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APR Renewal |
APR Accreditation Renewal Application Jan 2019
| apr-renewal-application_2019.doc |
APR Accreditation Renewal FAQ from PRAccreditation.org
1. Why are we making changes to the program?
In 2018, the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) performed an extensive review of the
APR/APR+M Maintenance Program. Of the findings, a few key program changes were
recommended and approved, including the program name, fees, and the points system.
Changes were made to align the APR/APR+M processes and procedures with current
standards and best practices for professional development programs. These changes will
allow for better use of technology, member-tracking capabilities and overall process
improvement.
2. What is changing and when are the changes taking place?
Program changes have been implemented in a phased approach, beginning in 2019 to 2020.
The name of the APR/APR+M Maintenance Program changed to Accreditation Renewal,
effective January 1, 2019. The renewal fee increased to $75, effective January 1, 2019. The
fee cycle remains a three-year period. New in 2020, the UAB has established the Continuing
Education Unit (CEU) as the unit of Accreditation Renewal. The new CEU requirements
became effective January 1, 2020.
3. Why did we change from points to CEUs?
CEUs better align with industry best practices and provide an easier, more efficient program
renewal process. A CEU-based unit system helps eliminate disparities with points based on
actual time spent on renewal activities. Additionally, CEUs will be easily accommodated in
most automated systems that may be put in place in the future. This is the right step toward
full system automation and tools, such as an online tracker, for real time input and an
online renewal process to replace the current manual form.
4. How does the new CEUs system work?
A CEU equals 10 hours of participation in UAB approved training or other professional
development activities.
For APRs: A minimum of 15 CEUs is required for renewal over the three-year period;
at least seven CEUs must be in continuing education and professional development
and one CEU in ethics.
For APR+Ms: A minimum of 30 CEUs is required for renewal over the three-year
period; at least seven CEUs must be in continuing education and professional
development, one CEU in ethics and 15 CEUs in military public affairs.
5. I am already in my three-year renewal cycle; do I start with CEUs immediately?
The CEUs will apply for APRs who earn Accreditation January 1, 2020, or later. Accredited
members who are already in a Renewal cycle will remain on the point system until their
current cycle is completed. Once you begin a new Renewal cycle, you will be required to
earn CEUs versus the points. All Accredited practitioners will be on the CEU-based Renewal
system by 2022.
6. How do I know when I will change from the “points” system to CEUs?
APRs/APR+Ms who need to renew 6/30/2020, 12/31/2020, 6/30/2021 or 12/31/2021 will
use the Renewal Application that is based on points. APRs who earned their APR in January
2020 or later, and APRs who need to renew after January 1, 2022 will use the Accreditation
Renewal Application based on CEUs.
7. How do I find out my renewal date?
To see your APR Renewal date, log onto MyPRSA account (www.prsa.org). If you have
trouble logging on, simply click “Forgot My Password” and the link to set a new password
will be emailed to you.
8. Since the Renewal Program is currently using both systems, how do I know which form to
use?
APRs who need to renew 6/30/2020, 12/31/2020, 6/30/2021 or 12/31/2021 will use the
Renewal Application that is based on points. APRs who earned their APR January 1, 2020 or
later, and APRs who need to renew after January 1, 2022 will use the Accreditation Renewal
Application based on CEUs.
9. Why was an Ethics requirement added?
Ethical practices are an imperative component for continuing education for all
communication/public relations professionals. Earning the APR/APR+M credential denotes
that the practitioner has achieved a high level of mastery of the knowledge, skills, and
abilities associated with the practice of public relations, including a strong emphasis
throughout the process and understanding of ethical standards. As the conscience of the
organizations we serve, APR/APR+M practitioners have an obligation to remain current in
this area.
10. Will the new CEUs system require me to complete a lot more time than I had to before?
Although the new system includes a slight increase in hours, it will most likely feel
unrecognizable to most Accredited practitioners. Renewal applications consistently indicate
a majority of our members exceed the required time/points than is required. The new CEUs
system should not create more time strain on practitioners, rather it will help practitioners
log their time more accurately with real time versus a points system conversion process,
which introduces variance and inconsistencies.
11. Does switching to CEUs mean we will only have to complete continuing education courses
for renewal?
Not at all, there are many ways you can earn your approved renewal activities and training.
Some examples of approved activities other than continuing education courses and training
include Leadership in Public Relations, Service to the Profession, Awards for Significant
Contributions in Public Relations, Public Service, Professional volunteerism, Presentations
and Speeches, and Published Works that Contribute to the Practice of Public Relations.
12. If I am a PRSA Fellow, am I still exempt from Renewal requirements?
Yes, PRSA Fellows remain exempt from the Renewal process.
13. If I was exempt under the Maintenance point system, am I still exempt under the new
Renewal CEU system?
Yes, all Accredited members who are designated as exempt from renewal will remain
exempt under the Renewal system.
14. Did the fee change for Renewals (formerly Maintenance)?
Yes, the fee increased to $75, effective January 1, 2019. The former fee of $50 has been in
place since the early 1990s when the Renewal process was put in place. After review, the
UAB determined a fee increase was warranted for program growth, resources, and process
improvement. This information was previously communicated in 2019.
