CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) Exam 2025

cfre certification

The CFRE exam 2025 is a long and rigorous process, and the exam fees and retakes are not cheap. However, it is worth the effort because it opens many new doors for fundraising professionals.

CFRE International uses a point system to assess professional practice, education, and performance. Candid’s courses can help you earn points for Category 1B of your CFRE application.

CFRE Certification

The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential is the only globally accredited certification for fundraising professionals. The certification process consists of an application, an examination and agreement to adhere to the program’s code of ethics and Accountability Standards.

The CFRE exam is difficult and time-consuming. It is important to prepare well before sitting for the test. AFP Northeast is an approved CFRE continuing education provider and offers several Study Groups, Luncheons, and webinars that count towards your required CFRE credits.

You should also consider taking a practice exam or participating in a CFRE Review Course before you take the real thing. This will help you identify areas of knowledge that you are familiar with and those that need more work.

Having a CFRE designation is also a great way to demonstrate your commitment to your career. Many employers support their staff in pursuing CFRE credentials, and may even pay for a study group or exam fees. Obtaining a CFRE is a significant achievement and will boost your self-esteem. The credential can also help you earn higher salaries and wages.

CFRE Login

If you are interested in becoming a CFRE, the NEAHP can assist you through the process. This includes a review of applications, study groups, mentor assignments and discussion at the annual conference. However, to become a CFRE, you must meet the minimum eligibility requirements and pass the written exam. Once you have passed the exam, you can use your MyCFRE account to update your contact information and submit new applications for initial certification or recertification.

CFRE Study Days is a great opportunity for all development professionals, especially those who are not yet certified. It is an excellent introductory course for those new to fundraising and is also a valuable refresher for the experienced fundraiser, as well as 8.0 CFRE CE points. Taking part in this event is one of the most cost-effective and schedule-friendly ways to improve your fundraising career.

cfre requirements

CFRE Practice Exam

The CFRE exam is what we in the test preparation field call a content-driven test. It’s not looking to see what you can learn, but rather, how well you understand what you have already learned. This makes the CFRE test difficult for many candidates, but not impossible if you use the right study materials.

Getting a good score on the CFRE exam can mean a lot to your career in fundraising. It can help you get pay raises and job promotions, as well as set you apart from other fundraising professionals. However, passing this test requires serious preparation and a lot of time. The exam fee isn’t cheap, and retakes are costly as well.

To ensure you pass the CFRE exam, prepare by using CFRE Practice Questions Study Guides. These tools will give you a structured study plan and tips on how to dissect multiple-choice questions. They also provide sample test plans and help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can also take a practice test to see how you stack up against other fundraisers.

CFRE Requirements

The CFRE exam is a rigorous and lengthy process that requires extensive preparation. It also comes with a significant fee, and retakes are not cheap. If you’re not prepared, you can easily lose your credibility as a fundraising professional.

To prepare for the CFRE exam, AFP offers a variety of educational opportunities. These courses cover both the practical skills and theoretical understanding required of fundraising professionals. The courses are designed to align with the test content outline provided by CFRE International.

The certification program uses a point system to evaluate the applicant’s professional experience, education, and practical experience. Applicants must also agree to uphold the Donor Bill of Rights and Accountability Standards.

It is important to start the process early. Begin documenting your practical experience and keep a portfolio of project samples including development audits, donor profiles, stewardship reports, Case for Support, budgets that show actual monies raised, etc. Also, start tracking your education and continue to attend CFRE approved workshops. Keep track of all workshop attendance through registration forms, CFRE trackers, session handouts, and continuing education points.

CFRE Credits

The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential is a mark of professional excellence in the philanthropic industry. It is earned through a comprehensive process that includes a written application and a rigorous written examination. The CFRE program also requires on-going professional development and adherence to the AFP Code of Ethics.

Formal educational Programs which purport to review or prepare candidates for the CFRE exam will be accepted for points provided that they primarily cover fundraising content as described on the CFRE Test Content Outline. However, CFRE International does not sponsor or endorse these educational Programs nor do they provide any remuneration to the organizations offering them.

