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Aims & Objectives

Mission Statement (By-laws Article 11, Section 2): The Canadian Public Relations Society, as a distinct Canadian Association, seeks...

• To group all public relations practitioners in Canada and to foster their professional interests;
• In cooperation with its regional Member Societies and with like-minded organizations in other countries, to advance the stature of public relations;
• And to regulate its practice for the benefit and protection of the public interest.

Membership of CPRS

Membership in the Society is limited to individuals only and may not be used by companies and organizations. The National Society recognizes two categories of membership that both require adherence to the Society's Code of Professional Standards:

• Voting Members
• Non-Voting Members and Associates

Voting Members

1. Member - On the date of the application, the applicant is employed in public relations, or teaches or administers a Member Society's recognized public relations course, or possesses a degree in public relations recognized by the National Society.

2. Individual Member - The member lives and works outside a specific geographical area and must meet the eligibility requirements as for a Member.

3. Life Members - The member has been honoured with Life Membership by their Member Society for their contribution both to public relations and to the Society.

Non-Voting Members

1. Associate - The applicant does not devote most of their work-for-pay time to the practice of public relations and does not have the responsibility for the management of public relations but does work in an affliated field such as graphic design, research or as a supplier to the public relations profession.

2. Inactive Members - Members who have withdrawn from full-time employment in the practice of public relations.

3. Retired Members - Members who have retired from active work in the field and meet the pre-requisites for that category.

Accreditation

The CPRS accreditation (APR) is a respected measure of professional experience in public relations. This program recognizes the dedication, energy, perseverance and competence of successful public relations professionals.

CPRS accreditation is the certification program for public relations professionals in Canada, and:

• is signified by the APR designation, Accredited in Public Relations
• aims to unify and advance the profession by identifying those who demonstrate their knowledge, experience and judgment in planning and managing public relations programs
• involves completion of a three-part accreditation examination, consisting of a work sample, a written examination and an oral examination

All CPRS members with five years of full-time public relations work (not necessarily five years consecutively) can apply to take the exam. Examinations are held once a year at locations across the country. Eligible candidates must complete an application form, available from the National Office or online in a pdf file.

There are over 490 members of CPRS who have attained accreditation with the professional society.

For further information on membership, visit www.cprs.ca.