Become a Public Relations Consultant
You will learn: what a public relations consultant does and how to carry out public relations projects, how to develop your skills to succeed in a public relations consulting career, how to get hired for a job in public relations, and how to start your own public relations business and get clients.
What Happens In the Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course
The Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course Online is an online learning program with suggested readings from the textbook (IAP Career College Guide to Become a Public Relations Consultant). This course is self directed, which means you may study and complete assignments at times that are most convenient for you from the comfort of your own home.
This part-time online course has a recommended completion date of 6 weeks from the start of the program, however, you may choose to complete the course in as little as 2 weeks or as long as 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.
The Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course Online has been created to allow you to complete it without any teaching assistance. However, if you have questions or need assistance, you can receive help from a Faculty Member throughout the 6 weeks of the course. Your Faculty Member is a valuable resource person who can provide you with personal teaching assistance to help you succeed in the course and advice to help you succeed in the career.
Register NowCourse Topics
The Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course Online has been developed to meet high academic standards, ensuring that as a graduate you can display with pride the Public Relations Consultant Certificate you will earn from the International Association of Professions Career College. Topics covered in the online Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course Online include the following:
Introduction to Public Relations
What a Public Relations Consultant Does
- Public Relations Roles
- Creating a Public Relations Plan
- Media Relations
- Writing for Your Client
- Working with Websites
- Using Social Media
- Crisis Communication
Developing Your Skills
- Writing Skills
- Presentation Skills
- Personal Attributes
Getting Hired
- Gaining Experience
- Types of Employers
- Job Hunting
- Interviewing
Starting Your Own Public Relations Agency
- Writing a Business Plan
- Setting Up Your Office
- Setting Your Rates
- Working with Subcontractors and Vendors
Finding Clients
- Types of Clients
- Marketing Your Services
- Working with New Clients
- Preparing Proposals
What Is Included in the Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course Online
This all-inclusive online Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course package includes:
- Registration for the online Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Access to a Faculty Member to provide you with personal teaching assistance and career advice
- (Optional) 2026 membership in the IAPO International Association of Professional Public Relations Consultants for only US$ 2.99 per month
- Downloadable Public Relations Consultant Certificate personalized with your name and the seal of the International Association of Professions Career College which you may print
- (Optional) Opportunity to order official certificates printed on fine linen paper and embossed with the gold seal of the college
- Textbook: IAP Career College Guide to Become a Public Relations Consultant (e-book edition)
Register for the Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course
FALL SPECIAL
It’s easy to change or cancel your course registration. See our FAQ page for details.
You can have all this for an incredible price. It can cost hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars to take other programs. (We found courses based on old editions of our guides with registration fees of up to $999 and more.) We are able to offer you online courses at a significantly lower cost to you because of our expertise from over 20 years of producing the leading online guides for non-traditional careers.
Our online certificate courses have previously been offered for a registration fee of $297 U.S. and include a textbook and professional membership – a total value of almost $377.
FALL SPECIAL: This all-inclusive registration package for the Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course is priced as only US$ 149.00 for the October 12, 2026 course.
Associated Courses
Register today for the Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course. Enrollment is limited and registration is on a first come first served basis, so we recommend that you register early for the Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course online to avoid disappointment.
If the course is full, please email support@iapcollege.com to be notified when a new course date is scheduled.
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What does a public relations consultant do?
Public relations consultants advise individuals or businesses on managing reputation and communication—handling media relations, messaging strategy, branding, crisis communication, and public perception.
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What will I learn in the Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course?
You’ll learn public relations fundamentals including media outreach, messaging strategy, campaign planning, brand voice development, crisis communication, and client relations—to help you build or support PR-based services.
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How long does the Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course take to complete?
The Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course is designed to be self‑paced, with a recommended completion time of 6 weeks. However, you have the flexibility to complete it in as little as 2 weeks or extend it up to 12 weeks, depending on your schedule.
Need more time? No problem. All of IAP’s Courses include lifetime access. -
Can I work as a public relations consultant after completing this course?
Absolutely! The course will guide you through the job hunting process, and give you step-by-step advice about launching your own public relations firm.
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Do I need marketing or communications experience?
No. The course is beginner-friendly and breaks public relations principles down clearly—ideal for new communicators or freelancers.
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How much can I earn as a public relations consultant?
In the U.S., public relations consultants typically charge between $30–$75/hour, with annual incomes ranging between $60,000 and $100,000+, depending on client base and services offered.
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Can I take the Public Relations Consultant Certificate Course from outside of North America?
Yes. This course is fully online and self‑paced—available to learners worldwide with round‑the‑clock access.
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Will I receive a certificate when I finish the course?
Yes! Upon completion, you will receive a Public Relations Consultant Certificate from IAP Career College—demonstrating your competency in PR fundamentals and communication advisory.
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What is IAP Career College?
The International Association of Professions Career College (IAP Career College) is a leading online career college offering certificate courses and professional certifications for non‑traditional and “dream” careers.
Since 1999, we’ve helped over 500,000 students across six continents get started in dream careers—from life coaching to event planning to end‑of‑life care. Our courses are flexible, beginner‑friendly, and designed for adult learners looking for practical, self‑paced options.