AFP Greater Madison is pleased to offer a CFRE Study Group! Join a group of fellow fundraisers to discuss your CFRE journey. Meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month. Contact Creal or Lynn to learn more about how you can attend.

CFRE Salary

Become a CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive) and you will join a worldwide community of fundraising professionals. Earning your CFRE credential shows you have the skills to excel and demonstrate best practices in ethical philanthropic fundraising. It also demonstrates that you are committed to your career in fundraising. According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals’ 2022 Compensation and Benefits Study, CFRE-certified fundraisers earned on average 5 – 16% more than their non-certified colleagues with comparable experience.

The process of becoming a CFRE is extensive and time-consuming. It involves a thorough application process, including an assessment of your education, professional practice and performance (dollars raised, projects managed). Once you’ve met all the requirements, you will be eligible to take the standardized exam, which is administered in a testing center and takes four hours to complete. There are many resources available to help you prepare, such as study groups, mentors and online resources. In addition to earning a higher salary, you’ll find that having the CFRE certification will open up more job opportunities and give you a competitive edge in your field.

AFP CFRE Review Course

The AFP CFRE Refresher Course uses case studies to provide a “refresher” of the six fundraising knowledge domains and core principles and concepts that all experienced fundraising professionals should know. This intensive 16-hour (4-day series) program is not presented in a lecture format, but offers participants an opportunity for a high-level review, self-exploration of knowledge and peer exchange through a case process – just like the approach to the exam! Participation in the full course is eligible for up to 16 CFRE points.

The class is taught by Tracy Sullivan, CFRE, CFP, who has a long career in the nonprofit sector and currently serves as vice president, philanthropy at MDC Neuromuscular Foundation. She holds a master’s degree in Management with a concentration in Nonprofit Leadership and is a certified Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Master Trainer.

AFP encourages you to consider the Jill Pranger Scholarship, which will cover 50% of the cost of this course. The application deadline is May 1.

AFP CFRE Study Guide

The CFRE exam is an opportunity to demonstrate that you have the knowledge and expertise required for fundraising professionals. This professional designation is a mark of achievement and a sign that you are dedicated to ethics, professionalism and service to the philanthropic community. The process of becoming a CFRE requires extensive study and commitment. It also includes passing an exam and agreeing to abide by the Code of Ethics and Accountability Standards for CFREs.

The two-and-a-half day course provides a refresher on the six fundraising knowledge domains and core principles and concepts that all experienced fundraisers should know. It also gives participants an opportunity to apply their previous knowledge to fundraising scenarios in an active and engaging learning environment. Full participation in this course is applicable for 11.5 CFRE continuing education credits.

The course is designed to offer development professionals a review of the main components of a fundraising program and to assist them in preparing for the CFRE exam. While participating in this course may help you prepare for the exam, it is not a substitute for the CFRE International Job Analysis and the Test Content Outline. In addition, it is recommended that you also read books that appear on the Resource Reading List and use the CFRE Exam Study Plan Template.

CFRE Questions and Answers

CFRE stands for Certified Fund Raising Executive.

CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) is a globally recognized certification for fundraising professionals. It is awarded by CFRE International, an independent nonprofit organization that sets the standards for professional fundraising practice.

To become a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), you need to go through the certification process administered by CFRE International.

Application Fee: The application fee is non-refundable and covers the processing of your certification application. As of 2021, the application fee is $700 USD for individuals who are not members of CFRE International.
Exam Fee: Once your application is approved, you need to pay the exam fee to schedule and take the CFRE exam. The exam fee for non-members is $625 USD. CFRE International members receive a discounted exam fee, which is $495 USD.

To obtain CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification, you need to go through the certification process administered by CFRE International.

CFRE certification is a globally recognized credential for fundraising professionals. It demonstrates your commitment to the fundraising field, showcases your knowledge and expertise, and adds credibility to your professional profile. CFRE certification can enhance your reputation and differentiate you from other fundraising professionals in the industry.

CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) certification is a globally recognized credential for fundraising professionals. It is awarded by CFRE International, an independent nonprofit organization that sets the standards for professional fundraising practice.

CFRE (Certified Fund Raising Executive) designation refers to the credential awarded to fundraising professionals who have successfully met the requirements and passed the CFRE certification process administered by CFRE International.