About Us
Questions about the PRIA
Questions about the PRIA:
- What is the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA)?
- Who can join the PRIA?
- Why join the PRIA?
- How much is membership?
- What is the membership period?
- Can I pay by the month?
- What are the categories of membership?
- What if I don't know anyone to propose or second me?
- I have put in my application but haven't heard anything from the PRIA?
- Does the PRIA have a social media presence?
- OK so I have joined why aren't I listed on your database?
- What is the Registered Consultancies Group (RCG)?
- Do you have corporate membership?
- I know someone worked in PR can I get in touch with them through the PRIA?
- I have a complaint about a member's ethics what should I do?
Questions about your Membership to the PRIA:
- Can I change my details online?
- How can I regrade my membership?
- What happens if I let my membership lapse?
- Can I obtain my boss' login details?
- My membership has lapsed how do I rejoin the PRIA and what are the consequences?
- Can I put my membership on hold for a while?
- I am about to retire but want to continue to be a support to the profession - do you have a retired rate?
- Can I use the PRIA logo?
What is the Public Relations Institute of Australia (PRIA)?
It is the professional association for people working in public relations and corporate communications in Australia. There is a branch in each state and a national executive.
Who can join the PRIA?
Students studying tertiary communication related courses, people working in PR, people with an approved qualification and those with previous experience in PR can join the PRIA.
Why join the PRIA?
Employers know PRIA members have been through a process of accreditation and are bound by a code of ethics. At the higher levels you can include the letters APRIA or MPRIA after your name. Being a member is also a great way to make contacts, broaden your networks and participate in professional development and social activities. An annual awards program for members recognises best practice in public relations at both the state and national level. There is also a special category for young practitioners.
What are the categories of membership?
- The professional grade of Member (MPRIA) is restricted to those who satisfy PRIA accreditation requirements with respect to public relations knowledge, skills and full time practical experience.
- Associate (APRIA) membership is open to anyone working in public relations/communication or an industry related role who satisfies the Board as to their suitability for membership of the PRIA and agrees to abide by the code of ethics.
- Members who have provided outstanding service to the public relations profession are invited to the grade of Fellow (FPRIA).
- Student membership is open to full and part time undergraduate students studying communication related courses at tertiary level; and full time postgraduate students studying communication related courses, at the discretion of the PRIA.
How much is membership?
Membership fees are $325 a year for professional members and $60 a year for Students (inc GST). You can join and pay online or request an invoice be sent to you. New membership fees are charged pro rata from the time you apply and are calculated automatically when you apply. All fees are tax deductible.
How can I regrade my membership?
Admission to the PRIA is generally at the non professional grades of Student. Students are allowed up to one year after graduation at the Student grade while securing full time public relations employment. Students do not have to pay the joining fee as long as there is no break in their membership from Student to non student levels.
Associates should apply for regrading to the professional grades after having gained three years experience (with an accredited degree) or five years experience (without an accredited degree).
Can I pay by the month?
Sure - the PRIA has recently instituted a pay by the month system - more information soon.
What are the categories of membership?
There are four grades of membership spanning different levels of experience and qualifications in public relations and communication. These are:
Student - Enrolled in a full or part-time tertiary course and not yet working full time in a communication related role
Associate (APRIA) - Anyone working in public relations/communication or an industry related role who satisfies the Board as to their suitability for membership of the PRIA and agrees to abide by the code of ethics. Their application must be supported by two other Associates or Members or Fellows of the Institute.
Member (MPRIA) - Anyone with more than five years full time experience in public relations/communication or related role (three years with a PRIA accredited degree) and whose application is supported by two other Members or Fellows of the Institute.
Fellow (FPRIA) - By invitation, and in recognition of outstanding service to the industry. View the appointment process here.
The Board may grant exceptions if you possesses qualifications and experience equivalent to the specific grade.