By Kelly Allen, APR
April is APR Month, which makes it the perfect time to get serious about earning your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).
Even though my degree is in Public Relations, I found the learning process to be incredibly beneficial. When I was in college, I didn’t understand how all the concepts were applied in real-world situations. How could I? Many years later, studying the KSAs (knowledge, skills, and abilities) for the APR test expanded my perspective and vocabulary in ways I hadn’t even realized I lacked.
Earning your APR demonstrates your commitment to professional excellence, ethics, and lifelong learning. Sure, it looks great on your resume, but more importantly, it’s a process you’ll come back to over and over for the rest of your career. It will also provide you with a framework to use as a practitioner. You won’t just know what should be done, but you can explain the why behind your advice, strategy, tactics, and measurement best practices when making recommendations to coworkers, clients, and maybe even your boss.
If you’ve ever considered pursuing your APR, April is the perfect time to take that next step. Whether you’re early in your career or a seasoned practitioner, the credential is designed to meet you where you are and help you grow from there.
If you meet these criteria, or are close to meeting them, then now’s the perfect time to start planning ahead. Here are the general requirements:
- Professional experience: 5 years in public relations or a related field
- PRSA membership: You must be a member of PRSA in good standing
- Commitment to ethics: Agreement to adhere to the PRSA Code of Ethics
- Demonstrated competency: You have planned and implemented a strategic public relations plan and can present it during the Panel Presentation
- Readiness for examination: Willingness to study for and complete a comprehensive written exam covering PR principles, strategy, and ethics
An easy way to get started is to attend this free PRSA webinar on April 28 from 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (EDT). Register at https://www.prsa.org/event/2026/04/28/default-calendar/ask-the-apr-expert-wbnr2608
Pursuing your APR takes time and effort, and it starts with setting an intention. When will you earn it? How will you create accountability and stay on track? As the APR Chair for the PRSA Lookout Chapter, I’m here to help and to save you from making the mistakes I made. (I applied before I even read the free APR Study Guide!)
I can help you understand eligibility, connect you with study materials, or simply talk through whether the APR is the right move for you right now.
If you’re ready to get started or have more questions, let’s have a conversation. Contact me on LinkedIn or email me at kallen@qstrategies.com.
Earning your APR sharpens your ability to think like a strategist, not just a tactician. The process reinforces research, planning, implementation, and evaluation — the core competencies that define effective public relations. It strengthens your confidence in the boardroom, deepens your understanding of ethics, and signals to employers and clients that you meet a national standard of excellence. April is about recognition — but it’s also about action. If earning your APR has been on your mind, consider this your sign to explore it further. I’d be glad to help you get started.