An employee in the communications department for Pulaski County Special School District (PCSSD) recently passed an examination for accreditation in public relations from the Universal Accreditation Board. Jessica Duff, executive director of communications for PCSSD, is now entitled to use the APR professional designation.
“Earning the APR reflects a mastery of the knowledge, skills and abilities needed to succeed in our increasingly complex profession,” said Kristie Aylett, APR, Fellow PRSA, chair of the Universal Accreditation Board. “Practitioners who achieve the designation are demonstrating their commitment not only to our profession but also to a strong code of ethics and to the betterment of their organizations and clients.”
According to a press release by the district, UAB is a “consortium of nine professional communication organizations that directs this competency certification program.”
The program tests competence in 60 areas of knowledge, skills and abilities associated with public relations. The examination is administered throughout the year and is designed for public relations professionals with at least five to seven years of job experience and/or a bachelor’s degree in a communication field. Before the exam, candidates go through a panel presentation in front of three accredited peers, who are members of one or more of the nine organizations that make up the UAB. After earning the APR designation, PR professionals are required to renew their credentials through “continuing professional development, providing leadership to the profession and serving their local communities,” according to the release.
“I am beyond thrilled to achieve this accreditation,” said Jessica Duff, APR, executive director of communications for PCSSD. “I was inspired by my colleagues who worked hard to earn professional degrees and certifications in their respective fields and wanted to do the same. This accreditation was an arduous process that represents my dedication to proper and effective communication for our District.”
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