Resolve to get your APR in 2009!
The National Capital Chapter’s APR program is recognized as setting the bar for other chapters to follow, offering our members the best opportunity to prepare and succeed at earning their professional accreditation in public relations. Through a variety of educational and assistance programs, we help our members navigate the process. The time has never been better to pursue your APR!
Find out how to ace the APR from those who done through the new process. First, visit National’s Web site at http://www.prsa.org/PD/apr/ for a variety of details about the APR process. Second, check out the 2009 APR opportunities at the National Capital Chapter’s APR page and in the calendar of events below. This year, we are offering three separate “Jump Start” classes and three Readiness Review opportunities. For more information, contact:
2009 APR Calendar
June 20 - "Jump Start" Class, American Forest Foundation, 1111 19th St., NW, Suite 780, Washington, DC; Member Cost: $99
July 24 - Readiness Review 2 Written Submission Due
August 8 - Readiness Review 2, Location TBD
September 26 - "Jump Start" Class 3, Location TBD, Member Cost: $99
October 30 - Readiness Review 3 Written Submission Due
November 14 - Readiness Review 3, Location TBD
Please note: A minimum of five years’ experience is recommended and candidates may begin the process by completing the application form at www.praccreditation.org.
If you already have your APR, please note:
After APR... Calling all APRs!!!
The Accreditation Committee needs your help to help others earn their APR. There are many things you can do: lead part of a JumpStart or serve on a Readiness Review Panel to assess candidates' preparedness to sit for the written exam; Provide your office as a space for the JumpStart,or a Readiness Review; Help coach and mentor NCC members who are working to earn their APR. You can get on the APR Coach Contact List by emailing APR Co-Chairs Brigitte Johnson, APR ( bjohnson@forestfoundation.org) or Mitch Marovitz, APR (marovitz_mitchell@bah.com). Your help will make a difference and you can earn credits towards maintaining your APR.
One of the goals of the National Capital Chapter is to promote life-long learning. The chapter works through the committee chairs and committees to promote growth of the individual in the practice of public relations. Members can join the APR committee and contribute to the professionalism of public relations in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. More information can be obtained via e-mail or by calling the APR Committee members directly.
The Committee will strengthen and promote the Accreditation Program through mentoring by fellow APRs, professional development events, preparation courses, and promoting lifelong learning through the PRSA.
Your APR Committee:
PRSA National Capital Chapter (NCC) Accreditation Committee
Co-Chairs:
202.463.5163
CONTACT US! Especially with your questions...
The APR committee promotes the professional accreditation process, advising PRSA members on accreditation requirements, offering preparation courses for the accreditation process, locally mentoring candidates through their readiness review and providing advice prior to taking the multiple choice exam at a local testing center, and monitoring the accreditation maintenance program. The chapter’s professional accreditation efforts are coordinated through three groups. One group is responsible for preparation course; another for the readiness review and coordinating the panels and mentoring prior to the written examinations; and the third focuses on marketing the new APR process and the various opportunities within the chapter that can promote maintenance and increase the visibility of the APR.
About Accreditation
- What is it? Why is it worthwhile?
- Benefits
- Where & When should a practitioner do their APR?
- How - what is the best approach??
Earn Your APR!!
Becoming accredited in public relations (APR) is a distinction awarded to PR practitioners who demonstrate proficiency in the field and a commitment to the professional and ethical practice of public relations. Did you know that you can earn your APR at almost any time during the year now? With the new, flexible examination process you can earn your APR when it fits YOUR schedule. Readiness Reviews, which are required before taking the written exam, are offered several times each year. Once you do that, you can schedule your exam at any number of exam locations in our area -- on a day that's right for you. If you'd like some extra help or guidance, NCC offers an APR prep course twice per year, though you are not required to take the course in order to earn your APR.
Your first step in the process is to apply through National PRSA. Applications are available at www.prsa.org. Once you are accepted, you may sign up for the next Readiness Review, which will be in mid November. A written submission is due to the NCC Accreditation Chair at least three weeks prior to the Readiness Review. The next due date has not been set. Download the written submission questionnaire at www.prsa.org.
The Process -- How APR works
1) Eligible APR Candidates
Become familiar with new examination and support materials. Visit the website and begin prepping the written submission questionnaire required for the Readiness Review.