15. If I have more questions, where should I go?
To learn more, visit www.praccreditation.org/renew.
In 2018, the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) performed an extensive review of the
APR/APR+M Maintenance Program. Of the findings, a few key program changes were
recommended and approved, including the program name, fees, and the points system.
Changes were made to align the APR/APR+M processes and procedures with current
standards and best practices for professional development programs. These changes will
allow for better use of technology, member-tracking capabilities and overall process
improvement.
2. What is changing and when are the changes taking place?
Program changes have been implemented in a phased approach, beginning in 2019 to 2020.
The name of the APR/APR+M Maintenance Program changed to Accreditation Renewal,
effective January 1, 2019. The renewal fee increased to $75, effective January 1, 2019. The
fee cycle remains a three-year period. New in 2020, the UAB has established the Continuing
Education Unit (CEU) as the unit of Accreditation Renewal. The new CEU requirements
became effective January 1, 2020.
3. Why did we change from points to CEUs?
CEUs better align with industry best practices and provide an easier, more efficient program
renewal process. A CEU-based unit system helps eliminate disparities with points based on
actual time spent on renewal activities. Additionally, CEUs will be easily accommodated in
most automated systems that may be put in place in the future. This is the right step toward
full system automation and tools, such as an online tracker, for real time input and an
online renewal process to replace the current manual form.
4. How does the new CEUs system work?
A CEU equals 10 hours of participation in UAB approved training or other professional
development activities.
For APRs: A minimum of 15 CEUs is required for renewal over the three-year period;
at least seven CEUs must be in continuing education and professional development
and one CEU in ethics.
For APR+Ms: A minimum of 30 CEUs is required for renewal over the three-year
period; at least seven CEUs must be in continuing education and professional
development, one CEU in ethics and 15 CEUs in military public affairs.
5. I am already in my three-year renewal cycle; do I start with CEUs immediately?
The CEUs will apply for APRs who earn Accreditation January 1, 2020, or later. Accredited
members who are already in a Renewal cycle will remain on the point system until their
current cycle is completed. Once you begin a new Renewal cycle, you will be required to
earn CEUs versus the points. All Accredited practitioners will be on the CEU-based Renewal
system by 2022.
6. How do I know when I will change from the “points” system to CEUs?
APRs/APR+Ms who need to renew 6/30/2020, 12/31/2020, 6/30/2021 or 12/31/2021 will
use the Renewal Application that is based on points. APRs who earned their APR in January
2020 or later, and APRs who need to renew after January 1, 2022 will use the Accreditation
Renewal Application based on CEUs.
7. How do I find out my renewal date?
To see your APR Renewal date, log onto MyPRSA account (www.prsa.org). If you have
trouble logging on, simply click “Forgot My Password” and the link to set a new password
will be emailed to you.
8. Since the Renewal Program is currently using both systems, how do I know which form to
use?
APRs who need to renew 6/30/2020, 12/31/2020, 6/30/2021 or 12/31/2021 will use the
Renewal Application that is based on points. APRs who earned their APR January 1, 2020 or
later, and APRs who need to renew after January 1, 2022 will use the Accreditation Renewal
Application based on CEUs.
9. Why was an Ethics requirement added?
Ethical practices are an imperative component for continuing education for all
communication/public relations professionals. Earning the APR/APR+M credential denotes
that the practitioner has achieved a high level of mastery of the knowledge, skills, and
abilities associated with the practice of public relations, including a strong emphasis
throughout the process and understanding of ethical standards. As the conscience of the
organizations we serve, APR/APR+M practitioners have an obligation to remain current in
this area.
10. Will the new CEUs system require me to complete a lot more time than I had to before?
Although the new system includes a slight increase in hours, it will most likely feel
unrecognizable to most Accredited practitioners. Renewal applications consistently indicate
a majority of our members exceed the required time/points than is required. The new CEUs
system should not create more time strain on practitioners, rather it will help practitioners
log their time more accurately with real time versus a points system conversion process,
which introduces variance and inconsistencies.
11. Does switching to CEUs mean we will only have to complete continuing education courses
for renewal?
Not at all, there are many ways you can earn your approved renewal activities and training.
Some examples of approved activities other than continuing education courses and training
include Leadership in Public Relations, Service to the Profession, Awards for Significant
Contributions in Public Relations, Public Service, Professional volunteerism, Presentations
and Speeches, and Published Works that Contribute to the Practice of Public Relations.
12. If I am a PRSA Fellow, am I still exempt from Renewal requirements?
Yes, PRSA Fellows remain exempt from the Renewal process.
13. If I was exempt under the Maintenance point system, am I still exempt under the new
Renewal CEU system?
Yes, all Accredited members who are designated as exempt from renewal will remain
exempt under the Renewal system.
14. Did the fee change for Renewals (formerly Maintenance)?
Yes, the fee increased to $75, effective January 1, 2019. The former fee of $50 has been in
place since the early 1990s when the Renewal process was put in place. After review, the
UAB determined a fee increase was warranted for program growth, resources, and process
improvement. This information was previously communicated in 2019.
15. If I have more questions, where should I go?
To learn more, visit www.praccreditation.org/renew.
