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TweetChat #accredchat

TrishFreshwater#FollowFriday#blogchat 9 p.m. EST Sundays; #pr20chat 8p.m. Wednesdays; #accredchat 1 p.m. EST Fridays -2:08 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kristen_okla Sorry I missed #accredchat. Will have to catch up. -2:05 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat@alextanPR It's a bit more complicated, check out the KSAs that are testedhttp:/ / tw url.nl/ m582ni#accredchat -1:50 PM Jun 5th, 2009

maxhansen@vargasl You want to make it last!? After trying to follow both chats, Ineed to walk it off! Very stimulating indeed. #accredchat#cmtychat -1:43 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl I love to feel like this-so inspired by #accredchat CmtyChat

discussions...jittery with excitement and passion. How to make this last? -1:39 PM Jun 5th,2009

Buffalo_MBA @vedo But probably less so that with an MBA or other degree#accredchathttp:/ / tinyurl.com/ plbrpf -1:37 PM Jun 5th, 2009

Buffalo_MBA @shonali That's interesting. I had no idea. Definitely a consideration forthose contemplating an MBA #accredchathttp:/ / tinyu rl.com/ oezr63 -1:37 PM Jun 5th,

2009

RickOpp@BPrickett I'm APR too (& CPRC). Big believer. I'll check out #accredchat.

-1:35 PM Jun 5th, 2009

maxhansen@vedo I agree the free-for-all was a bit much. Upside: means#accredchat was popular. Perhaps a moderator and panel make sense for big group

-1:34 PM Jun 5th, 2009

archanaverma Great insights & comments on today's #accredchat w/ @shel@shonali, @kamichat@arikhanson. If you missed it, see http:/ / tinyu rl.com

/ qfs8vg-1:34 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BPrickett@RickOpp Thanks for the RT. It was a lively #accredchat today! -1:33 PM Jun

5th, 2009

gail_nelson@alextanPR: Besides teaching ethics & more, accred is a "proof point"for industry professionalism (Sorry, had to duck out. ) #accredchat -1:33 PM Jun 5th, 2009

w vp m c Thanks for organizing this chat + advancing the convo about APR/ABC

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@shonali@kamichat@arikhanson#accredchat -1:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@shonali Some great insights from you today during #accredchat.Thx for answering my Q's. I've got a lot more :) -1:31 PM Jun 5th, 2009

RickOpp RT @BPrickett: If APR is not the "bar" we should at least include it indefining what the "bar" is. #accredchat (APR defines PR Pro) -1:29 PM Jun 5th, 2009

gail_nelson@shonali Thanks, shonali. Great chat, by the way!! #accredchat -1:29 PM

Jun 5th, 2009

gail_nelson@kamichat Makes sense-In my MA program though, almost all werepracticing professionals. Program was designed/marketed that way #accredchat -1:28

PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel@PaulBartonABC Better than you're fired, right? #accredchat -1:27 PM Jun 5th, 2009

ValerieSimon Thnx so much @shonali@kamichat@bethharte@arikhanson & allothers who participated in #accredchat. Had to go early but great #pradvice! -1:25 PM

Jun 5th, 2009

vedo@BryanPerson#accredchat was really good today for first time. Might bebetter w/ Q's instead of free for all. How was #cmtychat ? -1:23 PM Jun 5th, 2009

ValerieSimon Great post @vedo ! Some PR people are like star-belly Sneetches,http:/ / bit.ly/ KOH yc#accredchat -1:19 PM Jun 5th, 2009

PaulBartonABC@shel Or it could be "Always Be Closing" if you want the knife set (ala Glengarry Glen Ross). #accredchat -1:19 PM Jun 5th, 2009

TiffanyTSmith@shel Thanks for the great advice and food for thought! #accredchat

-1:18 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz Blog post on APR; Some PR people are like star-belly Sneetches,http:/ / bit.ly/ KOH yc (via @vedo) #accredchat -1:18 PM Jun 5th, 2009

maxhansen@BryanPerson Yes, Bryan, sorry but the #accredchat got more of myattention than #cmychat . Both were good discussions. -1:17 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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w vp m c@vedo that was a great post!! #accredchat -1:17 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR thanks to all who hosted, promoted and participated in #accredchat - notsold by any means but appreciate your feedback. -1:17 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo Blog post on APR; relevant in light of today's #accredchat - Some PR people arelike star-belly Sneetches, http:/ / bit.ly/ KOHyc -1:16 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BryanPerson Looks like a missed a stimulating #AccredChat today! -1:15 PM Jun 5th, 2009

PaulBartonABC RT @shel: People ask me what ABC means. I tell them it's as far as Igot. ;-) #accredchat -1:14 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl Now...jumping into read #CmtyChat thread...too busy in #accredchat tojump over more than once...@rhappe was on FIRE! -1:14 PM Jun 5th, 2009

lantweets Reading #accredchat. My business master's was a great experience. Ithink comm. accreditation, too, would broaden my understanding,contacts. -1:12 PM Jun

5th, 2009

vargasl Agree RT @vedo: @MelWebster Healthy debate is always welcome esp. w/

something as personal as choosing accreditation. Cheers #accredchat-1:11 PM Jun 5th,

2009

alextanPR RT @vargasl: For those studying APR...I am creating falshcards for examusing cobo cards...will post RSS feed on Twtr #pradvice#accredchat -1:11 PM Jun 5th,

2009

IABCChicago RT: IABCGreat discussion on accreditation. We're following and takingnotes here at IABC HQ. #accredchat -1:11 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BillSledzik @shel When folks see my APR, I just tell them I used to peddle car loans!#accredchat -1:11 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vanhoosier There are desirable job postings where APR is required or highlysuggested. That is a pro to earn the APR. #accredchat -1:10 PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster Gotta go, but I would love to have someone convince me of the value ofAPR or ABC. Thanks all. #accredchat -1:10 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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JodiEchakowitz@juliebonnheath Good feedback, thanks #accredchat -1:09 PM Jun 5th,

2009

vedo@MelWebster Healthy debate should always be welcome esp. w/ something aspersonally subjective as choosing accreditation. Cheers #accredchat -1:09 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl For those studying APR...I am creating falshcards for exam using cobocards...will post RSS feed on Twitter next week. #accredchat -1:09 PM Jun 5th, 2009

w vp m c@BethHarte and the answer is...? #accredchat -1:09 PM Jun 5th, 2009

martinwaxman RT @shel You earn accred b/c you're a solid communicator; itdoesn't MAKE you a solid communicator & you don't NEED it to be one #accredchat

-1:08 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte JodiEchakowitz thanks for the #accredchat idea! @kamichat, @vargasl@vanhoosier@arikhanson@shonaliburke thx for making up my mind! :) -1:08 PM Jun

5th, 2009

BillSledzik @BethHarte That's pretty much it. I also don't think the process isrigorous enough to merit letter after the name. #accredchat -1:08 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR@vargasl well, at least i know its in the exam. do you teach it to your

students? #accredchat -1:08 PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster@vargasl Required accreditation would be a disaster for the PR industry.Thanks for the chat all. Sorry for being a contrarian. #accredchat -1:07 PM Jun 5th, 2009

SashaHalima@wvpmc ah ha, thank you for that! #accredchat -1:07 PM Jun 5th, 2009

juliebonnheath@vanhoosier Thanks I appreciate your reply. #accredchat -1:07 PMJun 5th, 2009

