Earning Your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)

The Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is the profession’s gold standard—recognizing communications professionals who demonstrate strategic expertise, ethical practice and a commitment to continuous learning.

Administered by the Universal Accreditation Board, the APR is a voluntary accreditation that sets experienced practitioners apart. Earning it requires a combination of documented work experience, a panel presentation and a comprehensive exam—designed to assess both knowledge and real-world application.

In a rapidly evolving industry, the APR signals that you are not only keeping pace—but leading.

Professionals who hold the APR demonstrate:

  • Strategic thinking and planning expertise

  • A commitment to ethics and best practices

  • Broad knowledge across the communications discipline

  • Dedication to ongoing professional development

Learn more


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • In Montana, APR accreditation is especially meaningful. With a smaller, tight-knit communications community, relatively few professionals hold this distinction—making it a powerful way to stand out.

    Earning your APR demonstrates a level of commitment, expertise and professionalism that elevates not only your own career, but the communications field across our state. It signals to employers, clients and peers that you bring nationally recognized standards to your work—right here in Montana.

    Whether you’re looking to grow your career, deepen your expertise or differentiate yourself in a competitive market, the APR sets you apart.

  • Cost varies depending on if you’re a PRSA member or not, what studying resources you plan to use, and if you need to take the exam more than once. Your time and talent spent preparing for accreditation should also be considered, especially if your employer is allowing you to use work time.

    At a minimum, if you are a member, your application is $385. However, our APR Chair highly recommends budgeting additional dollars to attend PRSA’s online APR study course.

    Additionally, our Montana PRSA Chapter and PRSA National offers members a rebate upon passing the APR examination on the first try.

  • You have one year once your application is approved to complete your panel presentation and exam.

  • PRSA Montana’s Accreditation Chair is an invaluable resource to our members. If you are interested in pursuing your APR, we encourage you to connect with our APR Chair. They can answer your questions and/or provide you with APR resources, contacts and/or mentorship.