"The APR is a credential I can point to when presenting myself to clients, potential employers, or others in the profession. It is proof you meet a certain standard of knowledge and good practice. Being successful in the Accreditation process helps build your confidence."

Janet Wile, APR, FCPRS Director, Internal Communications Barrick Gold Corporation Toronto, ON In PR for 20+ years Accredited in 1991

"As a consultant, it demonstrates to clients and prospective clients that they are dealing with an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner. It also reinforces the importance of standards and professional excellence to colleagues. It is one of the ways you can separate yourself from the pack and show that you are a leader in the industry and that you believe in the highest standards."

Bruce MacLellan, APR, FCPRS President Environics Communications Inc. Toronto, ON In PR for 29 years Accredited in 1992

"Accreditation was truly the best professional development I have done for myself in my career. I learned more during that process than I think I have at any time since. It helped me understand the depth and breadth of the work we do, reinforced a code of ethics that is very meaningful and critically important, moved me from tactical to strategic practice, and encouraged me to understand the responsibility we have in society as public communicators. If you consider yourself a professional public relations practitioner, you really need to get your accreditation."

Lorelei Piotto, APR Corporate Marketing Advisor Chevron Corporation CPRS Calgary Accredited in 1996

"I would encourage all PR professionals, regardless of years of experience, to work towards accreditation. It is both a personal and professional validation of your skills and experience and provides your employer with a highly credible evaluation of your worth to the company."

James R. Cronin, APR Cronin Communications Consulting Goulais River, ON In PR for 20 years Accredited in 1998

"As a PR practitioner, I feel it is important to demonstrate to my peers, clients and colleagues, the experience and competence I've achieved as a public relations practitioner and to demonstrate my commitment to the profession and to professional development."

Danielle F. Côté, APR Vice President BKT Health Promotion and Communication Inc. Ottawa, ON In PR for 20 years Accredited in 2006

"If you think you're ready but have been reticent to commit, I would like to encourage you to take that leap of faith. Finding out that your skills and knowledge stack up on a national scale is well worth the expense, time and effort."

Kathleen Malley, APR Vice President & Director of Communications Malley Industries Inc. Dieppe, NB Accredited in 1990

"From the point of view of personal growth, it was priceless."

David McAsey, APR, FCPRS(H) L.M McAsey Public Relations Counsel Calgary, AB In PR for 50+ years Accredited in 1971

"I think it says a great deal about your commitment to the profession and your skills if you can show your APR when applying for jobs. In fact, many senior level job postings now list an APR in their preferred qualifications section. It just might give you an edge over others with similar experience."

Alison Gillan, APR Manager, Open Access Transmission Nova Scotia Power Inc. Halifax, NS In PR for 20 years Accredited in 1997

"I applied for accreditation to add to my credibility as a professional and to prove to myself that I could do it. I went into the process determined to succeed. As a result, I learned a lot in the process and I think that made me a better practitioner. It gives me added credibility as a professional. It's a tough designation to attain (and it should be!) so I'm proud of it. Many employers look for it when hiring senior pr professionals."

Sandra Thornton, APR Onoway, AB In PR for 28 years Accredited in 1998

"The APR designation is recognized in our industry and, as I have discovered in travels, internationally. There is an accepted standard of practice in PR that people recognize through the CPRS ties with PR professional associations around the world. I would encourage all new Members of CPRS to pursue APR status - it does open doors! I am very proud to wear my APR pin and have the designation on my business cards!"

Linda J. Halliday, APR Public Affairs Officer Ontario Power Generation Cornwall, ON In PR since 1974 Accredited in 1992

"Undergraduate university degree in PR - $30-40,000
Starting a career in PR - $50-60,000
Getting your APR designation - PRICELESS"

Sean Kelly, APR, FCPRS Manager of Public Relations Can-NL Offshore Petroleum Board St. John's, NL In PR for 20+ years Accredited in 2002

"In this era of accountability and credibility, I was aware of the richness that an APR designation carries: it brings respect to the industry; many employers now demand that certification for job opportunities and it provides an important level of standardization to the PR sector."