SashaHalima@mlhujber but does that make the ABC better than the APR? Iapologize if my Qs seem outlandish, btw, just trying to learn :) #accredchat -1:07 PM Jun

5th, 2009

alextanPR@kamichat but that seems very basic and is learned throughout highschool and college across disciplines don't you think? #accredchat -1:07 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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ljstarnes Amen! RT @vedo: I don't *need* to get accredited. My work ethic and madComm/PR skills speak for themselves. I *want* APR. #accredchat -1:07 PM Jun 5th, 2009

juliebonnheath@JodiEchakowitz I think specific questions would be good. I think itran a little dry. No offense. #accredchat -1:07 PM Jun 5th, 2009

deegospel@JodiEchakowitz Yes. thanks for inviting me. #accredchat -1:07 PM Jun 5th,

2009

TiffanyTSmith@kamichat Thanks for a great conversation! #accredchat -1:06 PM Jun

5th, 2009

vanhoosier@juliebonnheath benefits of APR for me? More knowledge, greaterunderstanding of field, opportunity to grow, level playing field #accredchat -1:06 PM Jun

5th, 2009

w vp m c@alextanPR definitely part of the hook for membership retention#accredchat -1:06 PM Jun 5th, 2009

rayatkinson@TiffanyTSmith Accreditation process helped me directly applycommunication theory to my daily work. #accredchat -1:06 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@MelWebster It's not yet...and I think that is part of the problem.

#accredchat-1:06 PM Jun 5th, 2009

mlhujber@SashaHalima#1 benefit is being able to organize PR programs that areconsistent with what other pros in the field would design.#accredchat -1:06 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BillSledzik @kamichat#accredchat Holy cow, Kami. I just got here and haven'tfound the bar yet! Chat soon! :-) -1:06 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson@shonali@kamichat@vedo@vargas1@amymengel@shel@bethharte & others thanks for your input--great discussion today! #accredchat -1:06

PM Jun 5th, 2009

ljstarnes@alextanPR would it be easier for employers to understand, but collegescan be both good and awful. APR is what u make of it. #accredchat -1:06 PM Jun 5th, 2009

RobinMarie@kamichat Thanks for coordinating. #accredchat -1:06 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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vargasl Respectful discussion...thank you! #accredchat -1:06 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR good question RT @amymengel: Anyone have insight into the revenuethese programs create for their respective organizations? #accredchat -1:05 PM Jun 5th,

2009

shel@MelWebster There's a difference between requiring it and valuing it.#accredchat -1:05 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz Thanks all for joining the discussion. Did we want to continue thediscussion next week? Do we need to? Perhaps specific Q's? #accredchat -1:05 PM Jun 5th,

2009

MelWebster@vargasl But why is accreditation required to continue to learn andimprove? #accredchat -1:05 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo@wvpmc I suppose it depends on your definition of a major conference.#accredchat -1:05 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BillSledzik @BPrickett#accredchat That's great to hear, Bill. Most important is theaccred process. Exposes folks to theory and lit most haven't seen. -1:05 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte RT @amymengel: Anyone have insight into the revenue these programs

create for their respective organizations? #accredchat (Tough question!) -1:05 PM Jun 5th,2009

shel It's been fun, everyone. #accredchat -1:05 PM Jun 5th, 2009

janeco Gotta hop off; thanks all for a great discussion #accredchat -1:05 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR@shel so why do folks feel the need to get one? i tend to feel the sameway but there seems to be a logic gap somewhere. #accredchat -1:04 PM Jun 5th, 2009

maxhansen@kamichat Kami, thanks for a(n over)stimulating hour! #accredchat

-1:04 PM Jun 5th, 2009

w vp m c To expoand knowledge we need NOW - are resources better invested inaccreditation or in going to a major conference? #accredchat -1:04 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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MelWebster@BPrickett Agreed, I would never denigrate it, but also would neverrequire it in someone I was hiring. #accredchat -1:04 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@kamichat That's probably it... but perhaps accreditation is the bestplace to learn. #accredchat -1:04 PM Jun 5th, 2009

susancellura@BethHarte@kamichat GREAT chat today on accreditation. Thanks!#accredchat -1:04 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo@kamichat Correct, I don't *need* to get accredited. My work ethic and madComm/PR skills speak for themselves. I *want* APR. #accredchat -1:04 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@BillSledzik Agree. But isn't responsibility with current APRs to promote too?#accredchat -1:04 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat Okay guys, the official #accredchat is over since it has been an hour, butplease feel free to continue talking amongst yourselves. -1:03 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@BillSledzik Why don't you display? Do you no longer find value in it?#accredchat -1:03 PM Jun 5th, 2009

amymengel Anyone have insight into the revenue these programs create for theirrespective organizations? #accredchat -1:03 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@MelWebster The point is...you aren't that way always. You need to havesolid fundamentals. We need to prove that as industry. #accredchat -1:03 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vanhoosier@alextanPR@ljstarnes agree graduate degree & APR work together. Soenjoyed experience of both. ABC or media law degree next? #accredchat -1:03 PM Jun 5th,

2009

w vp m c@SashaHalima ABC= accreditation from IABC (Int'l Assoc of BizCommunicators)- more corporate people are members #accredchat -1:03 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BPrickett I respect those who d/n think they need APR, but have issues w/those whofeel need to denegrate it & folks who have it. #accredchat -1:03 PM Jun 5th, 2009

susancellura RT @shel You earn accred b/c you're a solid communicator; it doesn'tMAKE u a solid communicator,& you don't NEED it to be one. #accredchat -1:03 PM Jun

5th, 2009

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shel People ask me what ABC means. I tell them it's as far as I got. ;-) #accredchat

-1:02 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BillSledzik @vargasl True. And with APR the marketing falls to PRSA. (Ugh!) For therecord, I'm APR for 23 years, but don't display letters. #accredchat -1:02 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat The problem is, most of you that are here don't NEED accreditation, youobviously are looking to learn and expand #accredchat -1:02 PM Jun 5th, 2009

CarlaGEE I'm convinced APR will be good on a personal level & continue to enhancethe profession. Thanks for the info. all! #accredchat -1:02 PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster@vargasl Yes -- I would assert that for a period of time, the agency I anmy partners ran was the best. #accredchat -1:02 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR@ljstarnes do you think your APR would be more valuable had youreceived it from a university instead of IABC or PRSA? #accredchat -1:01 PM Jun 5th, 2009

susancellura I've always been hired for my experience. #accredchat -1:01 PM Jun 5th, 2009

fortworthPRSA Excellent Twitter chat going on about PR Accreditation via the#accredchat hashtag, http:/ / tinyurl.com/ qfs8vg -1:01 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel You earn accred because you're a solid communicator; it doesn't MAKE you a solidcommunicator, and you don't NEED it to be one. #accredchat -1:01 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat@MomonMars You can be consistent with that, but you are noteveryone..Some others may need process and learning more is good. #accredchat

-1:01 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@MelWebster Thanks for the context. #accredchat -1:01 PM Jun 5th,

