Steps To Your APR

Your first step is to submit an eligibility form to the UAB. Please do this as soon as you make the commitment to take part in the Accreditation program. This form is available on the UAB Web site: www.praccreditation.org, along with the Candidate's Process Chart, which will outline the process for you.

You will be asked to submit payment at the time you submit your eligibility form. You may either make a single payment of $385 which includes a $25 application fee, or make two payments of $205 each - one at the time of application and the second when you have advanced through the Readiness Review and are authorized to take the computer-based examination. Check with your local PRSA or FPRA chapter Accreditation Chair for information about rebates. UAB will notify you of your eligibility within four weeks, but it is often much sooner. You will have one year from your date of eligibility to take the computer-based examination.

For information on deadlines, contact PRSA Orlando VP Accreditation, Scott McCallum at 407-937-1247 Scott.Mccallum@theiia.org.

Spring 2012 Workshop February 6 through April 2

Most successful candidates participate in a series of FREE workshops by the Orlando Chapters of PRSA and FPRA that focus on the fundamental knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) you will need to know in order to earn Accreditation. The one-hour sessions are led by seasoned APR facilitators to guide a discussion of core topics that will be covered on the APR written exam. The workshops are not required 'classes' but rather professional development/networking groups led by mentors that want to help you succeed.

The primary, recommended text is Effective Public Relations by Cutlip, Center and Broom. In addition to the free Study Guide downloadable from the UAB Web site, you may also purchase the UAB Online Study Course for $195.

Written Submission

You will be required to submit a Readiness Review Questionnaire. The questionnaire may be found on the UAB Web site. The questionnaire will reflect your own experience in the public relations profession.

Panel Presentation of Your Portfolio

You are required to prepare a portfolio of your work to present to a panel of accredited professionals. Your portfolio should reflect your knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) as a public relations professional. You will meet with a panel of three accredited public relations professionals to whom you will present your portfolio of work. The panelists will score your KSAs and help you identify any gaps in your readiness to take the Accreditation exam. None of the panelists will be individuals with whom you have worked or have close personal association. The UAB will notify you as to whether you will advance/not advance to take the computerized exam.

For information on deadlines, contact PRSA Orlando VP Accreditation, Scott McCallum at 407-937-1247 Scott.Mccallum@theiia.org.

Examination

Once you feel prepared, and within a year of your eligibility, you may schedule at your convenience an appointment to take the accreditation exam. The exams are taken at a Prometric testing center. You may schedule your exam online at www.prometric.com or by calling 800-274-1900. There are two Prometric testing centers in the Orlando area. You will need your personal Accreditation ID number when scheduling the exam. UAB will notify you of the results of your exam within four to eight weeks.