Accreditation In Public Relations (APR)

The PRSA Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations has been designed to test the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) of a candidate who has a minimum of five years full-time experience in the practice or teaching of public relations and the equivalent of a bachelor's degree in a communication field.

The written examination and the readiness review process that will precede admission to the written examination will test 60 specific KSAs in ten areas of professional practice. The following list shows the KSA areas and the percentage of the examination process that is devoted to each:

The oral exam of the past has been replaced by the readiness review that will serve as a gateway to the written examination. Each candidate will meet with a local panel of three accredited professionals who will determine either to advance or not to advance the candidate to the written portion of the examination. The readiness review will involve a written submission by each candidate and a portfolio review. A readiness review panel will score each candidate on approximately 15 specific KSAs and will provide specific guidance and direction to each candidate about additional steps needed to prepare for the written examination.

Prometric, Inc. will administer and deliver the written examination at its 300 computer-based testing facilities throughout North America. Locally testing centers are located in Portsmouth, NH, Portland and Orono, Maine, and Williston, Vermont. Other nearby Massachusetts testing centers are located in Boston, Burlington, East Longmeadow, and Worcester.

After being advanced by a readiness review panel, candidates can schedule their written examinations via toll free telephone or Prometric's Web site and may take the examination within one year of being advanced by the panel.

For additional information about the re-engineering effort and to learn more about the new examination, please visit www.praccreditation.org, or contact Yankee Chapter accreditation chairs, Brett St. Clair, (603) 224-5566 or Bob Lindquist (603) 641-7242.

Accreditation Exam Fees