2009

vargasl@MelWebster For a snapshot in time? You are NEVER the best. takesconstant learning and practice. #accredchat -1:00 PM Jun 5th, 2009

missusP @BethHarte@vargasl@kamichat@vedo - I am on same page as Bethre: PR, marketing and social media. #accredchat -1:00 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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MelWebster@JodiEchakowitz sold it to Omnicom. #accredchat -1:00 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@MelWebster You keep using past tense. If you 'were' the best,why are you no longer the best? #accredchat -1:00 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BPrickett@BillSledzik As I mentioned, I got an interview BECAUSE of my APR and Idid get the job at that time. #accredchat -1:00 PM Jun 5th, 2009

FrancoPRGroup Great accreditation discussion going on right now. Follow the#accredchat hashtag for updates. -1:00 PM Jun 5th, 2009

ljstarnes@alextanPR I found MBA & APR worked together. MBA courses focusedmore on theory and APR is 100% focused on real world app #accredchat -12:59 PM Jun

5th, 2009

alextanPR RT @shel: @BethHarte Yep. But like @BillSledzik, I'm not a fan oflicensing or certification in PR. #accredchat -12:59 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat@tressalynne Like @BillSledzik I worry about how you would get past thefirst amendment issues #accredchat -12:59 PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster@vargasl There was no need for them to take or pass an exam. We

were the best in our industry. What's the point? #accredchat-12:59 PM Jun 5th, 2009

SashaHalima@shonali wait so what's the difference? I've never heard of ABC before.#accredchat -12:59 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@BillSledzik Depends on who's marketing it. ;) #accredchat -12:59 PM Jun 5th,

2009

MomonMars@kamichat Why? Can't I be consistent based on the depth of experienceand willingness to learn? #accredchat -12:59 PM Jun 5th, 2009

juliebonnheath I think it's great to hear some many different opinions on it. Thanksall. #accredchat -12:59 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@alextanPR Not being institutionalized is probably part of the reason for that.+ to inform newer pros. #accredchat -12:59 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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vargasl@MelWebster That's great. So what's the problem? Afraid the other 398couldn't pass exam? #accredchat -12:58 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BillSledzik Accred enhances one's view of the practice, but I've never known anyonewho got a job because of it. Little market value. #accredchat -12:58 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BPrickett If APR is not the "bar" we should at least include it in defining what the "bar"is. #accredchat -12:58 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@MelWebster What do you mean 'had'? What happened to youragency? #accredchat -12:58 PM Jun 5th, 2009

TiffanyTSmith RT @shel: Remember, accred shows that you are well-versed in thefundamentals of managing communication, not a superstar. #accredchat -12:58 PM Jun

5th, 2009

shonali@SashaHalima :) To clarify, I'm not an APR, I'm an ABC. To me the benefit isknowing you meet a standard for comms. excellence. #accredchat -12:58 PM Jun 5th, 2009

RobinMarie RT @shel: Remember, accred shows that you are well-versed in thefundamentals of managing communication, not a superstar. #accredchat -12:58 PM Jun

5th, 2009

vargasl@juliebonnheath Sure...Dm me later? #accredchat -12:58 PM Jun 5th, 2009

archanaverma RT @IABC: Great discussion on accreditation. We're following andtaking notes here at IABC HQ. #accredchat -12:58 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat RT @BillSledzik...Problem is you have to regulate it with a licensingstructure. Good luck ... Too many 1st Amendment issues. #accredchat -12:58 PM Jun 5th,

2009

MelWebster@vargasl We had 400 employees at the ageny my partners and I ran. Ithink one or two were accredited. #accredchat -12:57 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@sherster You shouldn't be. I was petrified, but it was the best part of theentire process for me. #accredchat -12:57 PM Jun 5th, 2009

benlucier@MelWebster I don't think we should use accred as the bar, just like wewouldn't hire somebody simply because they have an MBA. #accredchat -12:57 PM Jun 5th,

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2009

alextanPR@shonali we've spen significant time on the perception of ABC/APR. mainreason=MBAs rarely need to have this conversation. #accredchat -12:57 PM Jun 5th, 2009

juliebonnheath@vargasl VERY glad to hear of that. Do you have a list of others?Most of my interns have had zero so mark training. #accredchat -12:57 PM Jun 5th, 2009

calpolyprssa Great convo taking place right now about PR acceredidation.. Jump instudents. hashtag is #accredchat -12:57 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl RT @kamichat: As @shel says, accred doesn't make you a superstar, but itdoes make you more consistent #accredchat -12:57 PM Jun 5th, 2009

SashaHalima@shonali lol, most of you are :-) What do you see as the no.1 benefit

to the APR? #accredchat -12:56 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BillSledzik @vargasl Problem is you have to regulate it with a licensing structure.Good luck with that. Too many 1st Amendment issues. #accredchat -12:56 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat As @shel says, accred doesn't make you a superstar, but it does make youmore consistent #accredchat -12:56 PM Jun 5th, 2009

susancellura RT @shel: Remember, accred shows that you are well-versed in thefundamentals of managing communication, not a superstar. #accredchat -12:56 PM Jun

5th, 2009

MelWebster@JodiEchakowitz 1. Do they have common sense 2. Can they write. 3.Can they talk to people and develop relationships. Top 3 #accredchat -12:56 PM Jun 5th,

2009

BPrickett I was told in a job interview once that I was there BECAUSE of my APR. Thehiring manager was APR also. #accredchat -12:56 PM Jun 5th, 2009

susancellura RT: BPrickett: In the same way that APRs shouldn't gloat aboutdesignation, those w/o shouldn't dismiss. [it] as unnecessary. #accredchat -12:56 PM Jun

5th, 2009

vedo RT @shel: Remember, accred shows that you are well-versed in thefundamentals of managing communication, not a superstar. #accredchat -12:55 PM Jun

5th, 2009

vargasl@juliebonnheath I am teaching it at Northwood University...and a lot of

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educators are integrating into current curriculum. #accredchat -12:55 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel@BethHarte Yep. But like @BillSledzik, I'm not a fan of licensing or certificationin PR. #accredchat -12:55 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali RT @shel: Remember, accred shows that you are well-versed in thefundamentals of managing communication, not a superstar. #accredchat -12:55 PM Jun

5th, 2009

kamichat RT: BPrickett: In the same way that APRs shouldn't gloat about designation,those w/o shouldn't dismiss. [it] as unnecessary. #accredchat -12:55 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@vanhoosier Agreed! #accredchat -12:55 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo RT @shonali: @vedo A degree doesn't necessarily give you real worldexperience, or test it. #accredchat [AMEN] -12:54 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson@vedo See, THIS is what disappoints me... #accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th,

2009

shonali@alextanPR What's wrong with having a professional certification?#accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@BillSledzik Why not? Afraid people wouldn't pass? #accredchat -12:54 PM Jun

5th, 2009

BethHarte@shel But standards (like planning) ususally stay the same, no?#accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th, 2009

juliebonnheath@vargasl Where is it being taught at? I hear it's very limited, if at all,in most schools. #accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@BethHarte Not an option for me either...this is my last chance...#accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel Remember, accred shows that you are well-versed in the fundamentals ofmanaging communication, not a superstar. #accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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susancellura Wouldn't that restrict practitioners? @kamichat Should PR practitionersbe required to be certified in order to practice? #accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@MelWebster So what do you consider when hiring someone onyour team? #accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th, 2009

SashaHalima@arikhanson link me to the post, please :) #accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th,

