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Best public relations officer certifications

The best certifications for a public relations officer are Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), Accreditation in Public Relations (PR), and Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS).

Public relations officer certifications demonstrate your competency as a public relations officer to employers. However, not all public relations officer certifications provide the same value.

Below is a list of the best public relations officer certifications. Obtaining a public relations officer certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.

4 best certifications for public relations officers

4 best public relations officer certifications

1. Professional Certified Marketer (PCM)

Being a top marketer means continually enhancing your skills as well as highlighting your accomplishments. The American Marketing Association's Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) program gives you a tangible, convenient way to do both. You can earn the PCM designation by passing a comprehensive exam covering the key areas of marketing. Developed with input from hundreds of marketing experts, the PCM program meets strict national professional certification criteria and standards for excellence in marketing.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
Certifying organization
American Marketing Association

2. Accreditation in Public Relations (PR)

APR certification proves you have successfully demonstrated competency in the knowledge, skills and abilities required to practice public relations effectively in today's business arena.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? Yes
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)

3. Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS)

Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers (BLS) uses a scenario-based approach to develop the critical thinking and problem solving skills that drive better patient outcomes. Consistent with AHA Guidelines for CPR/ECC. Covers breathing and cardiac emergencies - including CPR, AED, and obstructed airway - for adult, child, and infant patients. Free, two-year digital "Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers" certificate upon course completion..

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? 
Certifying website
Basic Life Support for...

4. Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI)

The mission of the National Board is to foster improved healthcare outcomes, patient safety and patient/provider communication, by elevating the standards for and quality of medical interpreting through a nationally recognized and accredited certification for medical interpreters.

Certification details
  • More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
  • More than two years of work experience required? No
  • Oral or written exam required? Yes
  • Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)

What is the best certification for a public relations officer?

The best public relations officer certification is Professional Certified Marketer (PCM). The Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) is awarded by the American Marketing Association. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.

Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this public relations officer certification:

  • To become a certified Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), you need to pass the exam.
  • Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
  • Renew certification every 3 year.

What certifications can impact a public relations officer career and salary?

The Accreditation in Public Relations certification will help you to secure a account executive position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A account executive's average salary is $57,965 whereas public relations officers make an average salary of $33,646.

Best certifications

The most common combination of public relations officer certifications include: Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), Accreditation in Public Relations (PR), and Basic Life Support for Healthcare and Public Safety (BLS).

Online courses for public relations officers to earn certifications

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