CPRS Manitoba
P.O. Box 441
Station Main
Winnipeg, MB
R3C 2H6

info@cprs.mb.ca

 

The CPRS Accreditation Process

The CPRS accreditation program is available to members with at least five years experience in the profession and is a process for measuring and recognizing an individual's depth of experience and knowledge in the field of public relations.

Upon successful completion of the three-part program, the member is authorized to use the professional "APR" designation to indicate his or her level of competence and achievement.


Benefits of the APR designation include:

    • Improved career opportunities and advancement;
    • Potential for higher career earnings;
    • Increased knowledge and understanding of your profession;
    • Enhanced professional image and peer recognition;
    • A clear demonstration to employers about your commitment to your profession.

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Program Components
The accreditation program consists of four main components:

    • Your completed application due December 1 to the National office.
    • A work sample outlining a project or program you have led or participated in during the past two years. The work sample deadline is April 1.
    • A 3½-hour written examination, held in the fall. The written exam covers a wide range of topics within the field of public relations and consists of six short-essay questions and the development of a communications plan based on one of the scenarios described in the exam.
    • An oral examination, usually lasting 30-45 minutes, designed to help examiners learn more about your experience and philosophies of public relations. The oral exam is normally held on the same day (or within a day) of the written examination.

Candidates must obtain an overall average of 65% on all three components, with no individual unit mark less than 60%. The individual components are valued as follows:

    • Work sample: 20%
    • Written examination: 45%
    • Oral examination: 35%

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Applying for Accreditation

To apply for the accreditation program you must:

    • Have been employed full-time in a public relations position for at least five years;
    • Spend at least half of your professional time involved in activities specifically relating to public relations;
    • Be a member in good standing of the Canadian Public Relations Society.

The application deadline for the accreditation program is December 1 for acceptance in the following year's program. Your application must be accompanied by:

    • A current resume outlining in detail your experience in public relations;
    • A letter from your employer and/or client(s) certifying that you are currently employed as a public relations practitioner. This letter should include a confirmation on your length of employment;
    • A $400 application fee;
    • The names, addresses and phone numbers of three people who are familiar with your work and who are willing to attest to your eligibility and professional conduct. Your references may not be members of the CPRS National Council on Accreditation, the CPRS National Board of Directors, or your immediate supervisors or subordinates. Two out of the three references must be accredited members of the Society.

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Accreditation Schedule

Application materials should be sent to the National CPRS Office by the December 1 deadline. Once the national office has received applications, the Eligibility Committee of the National Council on Accreditation reviews them and candidates are notified by the end of January about their status in the program.
The Accreditation Schedule

  • September to November: A few months before the application deadline you should review your commitments for the upcoming year to ensure that you will be able to dedicate the necessary time to the accreditation process. A local accreditation chairperson is available to answer any questions you may have and to put you in touch with other practitioners who have completed the process to offer advice and guidance. This is also the time to identify individuals who can provide a reference for you. If you do not know two accredited members who can serve as a personal reference, your local accreditation chairperson is available to help you.
  • December 1: Deadline for applications to the National CPRS Office
  • January: Candidates are notified about their acceptance into the program.
  • February to March: The local accreditation chairperson contacts candidates for an orientation session and to provide support in developing work samples.
  • April 1: Work samples submitted to the National CPRS Office.
  • May to June: Candidates receive results from their work sample.
  • June to September: Candidates should begin reading from the list of study books provided for the process.
  • September to October: The local accreditation chairperson organizes (optional) study groups to help candidates prepare for the written and oral examinations. The time, location, and frequency of the study sessions are determined according to the needs and preferences of the candidates.
  • October: Written and oral examinations are normally held in late October/early November.
  • January: Candidates receive accreditation results. Successful candidates receive a certificate acknowledging their status as an accredited member of the society and are entitled to use the professional APR designation.

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Preparing for the Accreditation Process
Preparing for the accreditation process requires even very experienced professionals to review public relations materials and to be prepared for the examination process. Because the accreditation program is a measurement of your existing experience and knowledge, there is no set curriculum for the program. Instead there is a list of suggested reading material, available in the CPRS Accreditation Handbook.  This Handbook, which is available on the CPRS National Web site, should be reviewed prior to applying for accreditation.

While the accreditation process takes place over a period of one year, candidates should expect to set dedicated time aside during February and March, and from August to October, for the program. The local accreditation chair is available throughout the process to answer questions and to provide on-going support for candidates.

To discuss your interests in becoming accredited contact: Terry Aseltine, APR, Manitoba Accreditation Coordinator at 986-5963 or taseltine@winnipeg.ca.back to top