2009

TiffanyTSmith@rayatkinson I'll prob get APR as evid of common sense & training &results. Plus I'm seeing more positions that ask for it #accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BillSledzik @kamichat Required? You'd have to license practitioners, and that isn'tgonna happen, nor do we want it to happen. #accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR@shonali many would contend that an MBA is as much about exper. andpractice but it comes with univ. value. why not legitimize? #accredchat -12:54 PM Jun 5th,

2009

vanhoosier@JodiEchakowitz painstakingly thoughtful is my hope! #accredchat

-12:54 PM Jun 5th, 2009

sherster This is the part I'm worried about. RT @shel: ABC oral exam is a crisis

communication scenario. You have to think on your feet. #accredchat-12:54 PM Jun 5th,

2009

BPrickett In the same way that APRs shouldn't gloat about designation, those w/o APRshouldn't dismiss the designation as unnecessary. #accredchat -12:53 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@vargasl Me too! I did terrible on both the GMAT and GRE. Failure atAPR/ABC is not an option for me... #accredchat. -12:53 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@vedo A degree doesn't necessarily give you real world experience, or test it.#accredchat -12:53 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel@MelWebster I did say, "all other things being equal," didn't I? #accredchat

-12:53 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@juliebonnheath It is...gotta have the right educators. ;) #accredchat -12:53

PM Jun 5th, 2009

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MelWebster@CarlaGEE The only value I am adding it to tell you that neitheraccreditation nor certification is necessary in PR. Simple. #accredchat -12:53 PM Jun 5th,

2009

shel@BethHarte Too many variables in communication for certification. Not likeaccounting, where there r limited correct approaches #accredchat -12:53 PM Jun 5th, 2009

benlucier@MelWebster I don't argue that common sense is a requirement in anyindustry. But companies should strive for standards- always. #accredchat -12:53 PM Jun

5th, 2009

vargasl Give me an oral exam or written and I could kick butt! (Afterall I do have anAPR Study Fairy!) #accredchat -12:53 PM Jun 5th, 2009

juliebonnheath@BethHarte I agree. And frustrating to me that social marketing (forinstance) isn't taught in schools. #accredchat -12:53 PM Jun 5th, 2009

epoeschl@shel I'm not quite in the game yet, but from my POV I think it will give uscredibility. No more "what's pr?" questions #accredchat -12:52 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo RT @arikhanson: Good to see @iabc joining the discussion and taking notes.Where's @prsa? #accredchat -12:52 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vanhoosier@shonali it is a super book! Re: Effective PR. I keep it handy. You are not

alone. =) #accredchat -12:52 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BPrickett I have an APR, 10+ years of experience AND common sense...but I'munemployed. Go figure! #accredchat -12:52 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson@BethHarte You mean like now? Only 1 percent of test is around technow. That's gotta change. #accredchat -12:52 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@IABC Glad to have you participate. Some interesting comments re:ABC maintenance u should take note of. #accredchat -12:52 PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster@shel Too bad, because you won't end up with the best employees ifcertification/accreditation is the bar. #accredchat -12:52 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl I DESPISE computer exam...makes me all nervous like I was for LSAT andACTs... #accredchat -12:52 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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vedo@shonali common argument against, "I just finished a PR degree, APR doesn'tsound any different than course work, why bother?" #accredchat -12:52 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@kamichat I often think certification should be req'd, but then I worryabout the certifiers not staying up on trends/changes. #accredchat -12:52 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson@SashaHalima Of course! Just wrote a post on @bethharte 's blog.Check it out. Explains the "why." (at least my take) #accredchat -12:52 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@shel Mine :) We're a small virtual agency. Love that I can makemoney doing what I love, but client results r a priority. #accredchat -12:51 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali I'll say this, I was terrified of the oral exam when I took my ABC, but it was themost fun part of the whole thing. #accredchat -12:51 PM Jun 5th, 2009

iabcrichmond RT @IABC: Great discussion on accreditation. We're following andtaking notes here at IABC HQ. #accredchat -12:51 PM Jun 5th, 2009

CarlaGEE@melwebster I don't understand what value U are trying to offer here onthe #accredchat. Are you challenging the APR to what end? -12:51 PM Jun 5th, 2009

juliebonnheath@PRsarahevans Agreed. =) #accredchat -12:51 PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster@shel Way to wrongly generalize agencies. The agency I and mypartners ran had one of the best reputations in the tech industry. #accredchat -12:51 PM

Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@SashaHalima You're talking to people who are accredited, LOL, of courseyou should! #accredchat -12:51 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson Good to see @iabc joining the discussion and taking notes. Where's@prsa? #accredchat -12:50 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vanhoosier@jonratliff Yes! I found it to be a great big, important job interviewwhere I shared all I knew. Re: readiness review #accredchat -12:50 PM Jun 5th, 2009

rayatkinson RT @IABC: Great discussion on accreditation. We're following and takingnotes here at IABC HQ. #accredchat -12:50 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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MelWebster@kamichat My guess -- the best PR pros in the business are not andnever will be certified. #accredchat -12:50 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel As a hiring mgr, I'd pick an accredited candidate over one who isn't, all otherthings being equal. It tips the scales. #accredchat -12:50 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz RT: @krestivo@JodiEchakowitz if accreditation equals smarterpitches, then yes 'absolutely' and 'please' are my answers. #accredchat -12:50 PM Jun 5th,

2009

shonali@vedo Both APR and ABC are for professionals, not grad-levels necessarily.#accredchat -12:50 PM Jun 5th, 2009

SashaHalima@shonali@themuna@arikhanson I still wonder though if when Iqualify I should get the APR, what do you think? worth it? #accredchat -12:50 PM Jun 5th,

2009

JodiEchakowitz@msullivan It's still on now. Come join us #accredchat -12:50 PM Jun

5th, 2009

shel@JodiEchakowitz I'd like to meet that agency. #accredchat -12:50 PM Jun 5th, 2009

TiffanyTSmith@rayatkinson Agreed! But that's the line being drawn by those who

disagree with PR accred. as a concept/need. #accredchat -12:50 PM Jun 5th, 2009

IABC Great discussion on accreditation. We're following and taking notes here at IABCHQ. #accredchat -12:49 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo@kamichat I figured APR was geared for professionals and not grad-level. Thatseems to be the common misconception. #accredchat -12:49 PM Jun 5th, 2009

PRsarahevans@juliebonnheath I think it's nice to have something to show you"know ur stuff." doesn't mean I'm doing it (right now) #accredchat -12:49 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson@amymengel Employer paid at the time, but now I pay for mymembership and APR maintenance. Worth every penny! #accredchat -12:49 PM Jun 5th,

2009

kamichat Which brings us to a long debated idea: Should PR practitioners be requiredto be certified in order to practice? #accredchat -12:49 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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juliebonnheath@MelWebster Perhaps you should have defined that before saying ithad no value, etc. (grin) #accredchat -12:49 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@kamichat The 5yrs exp requirement was always a rub for me, but now Iunderstand why... #accredchat -12:49 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR RT @JodiEchakowitz: I'm not an IABC or PRSA member. So how do Ichoose? #accredchat -12:49 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@shel Unless the agency focuses first on results and second onbillable hours :) #accredchat -12:48 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@gail_nelson Really good question, I don't know about PRSA but I *think*we are trying to at IABC. Not sure, though. #accredchat -12:48 PM Jun 5th, 2009

rayatkinson@amymengel My employer sponsored both ABC and APR. Hopefullybecause they recognize the value. #accredchat -12:48 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel@MelWebster Agencies only care about what makes you billable. If they don'tsee accred as improving billings, they don't care. #accredchat -12:48 PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster Someone tell me exactly what is getting "accredited" in the PR business.#accredchat -12:48 PM Jun 5th, 2009

