Top 10 Publicist Certifications

Certifications are important for publicists in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and show that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the field. They also provide evidence of an individual’s ability to manage media relations, understand industry trends, create effective communication plans, and build relationships with key stakeholders. Having certifications can help a publicist stand out from other applicants, as well as give them a competitive edge when it comes to interviewing for positions. Ultimately, certifications can be invaluable for publicists looking to break into the job market or advance their career.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Publicists and explains how they can contribute to a publicist's career by providing greater credibility, knowledge, and skills.

What are Publicist Certifications?

Publicist certification is a program offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) that provides publicists with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in their field. Through this certification, publicists will be able to learn about the fundamentals of public relations, media relations, communication strategies, and crisis management. In addition, they will gain an understanding of how to develop relationships with key stakeholders, create effective messages and campaigns, and use analytics to measure success.

Having a publicist certification can open up many career opportunities for those interested in working in public relations or communications. It can also help them gain credibility in their profession as well as provide them with a competitive edge when vying for job positions. Additionally, having a certification can allow publicists to better understand how to work with media outlets and build relationships with clients. Furthermore, it provides them with the opportunity to network with peers and potential employers in the industry. Ultimately, having a publicist certification can be extremely beneficial for anyone looking to pursue a career in public relations or communications.

Pro tip: When considering a publicist certification program, make sure to research the school's reputation and accreditation status. It is important to ensure that the program meets industry standards and will provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to be successful in the public relations field.

Related: What does a Publicist do?

Top 10 Publicist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Publicists today.

1. Certified Public Relations Professional (CPRP)

Certified Public Relations Professional (CPRP) is a professional certification program recognized by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the practice of public relations. The certification is based on a combination of education, experience, and performance on an exam.

It typically takes 3-5 years to become certified as a CPRP, depending on your level of experience and education. To become certified, you must have at least three years of full-time public relations experience or equivalent part-time experience, plus either a bachelor’s degree in any field or 24 semester hours of college credit in public relations or related courses. You must also pass the CPRP exam administered by PRSA.

The cost for the CPRP exam is $325 for PRSA members and $425 for non-members. There are also additional fees for study materials and other resources that may be needed during the preparation process.

2. Accredited Public Relations Practitioner (APRP)

Accredited Public Relations Practitioner (APRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). It is designed to recognize public relations professionals who have achieved a high level of professional excellence in their field. The APRP designation is awarded to individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies and knowledge areas associated with public relations practice.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the APRP program. The process begins with an application, which must be approved by PRSA. Once accepted, applicants must complete a series of online courses, case studies, and exams that cover topics such as ethics and law, strategy development, research and evaluation, media relations, crisis management, and more. Upon successful completion of all coursework and exams, applicants are then eligible to receive the APRP designation.

The cost of obtaining the APRP designation varies depending on whether or not you are a PRSA member. For non-members, the cost is $1,500 for the entire program; for members it is $1,000. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with any required textbooks or materials needed for the coursework.

Overall, obtaining an APRP designation can help you advance your career in public relations by demonstrating your commitment to professionalism and expertise in your field.

3. Certified Strategic Communications Professional (CSCP)

Certified Strategic Communications Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). The CSCP designation is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated their expertise in strategic communications. It is the only global credential that recognizes and validates an individual’s ability to develop, execute, and evaluate strategic communication plans.

To be eligible for the CSCP certification, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least three years of professional experience in strategic communications or a related field and completing a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education within the past two years.

The CSCP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as research, strategy development, execution, measurement, and evaluation. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken online or at a designated testing center.

The cost for the CSCP exam varies depending on whether you are an IABC member or non-member. For members, the fee is $395 USD; for non-members it is $495 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center.

4. Certified Media Relations Professional (CMPR)

Certified Media Relations Professional (CMPR) is a certification program offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate excellence in media relations and public relations. The CMPR credential recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and expertise in media relations.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria, including having at least five years of professional experience in public relations or media relations. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as media relations strategy and tactics, crisis communications, and public opinion research.

The process typically takes about four to six months from the time an applicant submits their application until they receive their certification. The cost for the application fee and exam fee is $395 for PRSA members and $495 for non-members.

5. Certified Crisis Communications Specialist (CCCS)

Certified Crisis Communications Specialist (CCCS) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC). It is designed to help communicators become more effective in responding to crisis situations. The program focuses on developing skills in areas such as media relations, crisis management, message development, and risk communication.

The CCCS certification requires completion of a two-day workshop and passing an online exam. The workshop provides an overview of the principles and practices of crisis communications, including topics such as: identifying potential crises; developing strategies for responding to crises; communicating with various stakeholders; and managing risks associated with crises.

The cost for the CCCS certification is $1,495 USD. This includes the two-day workshop and the online exam. Upon successful completion of the program, participants will receive their official CCCS certificate from IABC.

6. Certified Digital Marketing Strategist (CDMS)

A Certified Digital Marketing Strategist (CDMS) is a professional certification that demonstrates a high level of expertise in digital marketing strategy. It requires a deep understanding of the digital marketing landscape, including tactics such as SEO, content marketing, social media, email marketing, and analytics. The certification is awarded by the Digital Marketing Institute (DMI), an international organization that provides professional certifications for digital marketers.

The CDMS certification program consists of four modules: Digital Strategy Fundamentals, Digital Advertising & Media Planning, Social Media & Content Strategy, and Analytics & Optimization. Each module includes online courses and assessments that must be completed to earn the certification. The entire program takes approximately 60 hours to complete.

