APR – Accredited in Public Relations vs CMP – Communication Management Professional
| Factor | ✅ APR – Accredited in Public Relations | CMP – Communication Management Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor | PRSA | IABC |
| Level | Advanced | Advanced |
| Exam Cost | $385–$450 | $400–$600 |
| Pass Rate | ~63% | ~65% |
| Avg Salary | $65K–$105K | $70K–$110K |
| Difficulty |
Hard
★★★★☆
|
Moderate
★★★☆☆
|
| Best For | PR professionals with 5+ years of experience seeking formal accreditation. | Corporate communications, PR, and internal communications professionals.… |
| Expiry | Typically 3 years — renewal at prsa.org | Check iabc.com |
| Full Guide | View guide → | View guide → |
Which Should You Choose?
The right certification depends on your current role, target employer, geography, and the specific skills gap you're trying to close. Here's a practical breakdown:
✅ Choose APR – Accredited in Public Relations if…
You're targeting roles at organisations that specifically require PRSA credentials, or you're already working within the PRSA ecosystem. The APR – Accredited in Public Relations carries the strongest recognition among PRSA customers and partners, and its salary premium of $65K–$105K is well-documented in the job market.
Full Guide →Consider CMP – Communication Management Professional if…
You're targeting organisations in the IABC ecosystem, or the CMP – Communication Management Professional is more commonly required in your target industry or geography. Salary data: $70K–$110K. Issued by IABC (iabc.com), the International Association of Business Communicators. CMP is the recog…
Full Guide →Detailed Analysis — APR – Accredited in Public Relations
Strengths
- ✓Issued by PRSA — one of the most trusted credential authorities in Mass Communication
- ✓Salary premium of $65K–$105K documented across multiple independent sources
- ✓Exam fee of $385–$450 — strong ROI relative to salary gain
- ✓Global recognition at enterprise employers, government agencies, and consulting firms
- ✓Covers 7 core domains including: Research & Planning, Strategic Communications, Media Relations
Considerations
- ◆Pass rate is approximately ~63% — structured preparation is essential, not optional
- ◆Requires significant hands-on experience — not suitable for complete beginners
- ◆Renewal required — check current requirements at prsa.org
Made your decision? Start your preparation today.
APR – Accredited in Public Relations Full Guide → Study Roadmap → Salary Data →