RobinMarie@rayatkinson I'd add that it helps define dfrnt PR disciplines +importance of four-step process. #accredchat -12:48 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@vedo@BethHarte Oh this is a great new discussion for later...#accredchat -12:48 PM Jun 5th, 2009

nicolefjohnson@amymengel - I was very fortunate. My employer sponsored my

ABC accreditation #accredchat -12:47 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@alextanPR But it's not much theory. It focuses strongly on experience andpractice. #accredchat -12:47 PM Jun 5th, 2009

amymengel Hehe RT @rayatkinson A lot of PR practitioners have common sense,Ihope, but that's not exactly a global standard of measurement #accredchat -12:47 PM Jun

5th, 2009

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ljstarnes@amymengel My employer paid for it. The SW district of PRSA has ascholarship that you can apply for. #accredchat -12:47 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat@gail_nelson APR/ABC were tests developed for professionals with someyears of real world experience, not a grad level focus #accredchat -12:47 PM Jun 5th, 2009

gail_nelson@shonali: Sure. To clarify: I was in school "mode" when I got my M.A.Does IABC or PRSA partner with universities to promote? #accredchat -12:47 PM Jun 5th,

2009

benlucier You can be great in PR if you have common sense? Perhaps, but thatmyopic statement does PR people a grave injustice. #accredchat -12:47 PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster@shel Must be the rare case. I have never seen any value placed onaccreditation in the PR biz. #accredchat -12:47 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel@epoeschl That would make it a certification, which has been a subject of debateas long as I've been in the game (30+ yrs) #accredchat -12:46 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@shonali Me too. #accredchat -12:46 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR@shonali from that perspective then since much is theory, would you

support this process moving to a univ. level for validation? #accredchat-12:46 PM Jun 5th,

2009

juliebonnheath@BethHarte LOL. It's not your fault that categories differ.#accredchat -12:46 PM Jun 5th, 2009

rayatkinson@TiffanyTSmith A lot of PR practitioners have common sense, I hope,but that's not exactly a global standard of measurement. #accredchat -12:46 PM Jun 5th,

2009

shonali@vargasl I can't afford both memberships. I pay for 'em myself!#accredchat -12:46 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo@BethHarte What?! Thems's is fightin' words sister. #accredchat -12:46 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@vedo@BethHarte I see PR as an extension of marketing.Programs need to be coordinated and integrated to maximize value. #accredchat -12:46

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PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster@benlucier Standards for a business such as PR makes no sense. It'snot about accreditation, but hiring people with common sense #accredchat -12:46 PM Jun

5th, 2009

shonali@JodiEchakowitz Look at your range of work as well as where you want it togo. Choose based on that. #accredchat -12:46 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel@MelWebster I've had recruiters ask & seen apps that have a field foraccreditations, so the hiring co must think it has value. #accredchat -12:46 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@shonali Rich indeed! ;) #accredchat -12:46 PM Jun 5th, 2009

sarahcannon@amymengel I think CPAs, MDs, attorneys, realtors, etc. all have tohave continuing ed credits (and the courses are pricey). #accredchat -12:45 PM Jun 5th,

2009

epoeschl Accred isn't needed yet, but does anyone think that it should be somewheredown the line? #accredchat -12:45 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz I'm not an IABC or PRSA member. So how do I choose? I want to godown accred path, but want to make sure it's the right one. #accredchat -12:45 PM Jun 5th,

2009

BethHarte@vedo See, this is why I will burn in hell... Comm falls under Marketingtoo. :) #accredchat. -12:45 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat@MelWebster No one says you have to be accredited to successful, but itis a very good program to develop professionally #accredchat -12:45 PM Jun 5th, 2009

juliebonnheath Not for or against accred but additional continuingeducation/worksops also of value. #accredchat -12:45 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@JodiEchakowitz Probably not unless I joined PRSA as well, which means I'dhave to be very rich. :) #accredchat -12:44 PM Jun 5th, 2009

jschultz@shel Great conversation, very informative. I'd qualify under the "earlycareer" bunch; sounds like a huge learning opportunity. #accredchat -12:44 PM Jun 5th, 2009

susancellura@kamichat Makes sense and interesting that there are geographical

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differences in understanding the worth. #accredchat -12:44 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo@BethHarte I respectfully disagree that PR is placed in the Marketing silo. I'mmore of a Communications umbrella man myself ;) #accredchat -12:44 PM Jun 5th, 2009

rayatkinson@kamichat Accreditation gives you the tools to measure what you've

learned. #accredchat -12:44 PM Jun 5th, 2009

amymengel For those of you who are accredited: did you pay yourself or did youremployer sponsor it? #accredchat -12:44 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@benlucier flexible structure is good and needed for the health of industry.#accredchat -12:44 PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster Has anyone in this business every had to prove they were accredited toget a job or for any other reason? #accredchat -12:44 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@shonali And would u consider going the APR route, or notnecessary now? I know @shel is happy with just ABC. #accredchat -12:44 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@CarlaGEE LOL! I took it about 9 years ago in PA. The APR prep classTOTALLY changed me. Would make sense the APR would too! #accredchat -12:44 PM Jun

5th, 2009

shonali@gail_nelson Can you clarify? #accredchat -12:43 PM Jun 5th, 2009

TiffanyTSmith Perfect line in the sand :) RT @MelWebster Here's my test for PRaccredit: Do you have common sense? Yes? You're accredited. #accredchat -12:43 PM Jun

5th, 2009

vargasl@BethHarte Both of us are! I am a "communicator" #accredchat -12:43 PM Jun

5th, 2009

benlucier@MelWebster B/C there are a lot of people doing PR that don't have a clue,undermining PR in general? Standards are good. #accredchat -12:43 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@JodiEchakowitz Because I was an IABC member (which I chose 'cos Ididn't want to be pigeonholed into a tiny perception of PR). #accredchat -12:43 PM Jun 5th,

2009

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shel@MelWebster Accred is not required for success. It can be an additional factor,though. There are other reasons to attain it. #accredchat -12:43 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat@susancellura Not necessarily about personal dev only, in DC many jobsare APR/ABC preferred, it DOES sharpen your skills #accredchat -12:43 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@vargasl Well, then I will burn in hell because I am in the school that PRfalls under marketing (The Promotion "P"). LOL! :) #accredchat -12:42 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel@JodiEchakowitz I know several folks with both ABC and APR. I'm fine with justABC. #accredchat -12:42 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@shonali What made u decide ABC over APR? #accredchat -12:42 PM

Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster@kamichat That's me. Never been accredited and with 3 non-accreditedpartners built a 400-person, highly successful tech PR firm #accredchat -12:42 PM Jun 5th,

