About accreditation
The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential provides you with a recognizable demonstration of your personal and professional achievement and commitment.
The CFRE Program is governed by the CFRE Professional Certification Board. The Program and the Board is administered in cooperation with leading philanthropic associations:
· Association of Christian Development Professionals (ACDP)
· Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP)
· Association of Fundraising Consultants (AFC)
· Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)
· Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE)
· Canadian Association of Gift Planners (CAGP)
· Association Canadienne des Professionnels en dons Planifies (ACPDP)
· Council for Resource Development (CRD)
· Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA)
· Fundraising Institutef of New Zealand (FINZ)
· International Catholic Stewardship Council (ICSC)
· National Catholic Development Conference (NCDC)
· North American YMCA Development Organization (NAYDO)
· Philanthropic Services for Institutions (PSI)
· United Way of America
Certification process
The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the standards set for core knowledge and skills required of fundraising executives after five years of experience. This practice-based designation requires demonstration of having met these standards through both an application and a written examination.
Application
All candidates must complete a written application that works on a point system. A minimum number of points in each of four areas must be documented. Those areas include: Professional Practice; Education; Performance; and Service. Visit AFP national to download the application.
Examination
The score on a standardized written examination consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover the following core knowledge areas: Prospect Identification, Solicitation, Donor Relations, Volunteerism, Management, and Stewardship. Exams are given at various locations around North American and Australia throughout the year. Three exam forms are available: one for U.S., one for Canadian residents, and one for residents of Australia.
Accountability standards
Upon making application to the program, candidates agree to adhere to the Donor Bill of Rights and the CFRE Program’s Accountability Standards, designed to promote integrity and ethical behavior of fundraising executives.
Re-certification
Because fundraising is a dynamic field and because certification attests to a professional’s competency, certification is awarded for a three-year period. A new application updating your Professional Practice, Education, Performance, and Service is required in order to continue to be certified.
Seminars & Conferences
National Philanthropy Day® (NPD)
NPD is a special day set aside on the fifteenth of November. The purpose of this day is to recognize the great contributions of philanthropy -- and those people active in the philanthropic community -- to the enrichment of our world.
Member Meetings/Audioconferences
AFP-HR offers a wide-variety of member meeting and audioconferences throughout the year. For a complete list of programs, click here for the Calendar of Events.
Need Adobe Reader for PDF viewing? 