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Best public relations specialist certifications
Public relations specialist certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an public relations specialist to employers. However, not all public relations specialist certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a public relations specialist are Accreditation in Public Relations (PR), Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), and Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI).
Below is a list of the best public relations specialist certifications. Obtaining an public relations specialist certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
6 best certifications for public relations specialists
| Rank | Public relations specialist certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Accreditation in Public Relations (PR) | PRSA |
| 2 | Professional Certified Marketer (PCM) | AMA |
| 3 | Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI) | National Boar... |
| 4 | Certified Manager Certification (CM) | ICPM |
| 5 | Certified Social Marketing Associate (CSMA) | eMA |
| 6 | Communication Management Professional (CMP) | GCCC |
6 best public relations specialist certifications
1. 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.
- 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)
2. 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.
- 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)
3. 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.
- 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)
4. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- 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?
5. Certified Social Marketing Associate (CSMA)
The CSMA examination tests your knowledge of concepts and specifics in social marketing.
- 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?
6. Communication Management Professional (CMP)
•The Communication Management Professional certification is aimed at the generalist/specialist level, a mid-level stage in the communication professional's development, for those with 6-8 years of experience in the communication field.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
What is the best certification for a public relations specialist?
The best public relations specialist certification is Accreditation in Public Relations (PR). The Accreditation in Public Relations (PR) is awarded by the Public Relations Society of America. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this public relations specialist certification:
- To become a certified Accreditation in Public Relations (PR), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 3 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for public relations specialists?
The most in-demand public relations specialist certification is Accreditation in Public Relations based on all active job postings. Having this public relations specialist certification will give you access to more public relations specialist jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a public relations specialist career and salary?
The Accreditation in Public Relations certification will help you to secure a public relations manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A public relations manager's average salary is $88,261 whereas public relations specialists make an average salary of $48,124.
The most common combination of public relations specialist certifications include: Accreditation in Public Relations (PR), Professional Certified Marketer (PCM), and Certified Medical Interpreter - Spanish (CMI).
Online courses for public relations specialists to earn certifications
1. Data Streaming
Learn how to process data in real-time by building fluency in modern data engineering tools, such as Apache Spark, Kafka, Spark Streaming, and Kafka Streaming. ...
2. Introduction to Public Relations and the Media
This specialization is ideal for learners interested in how to practice public relations and branding communication. You will learn how to use different tools to manage your company’s reputation. You will learn about different forms of media, how to work with journalists, and how to plan strategic communication to enhance your company. And you will emerge from this specialization with several portfolio pieces, including a media contact list, press release, pitch, and crisis communication plan...
3. Communicating with the Public
Rooted in theater, journalism and humanities practices, this course presents tools and techniques that help you improve your public-facing communication skills, particularly when describing your work to a lay audience. Whether it’s a 30-second elevator pitch or speaking to a large organization, “Communicating with the Public” will boost your confidence in any speech-communication scenario...
4. Public Relations: Media Crisis Communications
Public Relations: You Can Shape and Control Your Media Messages at The Worst Possible Times...
5. Press Coverage, Publicity & Public Relations For Branding
Public relations to reach 100,000+ people with influencer marketing, publicity, and press coverage for personal branding...
6. Integrated Marketing Communications: Advertising, Public Relations, Digital Marketing and more
Just how familiar are you with a marketing communication campaign? Learn more about this key pillar in the marketing mix and use it to give the push your product or service needs. Through this course you will understand the most important issues when planning and evaluating marketing communications strategies and executions in order to create valuable brands and win consumers. You'll be able to combine the appropriate theories and models with practical information to make better marketing...
7. Breastfeeding: Public Health Perspectives
Engaging in this course will provide you with the opportunity to think about breastfeeding and its public health implications. The Socio-Ecological Model will be the framework of the course as we think about how each level of the Model (individual, interpersonal, community, organizational, and public policy) impacts breastfeeding practices in the United States, and globally. Through short video lectures you will be introduced to relevant topics related to the public health perspectives of...
8. The Ultimate Public Relations Masterclass
Everything you need to know to be successful at PR in a digital world...
9. Communication Skills Masterclass - Your Communication Guide
Communication Skill For Business Communication & Effective Communication In Workplace & Relationships...
10. Leadership for Public Health Crises
Leadership for Public Health Crises will enable current and prospective managers, directors, unit heads, and elected officials to effectively lead their organizational response to profound health-related emergencies and to build leadership capacity across multiple sectors, agencies, organizations, and divisions. This series of courses prepares graduate students (in, e.g., public administration, public health, social work, business, homeland security, education, and related fields) and...
11. The Art of Public Speaking
Master Public Speaking: Deliver Unforgettable Speeches & Presentations With The World's Most Decorated Public Speaker...
12. Executive Communication Training
Being a great leader without being a great communicator is nearly impossible...
13. The Art of Communications - Become A Master Communicator
Communication skills training. Confidence. Public Speaking. Promotion. Body Language. Pay raise. Job interview. Speech...
14. Communication Skills for Beginners
Start Building Your Communication Skills Now...
15. Public Speaking & Communicating: Skip Theory, Master the Art
Public Speaking,Presenting,Communicating. After years in the Making: The Spark Words method has been proven by Thousands...
16. Public Speaking: A tactical approach
This course will teach public speaking, communication skills and storytelling in an entirely new way...
17. Introduction to International Relations
International Relations for beginners: history, theories, states, sovereignty, war, peace, int. organisations, economy...
18. Public Speaking Training & Facilitator Certification
World-class public speaking training: Learn presentation skills, engage your audience, develop confidence, facilitate...
19. Communication Skills - 7 Communication Courses In 1
Master Communication Skills: Learn Persuasion, Negotiation, Body Language, Emotional Intelligence & More!...
20. Communication Skills Masterclass: Speak Like A Leader
Master Public Speaking, Business Communication, Presentation Skills, Storytelling, Body Language, Listening & More!...