2009

vedo Since APR is governed by the *Universal* Accreditation Board, then I could be anaccredited PR pro on Mars?! Sweet! :) #accredchat -12:42 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@alextanPR The ABC? It's not about a specific discipline of comms. IAbout

the thinking behind it, which you can apply anywhere. #accredchat-12:42 PM Jun 5th, 2009

rayatkinson@BethHarte I decided to pursue the ABC right after the APR. Figured Iwould go ahead while all the information was still fresh. #accredchat -12:42 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@kamichat Hmmm.. interesting perspective. I've been in PR almost20 years. Is there more value? #accredchat -12:41 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@tressalynne Yes, because I think they serve different areas of themarketing communications arena. :) #accredchat -12:41 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@BethHarte Those that are pure PR think so...I take the "integrated"approach like you, so find APR more strategic=me #accredchat -12:41 PM Jun 5th, 2009

CarlaGEE@bethHarte Where was the Weekend to Excellence offered? #accredchat

-12:41 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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gail_nelson@shel@shonali et al: Is anyone asking grad programs about exams? Ihave an MA in Comm. That would have been a good time for me #accredchat -12:41 PM

Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@vargasl LOL, why?! #accredchat -12:41 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR@shonali interesting. any talk of revamping to also include marcom andSM? many like myself are integrated communicators. #accredchat -12:41 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@shel Would you consider APR at some point, or don't u think it'snecessary once u have ABC? #accredchat -12:41 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte RT @wvpmc: For those of you who became accredited after yrs of exp -what major ideas did U learn U did not already know? #accredchat -12:41 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@JodiEchakowitz In PR, you mean? Yup, I agree. #accredchat -12:40 PM Jun

5th, 2009

kamichat My opinion is that accreditation is really helpful at early to mid career, anyother opinions on that? #accredchat -12:40 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@vargasl Why are you a traitor to marketing?! #accredchat -12:40 PM Jun 5th,

2009

shel@RobinMarie Nope, just ABC (1984). I was never a PRSA member.#accredchat -12:40 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte I took the PRSA's Weekend to Excellence (an APR prep class) and it wasphenomenal. Don't know if they offer it everywhere. #accredchat -12:40 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@shonali But people forget about other elements such as strategy,writing, measurement, analyst relations, corp comms. #accredchat -12:40 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@shonali LOL...nowadays, I think I am being classified as a traitor tomarketing! #accredchat -12:40 PM Jun 5th, 2009

w vp m c For those of you who became accredited after years of experience - whatmajor ideas did U learn U did not already know? #accredchat -12:40 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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shonali@amymengel There is some kind of global thingy, but I'm not sure where it'sat (LOL. How professional!). #accredchat -12:39 PM Jun 5th, 2009

RobinMarie@shel You have ABC and APR, correct? Which has been more useful interms of knowledge/practice? #accredchat -12:39 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel@amymengel APR is "universal" -- smaller and national assocs use it. IABCopted not to, wanted subjective exam & int'l focus. #accredchat -12:39 PM Jun 5th, 2009

susancellura sounds like this is really about personal development and not many of ushave a corp environment to support us #accredchat -12:39 PM Jun 5th, 2009

TiffanyTSmith@themuna Good point re: results. That's what I've focused on, butcan see why a balance b/w conf & results is optimal. #accredchat -12:39 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat Someone mentioned that after 25 years in comms they don't see value, aslong as you're always learning it doesn't matter #accredchat -12:39 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@JodiEchakowitz You make it relevant by taking fundamentals andcustomizing in your practice. #accredchat -12:39 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@arikhanson And, quite honestly, a lot of PR pros don't help, because theyonly talk about/think publicity. #accredchat -12:39 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson@vedo (grin) No wait (wide grin) #accredchat -12:39 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@arikhanson I think it's inherent in the term "public relations." Becausepeople think PR=MR. #accredchat -12:39 PM Jun 5th, 2009

amymengel Any chance of APR/ABC/AMA ever joining forces and creating a more

integrated program? I'm sure there's lots of content overlap #accredchat -12:38 PM Jun

5th, 2009

arikhanson@shonali IABC does a better job there. What would you attribute that to?Better education? Why does PRSA=media relations? #accredchat -12:38 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@alextanPR There's talk of it, I'm not sure where it's going. #accredchat

-12:38 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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JodiEchakowitz@BethHarte I'm with you on that. I want to learn more, so why notmake it relevant to my career and business. #accredchat -12:38 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo@arikhanson gotcha. Maybe @PRSA needs to jump in here and join the chat ;)#accredchat -12:37 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte Don't know about you...but I am convinced about getting an APR & ABC.Just need to buckle down. :) #accredchat -12:37 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR any thoughts on a unified accreditation process - one from IABC andPRSSA - a level of consistency? #accredchat -12:37 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat@alextanPR There are steps within the steps, basics are 1) Research 2)Planning 3) Implementation 4) Evaluation #accredchat -12:37 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel@JodiEchakowitz Heh. Tell it to the accreditation governing bodies of IABC andPRSA! #accredchat -12:37 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@alextanPR Because we need to be the change we seek to effect. Right,@gail_nelson? #accredchat -12:37 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@alextanPR NO...both in the exam one is extended version (10-step)#accredchat -12:37 PM Jun 5th, 2009

janeco So far, it appears that APR/ABC is all about personal growth, the end result,hopefully idoing a better job for ur client #accredchat -12:37 PM Jun 5th, 2009

susancellura@shel - many internal communicators don't have to deal with crisiscommunications. #accredchat -12:37 PM Jun 5th, 2009

epoeschl@MelWebster That's true for now, but APR can be very valuable. Once

more people become accredited that is #accredchat -12:37 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@arikhanson I think you're right, though, it's the same reason I didn't joinPRSA but IABC. I wanted a broader horizon. #accredchat -12:36 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@kamichat That's great to know that they adjust the questions, thanksKami! #accredchat -12:36 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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JodiEchakowitz@shel I would think a combination of both approaches would bebest. #accredchat -12:36 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson@vargasl We fight that all the time up here. People think PRSA/PR theythink media relations. Narrow thinking. #accredchat -12:36 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR interesting point. why? RT @gail_nelson: I do think that widespreadaccreditation could help with PR's reputation #accredchat -12:36 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo@MelWebster ludicrous to accredit PR or ludicrous b/c you think there shouldn'tbe an accreditation process. just curious #accredchat -12:36 PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster Here is my test for PR accreditation: Do you have common sense? Ifanswer is yes, then you are accredited. #accredchat -12:36 PM Jun 5th, 2009

ryanzuk RT @JodiEchakowitz Do U think PR industry would have better reputation ifmore peeps were accredited? #accredchat happening now -12:36 PM Jun 5th, 2009

susancellura That is part of the fear factor @shel ABC oral exam is a crisiscommunication scenario. You have to think on your feet. #accredchat -12:36 PM Jun 5th,

2009

arikhanson@vedo Just saying that's perception in some areas. PRSA just media

relations. PR, obviously, so much broader. #accredchat-12:36 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat@BethHarte Also, for APR, questions are adjusted every year, they ask foradvice of those in the know, I have been asked #accredchat -12:35 PM Jun 5th, 2009

rayatkinson@arikhanson I think both measure communication management andstrategic thinking. They just measure in different ways. #accredchat -12:35 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR@kamichat@vargasl thanks for responding. one said 4 step process,other said 10 steps. diff programs or lack of consistency? #accredchat -12:35 PM Jun 5th,

