CFRE
What is the CFRE?
CFRE stands for “Certified Fund Raising Executive.” It is an internationally valued credential that offers fundraising professionals an opportunity to earn recognition for their knowledge, skills, and achievements. The CFRE designation is a mark of distinction, providing heightened professional recognition and greater career options and earning potential. The program is governed and administered by CFRE International, an independent organization which works with fifteen philanthropic associations which endorse the certification process. These organizations are:
- Association of Fundraising Professionals
- Association for Healthcare Philanthropy
- Association of Christian Development Professionals
- Association of Fundraising Consultants (U.K. based)
- Association of Lutheran Development Executives
- Association of Philanthropic Counsel
- Canadian Association of Gift Planners*Association canadienne des professionnels en dons planifies
- Council for Resource Development
- Fundraising Institute – Australia
- Fundraising Institute of New Zealand
- International Catholic Stewardship Council
- National Catholic Development Conference
- North American YMCA Development Organization
- Philanthropic Service for Institutions
- United Way of America
The program is open to fundraising professionals and consultants with five or more years of experience and consists of three parts: a written application, a written examination, and an agreement to uphold a code of ethics.
Application
The application operates on a points system and candidates must score a minimum number of points in each of the four sections—Education, Professional Practice, Performance, and Service—to be considered eligible for the exam. The completed application (and applicable fees) must be submitted for review no later than 60 days before a scheduled exam. If approved, an Eligibility letter will be sent to the candidate. Specific point requirements for each section and a downloadable application can be found at www.cfre.org.
Examination
Once a candidate’s application has been approved, he/she has 12 months to take and pass the examination. If an applicant fails to pass the exam on the first try, it can be re-taken after three months. An applicant can take the exam every three months during the 12 month period of eligibility, if necessary. However, if an applicant fails to pass the exam in the allotted 12 months, a new application (with applicable fees) must be submitted. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and tests applicants’ knowledge in six areas: Current and Prospective Donor Research; Securing the Gift: Relationship Building; Volunteer Involvement; Management; and Accountability. Each applicant is allowed a total of four hours to complete the exam. The cost of the exam in $425 for members of participating organizations (listed above) and $600 for non-members. Fundraising professionals interested in taking the certification exam should contact the CFRE program staff to request a certification packet. Phone 703-370-5555; fax 703-370-5099; email info@cfre.org; or download from the website at www.cfre.org.
