APR: A career-long commitment
Posted on Apr. 2, 2024 / Subscribe 0
If you’ve earned your APR, you know it’s an accomplishment. Getting accredited isn’t easy. It takes a lot of hard work and determination. An APR confirms you have a strong understanding of public relations. But, it’s not a degree. An APR designation is not permanent.
That’s right. Earning your APR is just the first step. Many people don’t realize this. An APR is a commitment to lifelong learning, skill-building and mentorship.
Your APR essentially expires after three years if you don’t demonstrate you are participating in qualifying activities like PRSA events, watching webinars, taking online courses, volunteering or completing other professional development activities.
Yes, that means shortly after you get your APR certificate and pin, and update your LinkedIn profile, you need to get back to work. You need to keep honing your skills.
Some might view this requirement for continued education as frustrating.
I think it makes a lot of sense.
Any communications professional will tell you the media landscape of today is drastically different than it was even a few years ago. There are more ways than ever for people to get information. Attention spans are shorter than ever. And, oh yeah, we have AI bots literally writing the next chapter.
This is why the APR is so meaningful. It’s not just a certificate to frame and hang on your wall. It’s a career-long commitment to improving our craft.
That said, if you need to renew your APR, don’t delay. I just renewed mine last year. If you’re looking for the most up-to-date information about how to renew your APR, PRSA has a great webpage with lots of helpful information. I’ll warn you that you do need to keep track of all your professional development and enter it into the PRSA APR system. They don’t just take your word for it. You can submit your activities as you go, or you can wait until it’s time to renew and enter in everything all at once. If you choose that second route, I hope you are keeping good records somewhere else!
If you’re just starting your APR journey, or even only thinking about it, keep going. It’s worth it. Even if you are seasoned professional, you will learn something. You will grow. And, you will keep up with the rapid pace of change in our industry. Not an APR yet? Here’s a link with everything you need to know to get started.
Mark Geary, MA, APR is the Senior Director of Communications at Corewell Health.
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