To get certified as a CDMS, you must first apply for the program through DMI’s website. Once accepted into the program, you will need to pay the registration fee which is currently $2,795 USD. Upon successful completion of the coursework and assessments, you will receive your official CDMS certificate from DMI.

7. Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS)

A Certified Social Media Strategist (CSMS) is a professional who has been trained and certified in the use of social media to help businesses, organizations, and individuals reach their goals. The CSMS certification is offered by the Social Media Marketing Institute (SMMI).

The CSMS program takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete and consists of four courses: Introduction to Social Media, Advanced Social Media Strategies, Content Creation & Management, and Measurement & Analytics. Each course requires a passing score on an exam in order to receive certification.

To get certified as a CSMS, you must first register for the program with SMMI. The cost of registration is $499 USD and includes access to all four courses as well as the exams for each course. Once you have completed all four courses and passed all four exams, you will be awarded your CSMS certificate from SMMI.

8. Accredited in Public Relations (APR)

Accredited in Public Relations (APR) is an advanced certification program offered by the Universal Accreditation Board (UAB) of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). The APR is a voluntary professional development program designed to recognize public relations professionals who demonstrate mastery of the knowledge, skills and abilities required for strategic communication management.

It typically takes 6-12 months to complete the APR process, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to it. To get your APR, you must first become a member of PRSA and then take part in a series of activities that demonstrate your mastery of public relations principles and practices. These activities include: completing a Readiness Review Application; taking part in an assessment panel interview; passing an examination; and submitting a portfolio demonstrating your experience and expertise.

The cost for getting your APR depends on whether you are already a PRSA member or not. For non-members, it costs $385 plus any applicable taxes. If you are already a PRSA member, it costs $285 plus any applicable taxes. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with preparing for and taking the exam as well as any travel expenses associated with attending the assessment panel interview.

9. Certified Digital Publicity Professional (CDPP)

Certified Digital Publicity Professional (CDPP) is a certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary for success in digital public relations. The program is offered by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA).

The CDPP certification program consists of three courses: Digital Strategy, Digital Tactics, and Social Media. Each course covers topics such as content creation, search engine optimization (SEO), social media marketing, analytics, and more. Upon completion of all three courses, participants receive a certificate from PRSA.

It typically takes one to two months to complete the CDPP certification program. To get certified, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in public relations or communications and pass an online assessment with a score of 80% or higher.

The cost for the CDPP certification program varies depending on whether you are a PRSA member or non-member. For members, it costs $599; for non-members, it costs $799.

10. International Association of Business Communicators' Certificate in Strategic Communication Management (IABC-SCM).

The International Association of Business Communicators’ Certificate in Strategic Communication Management (IABC-SCM) is a professional certification program designed to help communication professionals develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of strategic communication. The program is offered by the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC), a global network of communication professionals.

The IABC-SCM program consists of five courses that focus on the core principles and practices of strategic communication management. These courses cover topics such as developing effective strategies, managing stakeholders, crafting messages, and measuring results. The courses are delivered online and can be completed at your own pace over a period of up to three months. Upon successful completion of all five courses, participants will receive an official IABC-SCM certificate.

To get the IABC-SCM certification, applicants must first complete all five required courses with a passing grade. After completing the courses, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of course completion to the IABC for review and approval. Once approved, applicants will receive their official IABC-SCM certificate in the mail within six to eight weeks.

The cost for the IABC-SCM program varies depending on whether you are an IABC member or nonmember. For members, the cost is $500 USD; for nonmembers it is $650 USD.

Do You Really Need a Publicist Certificate?

No, you do not need a publicist certificate to become a successful publicist. Publicists come from all sorts of backgrounds and educational levels, and the most important requirement for success is a passion for the industry and an understanding of how it works.

That being said, there are some benefits to having a publicist certificate or degree. A formal education in the field can give you a competitive edge when it comes to getting hired or promoted within the industry. It can also open doors to new opportunities as well as help build your credibility with clients.

The best way to determine if a publicist certificate or degree is right for you is to assess your current skillset and career goals. If you already have experience in the field, then investing in further education may not be necessary. However, if you are just starting out or looking to expand your knowledge base, then taking courses or earning a degree may be beneficial.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to get a publicist certificate should depend on what will best equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for success in this field.

Related: Publicist Resume Examples

FAQs About Publicist Certifications

1. What is a publicist certification?

A publicist certification is a professional credential that demonstrates knowledge and expertise in the field of public relations. This certification is typically earned by attending courses, workshops, or seminars on the subject and passing an exam.

2. Who should pursue a publicist certification?

Those who are interested in working in the field of public relations or communications should consider pursuing a publicist certification. Professionals already working in the industry may also benefit from obtaining this credential to demonstrate their knowledge and commitment to their craft.

3. What are the benefits of obtaining a publicist certification?

Obtaining a publicist certification can provide both personal and professional benefits, such as increased earning potential, greater career mobility, and improved job security. It can also provide tangible evidence of one's knowledge and experience to employers and clients.

4. What qualifications do I need to become certified?

In order to become certified as a publicist, you must have at least two years of work experience in the field as well as complete any necessary coursework or training required by your chosen certifying body.

5. How long does it take to complete the certification process?

The length of time required to complete the certification process varies depending on which certifying body you choose and what type of credentials you plan on obtaining (e.g., Certified Public Relations Professional (CPRP), Certified Public Relations Specialist (CPRS)). Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from four months up to one year or more depending on your individual situation.