Professional Development

Earn your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) with CAPIO’s support and join thousands of communicators who have achieved this globally recognized credential. The APR demonstrates your expertise, ethics, and strategic skills, setting you apart as a public relations and communications leader.

“The APR process was transformative. CAPIO’s coaching and resources made all the difference!”    

Start Your APR Journey

How Can I Earn My APR as a CAPIO Member?

As a CAPIO member, you’re already on the path to earning your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), a globally recognized credential that showcases your expertise and leadership in public communications. CAPIO’s support makes the process approachable and rewarding!

Am I Eligible?

You’re ready to pursue the APR if you have:

• At least 5 years of full-time experience in public relations or teaching public relations.
• A bachelor’s degree in a communications field (e.g., public relations, journalism, mass communication) or equivalent professional experience in communications.

Not sure if you qualify? Contact our Education and Development Chair Julie Prayter, APR, at apr@capio.org for a quick eligibility check!

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What’s Holding You Back? Start Your APR Today

Are you still deciding if the APR is right for you? Here’s why CAPIO members choose to pursue it:

• Flexible Process: The APR process is flexible, with study sessions and webinars fitting your schedule. Most candidates complete it in 6–12 months.
• Panel Presentation and Exam Readiness: CAPIO’s expert coaching, variety of study options and mentors are here to help you prepare.
• Value Added: The APR boosts your credibility, opens leadership roles, and enhances your strategic skills.

Why Pursue the APR?

Showcase your skills, advance your career, and lead with confidence.

Hear from CAPIO members on how the APR elevated their careers.

Learn More: Informational Webinar

Listen in on this informational webinar before you complete your application. You’ll hear great insights from CAPIO members about the process.

Webinar - Earn your APR in 2025 – Everything you need to know to start now

Get Started Today!

Accreditation in Five Steps

Earning your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is a rewarding journey, and CAPIO is with you every step of the way! Follow these five steps to achieve and maintain your APR and join dozens of CAPIO members who’ve earned this prestigious credential.

Step 1: Apply for the APR

Kick off your journey by submitting your APR application to the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB). Be sure to select “CAPIO” as your member organization to access exclusive benefits!

Cost: $385 for active CAPIO members.

Bonus: Earn a $110 refund from CAPIO upon successful completion (allow 1 month for processing).

Start your online application or contact our Education and Development Chair!
Application | Contact Us

Step 2: Prepare with CAPIO’s Support

Once your application is processed, a CAPIO APR Coach will reach out to guide you through the process and answer any questions. Get ready for success with:

• Personalized Kickoff Meeting: Meet one-on-one with a CAPIO APR Coach and CAPIO’s Education and Development Chair to review the APR process and resources, create a customized plan for your journey, and have time to ask any questions about your goals and timeline.
• Webinars & Study Sessions: Join expert-led and/or peer-led virtual or in-person sessions to prepare for the panel presentation and exam.
• APR Online Study Course: Access year-round prep for $195 (1-year subscription) with the APR Online Study Course.
• OC PRSA Virtual APR Study Course: CAPIO members are invited to participate in OC PRSA’s 10-week virtual study course, which takes place annually in the spring.
• Dedicated Mentorship: Connect with an APR mentor for personalized advice. 

Step 3: Shine in Your Panel Presentation

Schedule your panel presentation to showcase your expertise to three APR holders. 

• Watch our APR panel presentation video for tips and examples.
• Practice with a CAPIO mentor or join a peer study group.

Step 4: Pass the Exam & Earn Your APR

After passing your panel, take the computer-based APR exam to demonstrate your skills. 

• Study for the Test: Use the free APR Study Guide from www.praccreditation.org to master public relations Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs), such as strategic communication, ethics, evaluation. These KSAs are what you will be tested on during the computer-based exam.
• Review Recommended Text: There are many recommended texts, such as Cutlip and Center’s Effective Public Relations for in-depth insights on PR principles and practices.
• Celebrate Success: Receive your APR credential and pin.
• CAPIO Bonus: Get your $110 refund and recognition at our Annual Conference!

Step 5: Maintain Your APR

Maintaining your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) is a rewarding way to stay sharp and advance your public sector communications career. CAPIO offers many opportunities to earn the required 15 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) over your three-year renewal cycle.  LEARN MORE

Find Your APR Mentor: Your Guide to Success

Feeling stuck or curious about earning your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR)? CAPIO has several APR mentoring options that can help you confidently navigate the journey! APR mentors, seasoned professionals who are excited to help, volunteering to support you every step of the way, sharing their expertise and cheering you on as you work toward this prestigious credential.

Your mentor can help you prepare by reviewing and providing feedback on your Panel Presentation, sharing exam study tips, resources, and their own APR experience, and keeping you motivated and on track with regular encouragement.  

Get Started with an APR Mentor 

Option 1: CAPIO’s APR Mentor Program

CAPIO’s APR Mentorship Program is designed just for you! We have several APR mentors—seasoned professionals who are excited to help, each with their APR and deep expertise in public sector communications. They understand the unique value the APR brings to the PR profession and public agencies and are here to guide you every step of the way. 

Your CAPIO APR mentor can assist with:

• Review your Panel Presentation with feedback.
• Share study tips, resources, and insights on how the APR enhances public sector PR.
• Keep you motivated with regular encouragement to achieve your APR.

Our mentors are more than advisors: they’re your public sector champions, dedicated to helping you showcase your expertise and leadership!

Learn more about CAPIO’s Mentoring Program. Contact apr@capio.org to request a mentor. 

Option 2: Universal Accreditation Board’s (UAB) APR Mentor Match program

The Universal Accreditation Board’s (UAB) APR Mentor Match program connects you with APR professionals who are eager to guide your Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) journey. This flexible program pairs you with a mentor to support your goals, no matter where you are. Here’s how to get started:

• Review the Mentor Match guidelines to see if it’s a fit.
• Email the Mentor Match coordinator at APRMentor@praccreditation.org.
• Get matched with a mentor, often in your area or via remote mentoring for flexibility.

Need More Help?

For personalized advice on earning your APR through CAPIO, contact our Education and Development Chair, Julie Prayter, APR, at apr@capio.org or call (530) 924-5444.