Ange Frymire, APR Professor Kwantlen Polytechnic University Richmond, BC In PR for 30 years Accredited in 2004

"Preparation for accreditation was a strong reminder that we must continue to challenge ourselves and our knowledge of this profession. It also allowed me to be a role model to my students, as I shared the Accreditation Journey with them - and we celebrated my APR together!"

Fran Gregory, APR Professor, Public Relations Conestoga College Kitchener, ON Accredited in 2007

"It provided me with considerable personal satisfaction, knowing first of all that I had achieved my APR in a process that was (and should be) challenging, and that this recognition of my talents was bestowed on me by my professional peers. It has also provided a point of conversation on many occasions when exchanging business cards, with some little ego boosts along the way."

Jane Dick, APR Winnipeg, MB Accredited in 1988

"While it was one of the toughest exams that I have done, it was definitely the most rewarding. As successful public relations professionals we are always seeking new skills, gaining perspectives and developing ideas. Accreditation is the benchmark to recognize a standard level of public relations practice."

Anita Wasiuta, APR SR. Marketing Coordinator BC Transit Victoria, BC In PR 20+ years Accredited in 1994

"In the field of public relations, an APR needs very little explanation about your basic competency. In three letters you're telling peers, clients and potential employers that you can be part of the senior management team. With an APR you're also part of a great team of professionals that you can call upon for advice, support, and ideas."

Danielle F. Côté, APR Vice President BKT Health Promotion and Communication Inc. Ottawa, ON In PR for 20 years Accredited in 2006

"Having my APR designation is a source of pride for me as an individual and as a practicing professional."

Carol Moore, APR Manager, Communication Services Town of Richmond Hill Richmond Hill, ON In PR for 20+ years Accredited in 1997

"I felt it was important to have my PR skills and experience validated by my peers through a professional assessment and evaluation process. In the longer term, I knew that accreditation would provide current and future employers with a strong third-party endorsement of skills. The APR designation is a valuable door-opener. It is also a badge of honour with fellow PR colleagues who recognize the skills, experience and effort that goes into achieving accreditation."

James R. Cronin, APR Cronin Communications Consulting Goulais River, ON In PR for 20 years Accredited in 1998

"It is the best kind of test: testing yourself, and not competing with others; it's also a distinction that offers proof in the workplace that you're really qualified to do what you do."

Bart Mindszenthy, APR, FCPRS L.M Partner The Mindszenthy & Roberts Corp. Toronto, ON Accredited in 1972

"The day I was notified of achieving my APR my boss sent a notice about it to the executive team at my new job. Many of those executives were technically focused and didn't necessarily understand or fully value the role of Public Relations in our business. Their knowing that there is a professional organization and accreditation behind me added weight and credibility to the work I did. One of the most meaningful congratulatory notes I got back was from the CFO who equated my APR with his CA - an acknowledgement that I'd reached a professional standard that was noteworthy."

Alison Gillan, APR Manager, Open Access Transmission Nova Scotia Power Inc. Halifax, NS In PR for 20 years Accredited in 1997

"Accreditation with CPRS was a natural next step in my career path. I see the APR credential as necessary asset for anyone practicing public relations in Canada. I regard the process of attaining the credential as a personal and professional challenge."

Patrick Hammond, APR Senior Communications Specialist Operation Eyesight Universal Calgary, AB In PR for 20+ years Accredited in 2008

"The accreditation process is both professionally challenging and personally rewarding. What I enjoyed most was the oral. It was exhilarating to be in a room sharing my knowledge, insights and ethics with accredited practitioners. They made me feel that I would be given every opportunity to succeed. When I received the congratulatory letter I was understandably elated. What I had not anticipated though was how much earning my APR would mean to me on a personal level."

Kathleen Malley, APR Vice President & Director of Communications Malley Industries Inc. Dieppe, NB Accredited in 1990

"In my current position, which is in the United States, my APR is recognized formally by PRSA, and by my supervisors, as uniquely qualifying me to work in Public Relations."

Lorelei Piotto, APR Corporate Marketing Advisor Chevron Corporation CPRS Calgary Accredited in 1996