What
is Universal Accreditation?
UA is a universal, voluntary certification program for public relations
professionals that aims to unify and advance the profession by identifying
those who have demonstrated their knowledge, experience and judgment
in planning and managing public relations activities. UA enables
PR practitioners a common credential that increases the visibility,
credibility and perceived market value of the profession. Successful
completion of the Accreditation process results in the awarding of
the designation Accredited in Public Relations (APR) to qualified
public relations professionals.
The Universal Accreditation Program was formed in January 1998. Nine
public relations organizations now participate in the universal program,
including the Agricultural
Relations Council, Florida Public
Relations Association, Maine
Public Relations Council, National
School Public Relations Association, Public
Relations Society of America (PRSA),
Religion Communicators Council, Society
for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development, Southern
Public Relations Federation, and the
Texas Public Relations Association. The program is administered by
PRSA.
Why APR?
Successfully completing the APR exam indicates that a public
relations professional has demonstrated broad knowledge, experience
and professional judgment in the field. The Universal Accreditation
Program seeks to improve public relations. The designation APR
signifies a high professional level of experience and competence.
What Is Its Value?
Preparing for Accreditation helps professionals
broaden, validate and refresh their knowledge. Having the APR designation
demonstrates a serious commitment to the profession, to corporate
management, colleagues and clients. More and more employers are
seeking accredited candidates for senior- and management-level
positions.
For additional details concerning the Universal Accreditation
Program, please review the Southern Public Relations Federation
web site.
The Accredited Public Relations Professionals holding current
membership in the North Alabama Chapter of PRCA:
Accreditation
Jump Start Workshop
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Mark
your calendars for PRCA's Accreditation Jump-Start
Workshop on Saturday, March 10, 2007, from 10 a.m.
to 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Montgomery. For
more information, contact Nan
Baldwin, APR.
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Tim Allston,
APR
President
Allston Communications, Inc.
Karen Price Behr,
APR
Vice President/Creative Director
Carleton Public Relations, Inc.
Melissa Bullard, APR
PR Consultant
Lisa Darnell, APR
Instructor, PRCA Student Advisor
University of North Alabama
Marianne Higgins, APR
Marketing Programs Manager
Avocent
Vickye Hester, APR
PR & Student Placement Director
J.F. Drake State Technical College
Stephanie Kelley, APR
PR Consultant
Barbara Nash, APR
President
Barbara Nash & Associates
George Winters, APR
President
Winters & Associates
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