Program Fees and Timeline

Applications for the 2026 cohort are now open. 
APR Oral and Written Exams will take place October 16 - 17, 2026



The cost of applying for your APR® designation must be submitted and received at the National Office on or before Dec. 1* of each year. The cost to apply for the 2026 cohort is $795.00 CAD + tax.  CPRS membership required - join us today!  

This year, CPRS is introducing a NEW on-demand series designed to support professionals in their journey toward earning the  Accredited in Public Relations (APR)® designation. 
Learn more> 

Aside from the payment due date, there are many other important dates APR applicants will want to remember throughout the year:


Program Timeline*:

SEPTEMBER - NOVEMBER
• Member Societies hold information sessions.
• Information webinar for candidates.

DECEMBER 1
• Application and fee due at National office.

DECEMBER 30
· Work sample overview and resume due at National office.

JANUARY
• Verification of applications, references, resumes and work sample overviews.

JANUARY 31
• Candidates notified of eligibility.
• Candidates who wish to re-enter submit a letter of confirmation.
 

APRIL 1
• Work sample due.
• Work samples sent to grader panels.

JUNE
• Chief Examiner notifies candidates of work sample results.

JUNE - SEPTEMBER
• Candidates prepare for exams.

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER
• Examination locations confirmed.

LATE OCTOBER
• Written and oral examinations.

DEC. 31
• Candidates notified of results.

JANUARY
• Announcement of successful APRs by CPRS National Office.

MAY
• Presentation of certificates and pins to the successful candidates at the National conference or local society event.

*Please note: When one of the above dates falls on a holiday, it will be moved to the following business day.

For detailed program information, see the Accreditation Handbook.

For detailed guidance on putting together your work sample – please view the Academic, Educator or Regular Stream Work Sample Guidance Docs:

When you’re ready to take on the challenge, start your Accreditation journey.