Upholding the Value of Accreditation

Upholding the Value of Accreditation

There is a debate occurring on a national level within the Public Relations Society of America. It centers on whether or not national board members must have their accreditation in public relations (APR) to serve. This is making us evaluate whether or not we value our own accreditation process. I believe that if we as an organization put stock in our own process, this standard should remain.

The Tulsa chapter of PRSA has one of the top APR programs in the nation. We boast an above average pass rate and this should strengthen our conviction of the importance of keeping this standard.

Individuals who go through the accreditation process and earn their APR have proven that they have a great knowledge of strategic public relations and are seasoned industry professionals. We should hold that achievement in the highest regard, not devalue it.

There are some wonderful practitioners who choose not to go through the APR process. I can think of many people in Tulsa who don't have their APR that I admire for their skill in the industry and leadership. The local chapter of PRSA does not have the same requirement for the board involvement, so there is an opportunity for practitioners to get involved locally regardless of accreditation. To serve at the national level, there is a case to making this a requirement for service.

In the midst of this discussion, I want to encourage professionals in the Tulsa chapter to consider going through the accreditation process at some point in their public relations career. The process will sharpen your skills as a practitioner and be a symbol of your expertise to individuals outside the industry.

What are your thoughts on the APR being required for national board service? What do you feel the value of the APR is?