2009

vargasl@arikhanson Perception...yes! #accredchat -12:35 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@MelWebster Why ludicrous? So many of us have questions. Whynot share insights with others? #accredchat -12:35 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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vanhoosier Read the books, wk through the guide, find a colleague to prepare w/.Encourage each other; give it your all. You will do super! #accredchat -12:35 PM Jun 5th,

2009

BPrickett@lindsaymallen I think that line has to do with attitude, tho...not withtalking up the APR. It's not about superiority, is it? #accredchat -12:35 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel ABC oral exam is a crisis communication scenario. You have to think on your feet.#accredchat -12:35 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson@vargasl That's what it's about, agree. I was talking about theperception of who's involved with PRSA. See taht in TX? #accredchat -12:35 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat@BethHarte In the case of APR the social media section is a very small partof the overall test #accredchat -12:35 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@amymengel Yep, but I get different information from the PRSA than theIABC...that's why I belong to both #accredchat. -12:35 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel Also: APR exam has right/wrong answers, can be graded by non-communicators.ABC exam is subjective, needs pros to grade. #accredchat -12:35 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@JodiEchakowitz Exactly. #accredchat -12:34 PM Jun 5th, 2009

MelWebster I cannot believe there is still talk about accreditation for the PR industry.Ludicrous. #accredchat -12:34 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo I disagree w/ notion PRSA being relegated to "media relations" - agree w/@vargasl "PRSA-Strategy/Planning Process" #accredchat -12:34 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@BethHarte You take the test and then get involved in being a catalyst forchange! ;) #accredchat -12:34 PM Jun 5th, 2009

SJohnson85 RT @shel: IABC is for corporate communicators, PRSA is for agencypeople. That's a general observation; there is overlap. #accredchat -12:34 PM Jun 5th, 2009

ljstarnes@arikhanson@shel In my APR readiness review, panel wanted all focus tobe on broader PR skills, NOT just media relations. #accredchat -12:34 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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BethHarte@RobinMarie I never put my school degrees after my name. Don't thinkhaving a grad degree means much today. I would put APR. #accredchat -12:34 PM Jun 5th,

2009

lindsaymallen@BPrickett And there's a fine line btwn making it important & makingothers feel like lesser professionals for not having it. #accredchat -12:34 PM Jun 5th, 2009

janeco Hmm RT MelWebster: As someone who has been in this biz for 25 years andrun a highly successful company, I see NO value in apr #accredchat -12:33 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@arikhanson Disagree...PRSA-Strategy/Planning Process #accredchat -12:33

PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@arikhanson What about people that handle both - whether agencyor in house? Do they need both? #accredchat -12:33 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte What happens when you know more about the PR/Comm industry thanthose giving the test (i.e. social media)? #accredchat -12:33 PM Jun 5th, 2009

RobinMarie Question: how many degrees/titles are too much? Is Jane Doe, APR, ABC,MBA meaningful to anyone other than Jane Doe? #accredchat -12:33 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vanhoosier for yrs I took "Effective PR" on every family vaca (beach read) & once I

got the study guide and my study buddy, we went for it! #accredchat-12:33 PM Jun 5th,

2009

MelWebster As someone who has been in this biz for 25 years and run a highlysuccessful company, I see NO value in apr #accredchat -12:33 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson@shel I'd simply that eve more: PRSA-media relations. IABC-corp comm.At least, I think that's the perception. #accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@alextanPR Ten step process...use it for everything...keeps me accountableand clients in-the-know! #accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz Is there any value to being both APR and ABC accredited?#accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

gail_nelson I do think that widespread accreditation could help with PR's reputation#accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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kamichat@ValerieSimon Honestly I never looked at the ABC, I am concerned itdoesn't require maintenance, so much changes so fast #accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo@BethHarte re: PRSA & IABC - I don't really know too much about IABC.Nothing against it, I am just not knowledgeable. #accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

mlhujber APRs can reinstate at any time. They need to be a current member of PRSAto use the designation. #accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

w vp m c Anyone have stats on % of people who begin accreditation process and finishwith APR or ABC? #accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@ConversationAge Yep, you and I had that conversation... I thought thatwas the issue. @shel I think it's a MAJOR oversight. #accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali The other book I used for ABC prep was Inside Org. Comms (ed Al Wann), butI think it's out of print now. #accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

ValerieSimon @BethHarte Very helpful! Both great organizations, so it is impt toconsider personal career direction #accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz Great insights via @shel: IABC is for corporate communicators, PRSAis for agency people. #accredchat -12:32 PM Jun 5th, 2009

PRtini@amymengel I think CPAs are required to do a certain number of "continuingeducation" hours per year. Not sure how many though #accredchat -12:31 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR anybody? can anybody provide an example of how an APR lesson learnedhas helped them in a specific communications situation? #accredchat -12:31 PM Jun 5th,

2009

amymengel@BethHarte But in corp comm world, those areas can overlap a lot. Youcan have a communicator doing internal, PR, marcomm #accredchat -12:31 PM Jun 5th, 2009

janeco@amymengel yes, like in any professional industry, CPA's take continuing edclasses #accredchat -12:31 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel My view: IABC is for corporate communicators, PRSA is for agency people. That'sa general observation; there is overlap. #accredchat -12:31 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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jonratliff@vanhoosier Knowing Effective PR is helpful, but the Readiness Review isbig part of APR. Must prove you know how to plan. #accredchat -12:31 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@vanhoosier Are you kidding? They are using 'Effective PR' for the test?Cool... Maybe not so much to worry about then. :) #accredchat. -12:31 PM Jun 5th, 2009

ConversationAge@shel but they do require you to stay current with membership tokeep it @Bethharte#accredchat -12:31 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@WendyIsett 1.5 years from start to finish. I liked the feeling of not having agun to my head. #accredchat -12:30 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@shel So would u then suggest that APR is higher valued than ABCor equal? Or does maintenance not come into play? #accredchat -12:30 PM Jun 5th, 2009

themuna@TiffanyTSmith yes, but bsn't preclude conf. I got in2 pr du 2 my conf.Accred may prov clients w/ conf but results shld do that #accredchat -12:30 PM Jun 5th,

2009

shel IABC accred is about 6 months. Process starts with a comprehensive application,then a work portfolio, then exam, written & oral #accredchat -12:30 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BPrickett@JodiEchakowitz I do think accreditation is one way to improve the

industry and the image (PR) of the industry. #accredchat-12:30 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@jonratliff Yes, it does. With IABC, at least right now, you need to keep yourmembership current. #accredchat -12:30 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@ValerieSimon I see PRSA & IABC as two different areas of comm(w/some overlap). PRSA = PR, IABC = internal/international comm #accredchat -12:30

PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@susancellura As part of the work we do, I think we all need to beproactive in educating others in the value of PR #accredchat -12:30 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vedo@vargasl I think looking at PR through the accreditation lens in the hopes ofwanting to make it a better industry is great #accredchat -12:30 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat@alextanPR Sure, it was in the APR process that I first learned there was afour part process to comms http:/ / tw url.nl/ bepz7z#accredchat -12:30 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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shonali@BethHarte@vanhoosier I'm going to sound like an old fogey, but I foundit VERY helpful! #accredchat -12:29 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vanhoosier@bethharte "yes," Effective PR is what the new test is based on. Manyothers in the library. I love "This is PR" by Newsom&co #accredchat -12:29 PM Jun 5th, 2009

amymengel Do CPAs in accounting have to do maintenance once they pass theirexam? Anyone know? #accredchat -12:29 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shel@BethHarte IABC does not require you to stay current in order to maintainaccreditation. Yes, a serious oversight. #accredchat -12:29 PM Jun 5th, 2009

jonratliff@shonali APR has maintenance for accreditation. You're supposed to dothings to stay current. #accredchat -12:29 PM Jun 5th, 2009

susancellura Still education issue @JodiEchakowitz Do you think the PR industrywould have a better reputation if more peeps were accredited? #accredchat -12:29 PM Jun

