Getting Your APR: What Resources Are Available?

April is Accreditation month at PRSA!

PRSA has designated April as Accreditation Month. Members can learn more about APR through many special events, including:

• Accreditation Power Play Webinar – April 19; 3 – 4:30 p.m. EDT
• Free Online Course Open House – April 24 (for potential candidates; APR chairs invited to participate)
• Free On Demand Webinars:  Knowing Your Business is Good PR ; Getting Ready for the Readiness Review
• Using the “Invite-a-Peer” tool to help spread the word about APR

When I went through the process of obtaining my APR, I didn’t realize that PRSA had such a vast array of materials available for me to use. Of course, I was familiar with the APR Boot Camps, but I had no idea that there was an APR chair that I could connect with, or even that there was an Accreditation website filled with documents to help me with my studying. Do you know that?

Whether you know it or not, leveraging the available resources is a great way to get a start on studying for your APR. Here are some of the best tools to rely on as you complete your APR:

• APR Chairs: Nearly all PRSA Chapters have an APR chair who is there to help you through the process. APR chairs are Accredited and are appointed to this role to help you study and reach your goal. Additionally, they can point you in the right direction for appropriate study materials.
• Online Discussion Forums: When your APR application is approved, you have the opportunity to participate in an online discussion about obtaining your APR. Those who are studying for their APR use these forums to discuss study techniques and strategies, while current APRs log on to provide tips and serve as mentors for those who are currently achieving their APR. These forums can be accessed under the MyPRSA section of the PRSA website.
• APR Study Guide: One resource I relied on a great deal when I was studying for my APR is the APR Study Guide, which was created by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB). It provides an overview of all aspects of the knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs) tested in the Accreditation process, from what to expect for the Readiness Review to how you can physically and mentally prepare yourself for the Examination for Accreditation in Public Relations.

Each of these resources, along with your personal experience in the industry, are helpful in moving you forward as you study for your APR. While making the leap forward to achieve your APR can be intimidating, the UAB and PRSA are here to help you engage the appropriate strategies and techniques to achieve your Accreditation in Public Relations.

Lora M. Johnson, APR, account manager for APCO Worldwide, is a member of PRSA’s New York Chapter.