2) Receive Coaching, Mentoring, Support Services
- Attend a local preparation course and in combination with Study Guide, online exercises and reference materials to prepare for the Readiness Review and the exam.
3) Prepare for and Schedule Your Readiness Review
- Candidate requests (from National) for a Readiness Review from PRSA.
- Prepare the Readiness Review Questionnaire (written submission) and email to the local PRSA APR Chair. The local chapter APR Chair secures the Readiness
- Review Panelists, distributes candidate’s questionnaire and panelist materials 10 business days prior to the Readiness Review.
- Schedule Readiness Review for each candidate.
4) Complete the Readiness Review
- Candidate will prepare and present a portfolio for the panel, then respond to questions from the panel related to their presentation and to the PRSA core competencies.
- The panel votes to advance/not advance the candidate to the examination.
- Panel counsels candidate on additional study preparation for the test.
- The local APR Chair sends original copy of Questionnaire and scoring forms to PRSA.
- If candidate is not advanced, another Readiness Review can be re-scheduled, but no sooner than 90 days from the first Review.
5) Candidate Takes Examination
- If the candidate is advanced, they should schedule to take the multiple choice exam at one of the local testing centers.
- The candidate will receive notification of pass/fail on examination from PRSA, simultaneously with candidate’s notification.
6) Receive APR Notification
- Attend APR presentation at local event and celebrate!
- Choose a committee or section through which you can maintain your accreditation.
The APR Prep Course Outline:
Class One: Overview, Expectations, Schedule
Class Two: Research, Planning, Implementation and Evaluation
Class Three: Communications Models and Theory
Class Four: Ethics and Law
Class Five: Biz Lit; Management Issues;Crisis Communication
Class Six: Portfolio Review and Practice (Written Submissions Due)
JumpStarts
Watch for one-day workshops to help APR candidates prepare for their Readiness Review and APR exam!
Readiness Reviews
Written Submission
Due three weeks prior to the Readiness Review to allow the panelists to read the material prior to it.
Portfolio
Your presentation for the Readiness Review. See the National website for additional instructions on specific preparation. (www.PRSA.org -- Professional Development/Accreditation)
Exam
Schedule your APR exam at a local testing center once you have completed a Readiness Review and notified that you have been advanced to take the exam. See the National website for additional details. (www.PRSA.org-- Professional Development/Accreditation)
Your pursuit of the new APR Examination tests 60 specific KSAs (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) in 10 areas of professional practice:
30% Research, planning, implementing and evaluating programs
15% Ethics and law
15% Communication models and theories
10% Business literacy
10% Management skills
10% Crisis communication management
5% Media relations
2% Using information technology efficiently
2% History of and current issues in public relations
1% Advanced communication skills
Competency Groupings and Competencies Covered
1. History of and current issues in public relations
* Knowledge of the field of PR
2. Business literacy
* Business literacy
* Environmental scanning
* Industry knowledge
* Knowledge of current company issues
* Understands all levels of management
* Understands marketplace trends
* Using company resources
3. Ethics and law
* Ethical behavior
* Integrity
* Knowledge of legal issues
4. Communication models and theories
* Communication models
* Understands barriers to communication
5. Researching, planning, implementing and evaluating
campaigns
* Analytic skills
* Audience identification and communication
* Control analysis
* Creative conceptualization/creativity
* Evaluation of programs
* Financial management
* Planning ability
* Research (applied)
* Research (basic)
* Stakeholder management
* Strategic thinking
6. Management skills and issues
* Client/Employer/ Organizational focus
* Cultural and gender differences
* Decision-making abilities
* Flexibility
* Initiative
* Interpersonal skills
* Leadership skills
* Looking beyond prejudices/mind-set
* Management skills
* Multi-tasking
* Organizational skills
* Problem-solving skills
* Sensitivity to cultural issues
* Teaches others
* Team-building
* Time management
7. Crisis communication management
* Understanding the phases of a crisis
* Crisis communications management
8. Using information technology effectively
* Information management
* Technology literacy
* Knowledge of tools and tactics
9. Media relations
* Media relations
* News sensibility
* Understanding media
* Understands distribution systems
* Uses delivery mechanisms
10. Advanced communication skills
* Consensus building
* Consulting skills
* Negotiating skills
The Committee will strengthen and promote the Accreditation Program through mentoring by fellow APRs, professional development events, preparation courses, and promoting lifelong learning through the PRSA.
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