The Professional Joy of Renewing Your APR

I received an email today that made me blush with professional pride. It began: “Dear Sonja, I am pleased to tell you that your renewal has been approved.” 

Earlier this week, I had applied to the Public Relations Society of America to renew my Accreditation in Public Relations, a distinction I earned in 2015. I previously wrote about why it’s worth bothering to earn the APR. 

The APR recognizes public relations practitioners who have mastered the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to develop and deliver strategic communications. To keep the credential, APRs must apply for renewal every three years by demonstrating how we have committed to learning through continuing education, serving as a volunteer or engaging in other professional development activities. 

The renewal process is a good time to reflect on what you’ve done over the last few years to keep your public relations skills sharp — and to be proud of your commitment. What continuing education programs or conferences did you attend? Did you make any presentations or speeches related to the practice of public relations? What PR leadership positions did you hold? Did you win any public relations awards? 

Here’s looking forward to three more years of continuing education, professional development and more!