After taking a prep course taught in the FSU School of Communication during the fall of 2012, 19 of 20 students passed the beta examination for what will eventually become a certificate in public relations principles.

Dr.Jay Rayburn, Associate Professor, teaches public relations and has worked closely with the UAB in developing the beta test.  He remarked, “Our vision is that new practitioners will begin their careers with a solid foundation, and that they will be distinguished from non-credentialed peers in the job market.  It will also position them well for full accreditation when they gain more experience in the workplace.”

The exam is set to become an entry-level certificate in PR principles for seniors graduating in the major. The beta test, under the direction of the Universal Accreditation Board, consisted of 114 students in 7 universities across the nation.  This computer-based assessment focuses on knowledge of the PR profession that can be found in textbooks and class lectures.