaluators. Candidates are encouraged to use an actual presentation they have made to an employer, a client or the media. The goal is to "sell" an idea or a course of action, rather than to demonstrate extemporaneous speaking skills.
The cost of the CPRC exam is $150. To take the CPRC exam, request an application from the State Association Office of FPRA, 40 Sarasota Center Blvd., Ste. 107, Sarasota, FL 34240 or call 941-365-2135.
