In the competitive world of nonprofit fundraising, standing out and demonstrative expertise is essential. The CFRE certification is a benchmark for professionals in the field, validating their skills, experience, and ethical standards. Whether you’re considering a CFRE certification to enhance your professional profile or are interested in learning the benefits, you’ve come to the right place.
CFRE stands for Certified Fund-Raising Executive. This globally recognized certification helps fundraisers advance in their careers and increases the credibility of the fundraising profession. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about the CFRE certification process. We’ve also included several valuable Donorbox resources to help you prepare for the exam.
In 1997, the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP) merged to form the CFRE Professional Certification Board. In 1981, they started CFRE certification to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of experienced fundraising professionals. The two organizations became CFRE Internation in 2001.
This internationally recognized certification is for individuals in fundraising and the philanthropy sector and validates their skills, experience, and commitment to ethical fundraising practices.
The CFRE certification increases fundraisers’ credibility and helps them find employment opportunities, increase their salaries, and promote their fundraising consulting businesses. The certification provides several other benefits for professional fundraisers and nonprofits.
Increased Employment Opportunities
The CFRE offers opportunities for career advancement and competitive advantage. The certification can get you in the door for a Director of Development or other leadership position. Once there, it can also increase your chances of a higher salary. As you develop with the organization, CFRE International provides additional networking opportunities with mentorship, collaborations, and career guidance to keep you updated on best practices and fundraising trends.
Consistency and Quality
The CFRE provides clear guidelines for ethical fundraising. The agreed-upon set of ethical principles, best practices, and competencies promotes quality fundraising in fundraisers and nonprofits.
Professionalism
Fundraising professionals with CFRE certification are recognized and respected in the field. CFRE International promotes ongoing education and professional development with required education courses every three years for certified professionals to stay current on trends and best practices.
Cross-Border Operations
With hundreds of thousands of nonprofits worldwide, finding qualified fundraisers to address a charity’s needs is critical. Consistency across borders in ethical principles, fundraising practices, and competencies ensures nonprofits can find a competent workforce. The CFRE also ensures diverse cultural and regulatory environments for nonprofits regardless of where they are located.
Advocacy and Influence
An international standard like the CFRE allows fundraising professionals to advocate and influence policy decisions related to philanthropy and fundraising regulation at national and international levels.
CFRE International has high standards for CFRE certification. Fundraising professionals must have specific education, work experience, and proven success before taking the certification exam.
Fundraisers must achieve 80 education points in the last five years to take the exam. They accept a wide range of education options, including:
Fundraisers can only receive up to 40 points for academic degrees and 10 points for volunteering, so they must find ways to achieve the final half by either publishing or teaching.
Before taking the exam, individuals must achieve 36 points of professional experience in the last five years. This can include full-time employment on a fundraising staff or as a nonprofit consultant.
50% of employment or consulting activities must include fundraising, resource development, or fund development. Individuals who work half-time can achieve the required points if 100% of their activities include fundraising, resource development, or fund development. Nonprofit consultants must submit a client list for the claimed time period to meet this requirement.
Finally, fundraisers must reach 55 professional performance points within the past five years. CFRE International breaks these down into actual funds raised, communication projects, and management projects. All projects must have a measurable impact on fundraising for the organization.
If you have the required education and professional history, you can apply to take the exam. It’s highly recommended that you study for this test, and don’t assume it will be a simple achievement. There are several exam sections, and the CFRE and other organizations provide resources to help you prepare.
The first section includes 26 items on current and prospective donor research and delves into the following:
This section includes 39 items about securing a donation, including:
The next section includes 51 items for relationship building, including:
Fundraisers must understand the culture of philanthropy and charitable laws.
85% of volunteers donate to the nonprofits they volunteer for. Clearly, volunteers cannot be ignored, which is why the CFRE exam includes ten items on volunteer involvement. These items include:
Fundraisers must also have a working knowledge of volunteer trends, legal and regulatory policies, personality types and attributes, and DEI.
There are 31 items
Fundraisers must also understand the underlying importance of leadership and management of nonprofits. This section includes 31 items on the following:
Finally, ethics and accountability are a crucial part of fundraising and the CFRE. This section’s 18 items discuss how ethics, accountability, and professionalism can impact an organization.
CFRE International provides a detailed handbook and links to resources to prepare before taking the test. Donorbox also has several resources that can help you study. Sign up to receive weekly articles on fundraising topics ranging from donor management to starting a nonprofit. Donorbox Academy provides free courses on peer-to-peer fundraising and more.
It’s essential to start studying early for the exam and plan ahead. CFRE International has provided a study plan template and access to practice exams on their website. They also have study groups for you to join. Schedule study time to meet and test each other and stick to the group’s plan! Seven out of ten people pass the test on their first time. It won’t be easy, but if you’re ready and take time to prepare you can join them.
The exam application is good for up to twelve months after approval. Exams are administered online or at authorized test centers. After choosing and scheduling your exam time, you’ll receive an email with your appointment details and confirmation number. Be sure to print and verify that it’s the correct date and time! You can cancel and reschedule the appointment, but you must have your confirmation number.
The exam includes 200 multiple-choice questions (25 of which are pre-test items that won’t affect your score). You have four hours to complete it, but most will finish under three.
If you sign up to take the exam at a test center, you must arrive at least 30 minutes before test time. You will not be admitted if you are more than 15 minutes late. Bring two original forms of ID (one must be a government-issued ID with a signature).
You will sign in and place your personal belongings in a locker before entering the testing room. Phones, computers, wallets, purses, hats, bags, coats, books, and notes are not allowed in the testing room.
After entering, you will be logged into an assigned workstation and given some exam-specific material. Do not use these items until the test starts. You will be monitored during the exam, although the administrator cannot answer any exam-related questions. Some exams may have scheduled breaks. Unscheduled breaks will not stop the timer.
When you are done, the administrator will come to your workstation to ensure your exam ended properly. You may see the score on the screen after the exam.
If you choose to take the exam online, you must schedule four hours without interruption. No one, including children and pets, can be present in the room when taking the exam. You also cannot leave the room for any reason.
A working camera and computer microphone can remain on throughout the exam. You also need a strong internet connection and working audio. Do not use work computers, and all additional monitors must be disconnected.
There is no penalty for incorrect answers; only correct scores are graded. Scores for the text range from 200 to 800, with 500 being the lowest score you can have to pass. You cannot appeal if you did not pass, but you can retake the exam.
When you receive your final score, you will see your score in relationship to the highest score. There is no curve, and your score does not depend on other individuals’ scores. Within two days after receiving your score, you will receive official notice of your certification and can begin using CFRE after your name!
The CFRE certification lasts for three years. To remain certified, individuals must apply for recertification at the end of each three-year period and show evidence of ongoing practice in the fundraising profession, continued education, and competence in the field.
There are many benefits to remaining certified, including:
Getting your CFRE certification is more than a credential; it’s a testament to your dedication and proficiency in the fundraising field. With certification, you gain a competitive edge in the job market and ensure you meet the highest standards of ethical and effective fundraising practices.
Pursuing a CFRE certification is a strategic move, and Donorbox has several tools to help you prepare. Visit our Nonprofit Blog for numerous tips and tools to help you succeed, and check out more free learning resources here.
Kristine Ensor is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience working with local and international nonprofits. As a nonprofit professional she has specialized in fundraising, marketing, event planning, volunteer management, and board development.
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Kristine Ensor