I'll
bet you're wondering if "APR" has something to do with your credit card
interest and if "Fellow" really should start with
"for he's a jolly good."
Neither. Here's why I'm so
proud to use these letters after my name.
What it Means
Accreditation is a voluntary certification program co-sponsored by more than
a dozen communication industry professional societies and administered by
the Universal Accreditation Board. Successful completion of the
Accreditation process results in the awarding of the designation Accredited in Public
Relations (APR)
to qualified public relations professionals. Why APR? Successfully completing the
Accreditation examinations indicates
that a public relations professional has demonstrated broad knowledge, experience and
professional judgment in the field. The program seeks to improve public relations
practice. The designation Accredited in
Public Relations (APR)
signifies a high
professional level
of experience and competence.
What's A Fellow? The College of Fellows was
established by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) National
Assembly in 1990 to honor seasoned practitioners and educators who have made
significant contributions to the public relations profession. Criteria for
admission to the College of Fellows includes: Accredited PRSA membership,
have practiced or taught public relations for 20 years or more, demonstrated
exceptional capability as a practitioner or educator, exhibited personal and
professional qualities that serve as a role model for other practitioners
and educated and advanced
the state of the profession through unusual and exceptional contributions to
the field of public relations.