As the calendar turns to a new year, many of us take time to reflect on where we are in our careers and where we want to go next. If professional growth, leadership development, and advancing your credibility as a communicator are among your goals, now is the perfect time to commit to earning your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR).

Earning your APR is a powerful way to deepen your expertise, strengthen your strategic approach, and demonstrate your commitment to excellence in public relations/communication. For public-sector communicators, it’s also a career catalyst that can open doors to new opportunities and increased trust from leadership and the communities you serve.

Why Now Is the Time to Take the Leap

CAPIO is making it easier than ever to achieve your APR in 2025. We’re expanding the support and resources available to members to guide you every step of the way, including:

• Mentorship: Enhanced mentorship opportunities that pair you with accredited peers who can help you navigate the process and stay motivated.
• Prep Session: A dedicated RPIE prep session at the CAPIO Annual Conference to strengthen your understanding of the research, planning, implementation, and evaluation framework that underpins the APR.
• Virtual APR Cohort: A virtual cohort program anticipated to  launch in  2026, designed to provide structure, study support, and community regardless of where you are located.
• Personalized Study Tools: Access to personalized timelines, recommended study paths, and webinars that count toward continuing education credits.

Whether you’re just beginning to explore accreditation or you’re ready to schedule your panel presentation, these resources are designed to help you succeed.

Stand Out as a Strategic Communicator

Today, communicators who demonstrate mastery of strategic planning, ethical decision-making, and research-based strategies rise to the top. The APR process helps you build these skills and more, positioning you as a trusted advisor and strategic leader in your organization.

For public-sector professionals, this recognition often leads to new responsibilities, leadership opportunities, and greater influence within your agency.

A Supportive Community to Guide You

One of the most rewarding parts of pursuing your APR is the community you’ll join along the way. CAPIO members who pursue accreditation gain access to study groups, mentorship, and peer support that make the journey more collaborative and less intimidating. These connections often evolve into long-lasting professional relationships and leadership opportunities within CAPIO and beyond.

“The APR process taught me so much about who I am as a communicator, as well as how to drive organizational success through skilled public relations.” Kevin Strauss, APR, is the Communications Manager for the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency (SCV Water)

A Commitment to Excellence

Public- sector communicators play a vital role in strengthening trust, transparency, and accountability in government. Earning your APR is a powerful way to show your commitment to those values and to the people you serve. It signals that you are dedicated to advancing your craft and contributing to the profession at the highest level.

Start the Year with a Career-Defining Goal

This year, make a resolution that will truly transform your career. The journey to earning your APR is challenging, rewarding, and deeply impactful, and CAPIO is here to support you every step of the way.

To learn more about how to get started, visit www.capio.org/apr.

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