Accreditation

Get your work sample overview and application together now; you can do it, and we’re here to guide you!

Your Name, APR

It’s only a little over one year away! In that time you can join the top public relations practitioners in the country in becoming Accredited in Public Relations. The APR is a respected measure of professional experience and competence in the field of public relations and demonstrates an extensive knowledge of our field. Once earned, it will distinguish you as a leader in the industry who is committed to the highest standards. Top 10 reasons to seek Accreditation include:

  • Improves career opportunities
  • Demonstrates commitment to the profession
  • Improves skills and knowledge
  • Enhances professional image
  • Establishes professional credentials and recognition

Are you ready?

Take a look at the Self-Assessment Tool developed by the Accreditation Council to help determine if you’ve attained the skills and experience necessary for success.

Take one step at a time

The first step is coming up December 1.

Steps:

  1. December 1 – Deadline for application and fee. This includes the full application (download the latest form here) plus three references, including two APR references and the fee of $595 + GST.
  2. December 30 – Deadline for work sample overview and resume. Make sure your work sample overview follows the guidelines outlined in the application form and on pages 24-26 of the Accreditation Handbook.
  3. January – The Deputy Presiding Officer for Eligibility verifies eligibility of work samples and the CPRS national office notifies the candidates of their eligibility, and new APRs (from the previous session) are announced (that could be you next year!).
  4. February and March – Prepare work sample (your chance to take time to shine!).
  5. April 1 – Work samples are due to National Office.
  6. May and June – Graders mark the work samples; Chief Examiner notifies candidates of work sample mark. New APRs (from previous session) get their certificate and pin at the national conference.
  7. June, July, August and September – Study! Candidates prepare for the written and oral examinations. Study groups are set up by the local Accreditation Chair, and you can participate in as many as you choose – just another way to help you stay on schedule.
  8. October – Written and oral examinations. Results will be emailed by December 31.

We are here to help!

The most common comments we hear are, “I don’t think I am ready. I don’t have a good work sample. I don’t have enough time.” By talking to someone who has been there, you’ll be surprised to find that you can do it – and you can do it now. The next year will go by whether you do it or not. Will you be here at this time next year wondering if this is the year, or will you be adding the letters APR after your name?

accreditation@cprsedmonton.ca