Articles

Make 2021 Your APR Year!

Robert E. Sheldon, APR, Fellow PRSA
Accreditation Chair

Okay, so 2020 was a disaster year for being able to concentrate on getting your APR. Even so, we managed to adapt our APR testing environment by mid-year to allow virtual panel presentations and at-home proctored testing to provide a safe and convenient way for members to continue their career development. It was a successful workaround that will likely continue throughout 2021 – or until we get control of COVID and arrive at a new normal where we can meet face to face again.

Getting one’s APR is so important if you want to earn a seat at the management table, get the respect you deserve from colleagues and clients, or if you aspire to leadership roles in your PRSA chapter, or at the national or regional level.  Achieving your APR will also boost your confidence and set you a path to even greater personal achievement.

Dedicate yourself to making 2021 your year to achieve your APR. In the past, in-person study groups and workshops helped to motivate and focus attention on candidates, but those events are almost impossible in the current climate. If you have about five years of field experience, you should be able to rely on the online study materials to make you successful. The APRPREP Online Study Course is not only convenient, but it is very effective in helping you prepare for the panel presentation and online test.

Despite the difficulties of the year, I’ve enjoyed being the Accreditation Chair. But having gotten the new virtual testing protocol ironed out, I will be stepping down at the end of the month. Taking over will be chapter member Terri Behling, APR ([email protected]).  Please contact her if you are interested in pursuing your APR this coming year.