5th, 2009

WendyIsett@shonali How long did it take you? #accredchat -12:29 PM Jun 5th, 2009

rayatkinson@kamichat Actually the APR has maintenance requirements, but ABC

just requires being an active member of IABC. #accredchat-12:29 PM Jun 5th, 2009

juliebonnheath@jonratliff Glad to know that you don't. I think it's scary whenothers do. I agree w needing standards. #accredchat -12:29 PM Jun 5th, 2009

ValerieSimon @kamichat Any advantages or differing strenghts you see btwn IABC &PRSA? #accredchat -12:28 PM Jun 5th, 2009

elisemitch RT @vargasl: I'm not getting APR for better job, but to make me betterpractitioner, help make PR industry better #accredchat (It will -esm) -12:28 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz@shonali And membership has its benefits, so not a bad thing either.#accredchat -12:28 PM Jun 5th, 2009

ljstarnes@JodiEchakowitz@BethHarte re: "bad egg" APR readiness review'sshould "catch" those who aren't ready for exam & give mentoring #accredchat -12:28 PM

Jun 5th, 2009

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arikhanson In certain industries, APR has more value. For example, in accounting biz,CPAs understand value of certification. #accredchat -12:28 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BPrickett I worked for trade assn & they administered certifcation for the industry &they understood AND paid for my costs! LOVE THAT! #accredchat -12:28 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@JodiEchakowitz But even if your membership lapses, if you reinstate, youcan use it again. At least for IABC, from what I know. #accredchat -12:28 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@BethHarte Too Pollyanna? I consider self the future of PR...what do I wantfor me and peers? #accredchat -12:28 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@JodiEchakowitz I guess the only thing is that you have to keep yourmembership up to be able to use the designation. #accredchat -12:28 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz Do you think the PR industry would have a better reputation if morepeeps were accredited? #accredchat -12:28 PM Jun 5th, 2009

ValerieSimon RT @kamichat: You need to pick the exam based on the org. you mostwant to be involved with later, since there is maintenance. #accredchat -12:27 PM Jun 5th,

2009

shonali I do too. RT @RobinMarie: @ arikhanson I explain + liken it to an

accountant's CPA. That helps them get it. #accredchat-12:27 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson@RobinMarie Used to work for CPAs. In that industry, the APR helped alot. They understood the value. #accredchat -12:27 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@vargasl Lauren, that's an excellent point. "APR = better practitioner =better industry" LOVE IT! :) #accredchat -12:27 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali RT @RobinMarie: @ arikhanson I explain + liken it to an accountant's CPA.That helps them get it. #accredchat -12:27 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz What is the downside to being accredited? Is there one?#accredchat -12:27 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@vargasl That's not too long! The important thing is that you're keeping at it!#accredchat -12:26 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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ConversationAge@susancellura ABC #accredchat -12:26 PM Jun 5th, 2009

kamichat You need to pick the exam based on the organization you most want to beinvolved with later, since there is maintenance. #accredchat -12:26 PM Jun 5th, 2009

rayatkinson@amymengel Yes. #accredchat -12:26 PM Jun 5th, 2009

jonratliff@juliebonnheath I don't subscribe to the attitude, but I've heard peoplesay it. We need prof. standards now more than ever. #accredchat -12:26 PM Jun 5th, 2009

RobinMarie @ arikhanson I explain + liken it to an accountant's CPA. That helps themget it. #accredchat -12:26 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vanhoosier I keep the PR prep textbooks near my desk. They are valuable, important,helpful, useful. Never stop learning! #accredchat -12:26 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali@JodiEchakowitz Yup, that's one of the things I liked about it, you don't feelyou're under the gun. #accredchat -12:26 PM Jun 5th, 2009

shonali RT @ValerieSimon: @shonali Yes... And EVERY APR I have spoken with/interviewed believes that the designation is worthwhile #accredchat -12:26 PM Jun 5th, 2009

BethHarte@vanhoosier Effective Public Relations (Cutlip) is the book I've used foryrs to teach PR...does that give me an edge?! LOL! ;-) #accredchat -12:25 PM Jun 5th, 2009

ValerieSimon RT @arikhanson: @vargasl@shonali Right reasons: Prof dev,confidence, core skill dev. Not, "It will get me a better job." #accredchat -12:25 PM Jun 5th,

2009

kamichat PRSA also assigns a mentor if you want one. Also, you have a readinessreview where you are coached #accredchat -12:25 PM Jun 5th, 2009

arikhanson Nailed it! RT @vargas1 I'm not getting APR for a better job..but to makeme a better practitioner and help make industry better. #accredchat -12:25 PM Jun 5th, 2009

alextanPR can anybody provide an example of how an APR lesson learned has helpedthem in a specific communications situation? #accredchat -12:25 PM Jun 5th, 2009

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shonali@susancellura Well, it has to be someone who's accredited, so usually thechapter accred coord/HQ reaches out to accred members. #accredchat -12:25 PM Jun 5th,

2009

JodiEchakowitz@shonali Good to know there is at least flexibility esp. w/ running anagency, time for family, etc. #accredchat -12:25 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl@shonali Don't feel so bad now...I have been at this for too long (2 years)#accredchat -12:25 PM Jun 5th, 2009

susancellura RT @vargasl I am not getting an APR for a better job....but to make mea better practitioner and help make this industry better. #accredchat -12:25 PM Jun 5th, 2009

TiffanyTSmith Best quote from #accredchat so far: @jonratliff Agree about theC-suite. Too many think that modestly trained monkeys could do PR. (HA!) -12:25 PM Jun

5th, 2009

ValerieSimon @shonali Yes... And EVERY APR I have spoken with/ interviewedbelieves that the designation is worthwhile #accredchat -12:24 PM Jun 5th, 2009

juliebonnheath@jonratliff That's a scary attitude. I promote and train up-even ifthey eventually move on. They r better 4 it. #accredchat -12:24 PM Jun 5th, 2009

jonratliff@janeco Has anyone gotten a job because they were an APR? I know a guy

who got his GMAT waived at Syracuse because he was APR. #accredchat -12:24 PM Jun5th, 2009

amymengel Anyone on the chat BOTH an APR and an ABC? #accredchat -12:24 PM Jun

5th, 2009

shonali@JodiEchakowitz 1.5 yrs because I dilly-dallied, LOL. My portfolio passed 1sttime. Did the exam a year later. #accredchat -12:24 PM Jun 5th, 2009

vargasl I am not getting an APR for a better job....but to make me a better practitionerand help make this industry better. #accredchat -12:24 PM Jun 5th, 2009

JodiEchakowitz RT: @ljstarnes@JodiEchakowitz You have one year from the timePRSA gets your application to sit the computerized APR exam. #accredchat -12:24 PM Jun

5th, 2009