2024 Credentialing Updates

The Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) is the governing body of the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR) credential and has been working hard behind the scenes this past year.

Effective January 1, 2024, examinations for the Accreditation in Public Relations (APR), Accreditation in Public Relations + Military Communication (APR+M), and the Certificate in Principals of Public Relations will be administered by Certification Management Services (CMS) and proctored by Examity.

This change comes from a longstanding and trusted partnership between the UAB and CMS, which now provides psychometrician services for the examination process that measures and ensures the examinations’ validity, reliability, and fairness. It is important to note that there are no in-person CMS testing centers; all examinations are offered remotely with an online proctor.

Similar to the previous process, candidates who receive an “Advance” recommendation from their APR or APR+M Panel Presentation will be provided instructions on how to make an appointment with CMS for the written examination. Certificates of Principles in Public Relations candidates should work with FPRA – Capital Chapter’s Director of Student Relations, Drew Piers, APR, CPRC, to complete the pretest requirements and apply for the examination.

Testing appointments are available 24/7, and candidates can cancel or reschedule anytime. However, there may be a late cancellation fee for canceling or rescheduling within 24 hours of the scheduled appointment time. New this year is an on-demand scheduling option that allows candidates to choose an appointment time within the next 24 hours for an additional $5 fee paid to Examity at the time of scheduling.

To successfully enter the remote examination environment, candidates should be prepared to:

  • Provide the proctor with a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to confirm identity.
  • Be alone in a closed-door room, and the desk is clear of any unauthorized materials such as papers, books, and phones.
  • Use a laptop computer with a functional webcam, microphone, and speaker. Tablets are not
  • Remain seated throughout the examination process.

For questions regarding the credentialing process, please email FPRA – Capital Chapter’s Director of Credentialing, Lauren Helm, APR.