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The entire PRSA accreditation process is energizing, from the preparation itself to the unbelievable confidence boost you get when you earn your APR.

I went through the accreditation process in spring 2021. At that time, I had been working at a full-service public relations and marketing agency for two years after being a solo media relations consultant for a long time. There were many areas of PR that I wanted to learn and refine so that I could serve our clients in the best way possible, and I was certain that the APR process would reinforce and expand my skillset.

Participating in the OCPRSA Study Course was the absolute way to go. The opportunity to prepare alongside committed professionals from all backgrounds, be it agency, corporate, public affairs or journalism, was a great way to meet other professionals in our career while discussing the curriculum and encouraging each other all along.

It had been quite a while since I’d been a student, and the 10-week study course brought back all kinds of college memories of trying various study techniques and preparing for the final (this time in the form of the panel presentation and lengthy exam).

It all paid off in the end and made me remember how much I like taking classes of any kind.

The validation you receive when you pass is like nothing else. I’d focused on one aspect of public relations through most of my career. For me, proving my competence in so many other areas has allowed me to provide counsel to my clients with conviction and certainty.

If you’re even remotely considering the accreditation process, give it a try—wishing you the best of luck and hoping that you find the same value in it that I do!

I’ll be on hand at the Feb. 28 virtual introductory meeting to kick off this year’s 10-week OCPRSA APR Study Course. Click HERE to sign up for the free evening session to learn more about the process. Advance registration is required.

Click HERE to learn more about the APR.