• Public Relations Certification and Certificate Program Information
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Public Relations Certification and Certificate Program Information

Public relations specialists are experts in staging events, working with the media and strengthening their employer's public image. Certificate programs in public relations offer students the opportunity to hone the skills most useful in the field. Certification is available through multiple organizations.

Certificate of Achievement in Public Relations

Public relations certificate programs provide students with introductory training in the duties of a public relations specialist. Topics studied include developing writing skills, managing media relations and negotiating with legislators. Programs generally consist of lectures, projects and case studies. Many programs include opportunities for students to gain practical experience by working with a local organization on a public relations project.

Educational Prerequisites

Certificate programs in public relations are intended for students at many stages of their education or career. Most programs are open to all students with a high school diploma or the equivalent, though some programs require students to possess a bachelor's degree. While prior experience in public relations or business is helpful, public relations certificate programs are most commonly focused on foundational training for those with little to no experience.

Program Coursework

Students in public relations certificate programs learn the basic skills necessary for a career in public relations, including techniques and practices common to the field. Common courses include the following:

  • Introduction to public relations
  • Public relations writing and editing
  • Ethical and legal issues in public relations
  • Media relations
  • Marketing in public relations
  • Strategy in public relations

Career Outlook and Salary Information

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), there were more than 275,000 jobs for public relations specialists in 2008. With most jobs clustered in large cities, like New York, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., public relations specialists worked in government, education, healthcare and other service-providing industries. Job opportunities for public relations specialists are expected to grow 24% between 2008 and 2018, with significant opportunities for individuals with competency in multiple languages. Public relations specialists earned a median annual salary of $51,280 as of May 2008.

Continuing Education Information

Certification is not required to become a public relations specialist. However, accreditation is available through two organizations. First, individuals can earn Accredited in Public Relations (APR) designation through the Universal Accreditation Board. Five years of public relations work experience and a bachelor's degree in a communications field are required prior to receiving a readiness review and taking the computer-based exam.

An individual can also earn the Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) designation through the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). Though more focused on the communications field in general, IABC does have a specific public relations accreditation. As with APR designation, ABC designation requires five years of experience and a bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Public Relations Careers

Public relations (PR) managers earn about $70,000 annually by providing PR services for technology companies, medical and scientific organizations, institutes of higher education, financial services firms and other clients. A 4-year degree in advertising and public relations with coursework in promotional writing, marketing, public speaking, mass communications, visual graphics and public relations campaigns is a good foundation for this career.

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