Register Now for the 38th PR Planner Qualification Exam in August 2025

Announcing the 38th PR Planner Qualification Exam

The Public Relations Society of Japan (PRSJ), led by President Yasumasa Yamaguchi, is proud to announce the registration for the First Stage of the 38th PR Planner Qualification Exam scheduled for August 9 - 24, 2025. Registration will begin on June 1, 2025.

Established in 2007, the PR Planner Qualification System is Japan's only credentialing program that validates essential knowledge and practical skills in public relations (PR). To date, over 17,327 individuals have participated, reflecting the growing importance of PR in corporate and public sectors alike.

Understanding Public Relations

Public relations involves building trust and communication between organizations and their audiences. Unfortunately, in Japan, PR is often confused with advertising and marketing, leading to a lack of understanding of its true essence.

With rising societal expectations for corporate and governmental transparency and responsibility, the importance of PR knowledge and skills has never been more critical. The PR Planner qualification serves not only PR firms, but also various departments in organizations and even students looking to enhance their resumes and career opportunities.

We encourage everyone to seize this chance to delve deeper into the world of Public Relations. Together, let's work towards creating a society rich in trust and dialogue, embodying resilience and strength.

Exam Structure

The PR Planner qualification requires completion of three stages:
1. First Stage Exam: Tests basic PR knowledge.
2. Second Stage Exam: Focuses on advanced knowledge within four specialized areas.
3. Third Stage Exam: Evaluates practical skills related to news release writing and PR planning.

The upcoming First Stage exam details are as follows:

Exam Details

- Examination Period: August 9 (Saturday) - August 24 (Sunday), 2025
- Testing Locations: Approximately 340 test centers nationwide
- Examination Format: Computer-Based Testing (CBT) with multiple choice questions
- Application Period: June 1 (Sunday) - July 25 (Friday), 2025
- Results Announcement: September 3 (Wednesday) at noon, 2025

Specifics of the Exam

- Eligibility: No restrictions
- Number of Questions: 50
- Duration: 80 minutes
- Passing Rate: Minimum of 70% correct answers
- Content Focus: Basic knowledge regarding PR
- Official Textbooks: 2025 Edition Overview of PR and the 2025-2026 Edition PR Reference Question Collection
- Exam Fees (including tax):

- General: ¥11,000
- Students: ¥6,600
- Members: ¥8,800 (Employees of member companies)

- Application Process: Via the official website here

About CBT

Using computers located in approximately 340 test centers across the nation, candidates can choose a convenient time and location to take their exam within the scheduled period.