The CFRE Journey: What Every Fundraiser Should Know About Certification

Like many fundraising professionals, I came to the nonprofit and fundraising world via a circuitous route.

Early in my career, I worked as an office assistant for a direct response marketer who introduced me to the art and science of direct mail fundraising. I was hooked.

But life intervened, and I found myself co-owning an advertising agency for 15 years. Though I never lost sight of direct mail fundraising, the day-to-day responsibilities of running a business and caring for a family left little time to explore my passion.

Fast forward to 2018, when I became Gathering Waters’ communications specialist and experienced the inner workings of a nonprofit for the first time. I supported the organization’s fundraising needs through outreach and communication. I also learned about the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential, but wondered if it was appropriate for me.

CFRE certification starts with a decision.

By the end of 2019, my love of direct mail communications and desire to become a development professional aligned, and I took on more fundraising-specific responsibilities. I fed my voracious appetite for direct response fundraising knowledge through expert guidance from companies such as Work Less Raise More, Moceanic, and Nonprofit Storytelling.

I was finally living a decades-old dream. I had found my calling. I wanted to prove myself as a fundraising professional. That’s when I decided to pursue my CFRE certification.

People have many reasons for becoming a CFRE. Some want to advance their careers, others want to increase their earning potential, and still others pursue CFRE to prove excellence and credibility in the profession. CFRE.org lists these 10 top reasons people pursue their credential. Maybe one of them resonates with you.

Take the first step: complete your CFRE application

Qualifying for the certification takes three to five years of professional fundraising experience and education. CFRE International requires candidates to earn a total of 171 points in three performance areas within five years of an application’s approval.

Acquiring the points is not difficult. To meet these requirements, candidates must obtain:

80 Educational Points by attending conferences, workshops, and webinars. Points are also awarded for authoring articles, completion of academic degrees, or service learning in volunteer leadership roles.

36 Professional Practice Points tied to career experience. One point is earned for each month of full-time employment as a fundraising staff member or a consultant.

55 Professional Performance Points earned through actual funds raised, communications, and management projects.

If you’re interested in pursuing a CFRE credential, you can start an application at CFRE.org.

The application is free and the CFRE portal provides a way to track all your points.

When you’ve acquired the needed points, review your application, and submit it for review. CFRE typically responds within 10 days. Once approved for testing, you choose a date and begin studying for the CFRE Exam.

Preparing for the CFRE Exam takes commitment.

Becoming a CFRE requires significant commitment. After submitting the application, most people spend 40 to 80 hours studying for the exam. The subject matter is divided into six interconnected areas of fundraising knowledge:

• Domain 1 – Current & Prospective Donor Research

• Domain 2 – Securing the Gift

• Domain 3 – Relationship Building

• Domain 4 – Volunteer Involvement

• Domain 5 – Leadership and Management

• Domain 6 – Ethics, Accountability, & Professionalism

You can find more information about the application requirements and a test content outline on CFRE International’s website and in CFRE’s 2025 Candidate Handbook.

Find community in the journey.

Study groups provide knowledge and moral support as CFRE candidates work together to reach their individual goals.

I attended two formal study groups: one hosted by Jack Alotto, MA, CFRE, and another hosted by John Phin, CFRE. Both groups were well worth the time. Our AFP chapter often has an ad hoc study group running, too!

I also met other applicants who wanted to study more frequently. Meeting by video, these weekly informal study groups provided motivation and accountability. I cherish the relationships built as we learned and encouraged one another. I look forward to meeting my study partners in person one day.

I also attended Jack Alotto’s intensive training, which I highly recommend. The opportunity to discuss domain topics with peers, work through scenarios, and share insights was extremely valuable. Each time I attended a group, my knowledge grew, and I became more confident.

Was gaining the CFRE credential worth the time and expense?

Absolutely!

Since going through the process of earning my CFRE, I’ve gained confidence. I approach fundraising challenges with greater clarity and purpose. Meeting the requirements of the application process made me a better fundraiser. Adding the knowledge gained through study for the exam added another layer of expertise. I know there’s more to learn, but I have a solid foundation to build on.

Advice for people aspiring to obtain their CFRE credential.

If you’re considering pursuing your CFRE, you might find the following recommendations helpful, as I did.

1. Start tracking your credentials early. Open a CFRE application as soon as you decide to pursue certification. Use a personal email address, rather than your work email, so you don’t lose access to your application if your employment changes.

2. Document your education and experience as it happens, rather than trying to complete the application in one marathon session.

3. Back up your application and verification of your activities. Keep webinar, workshop, or conference registration confirmations in case you are one of the people chosen for the audit. Keep a separate and secure list of your application entries to safeguard your information in the event of technology issues.

4. Join a study group or two. The perspectives and insights you gain from other fundraisers are invaluable, and the relationships you develop will last a lifetime.

5. Use digital tools to help study. I transcribed and listened back to notes just using Microsoft Word, in addition to converting all sorts of materials to an audible format using Speechify.

6. Purchase the official CFRE Exam Compass Study Guide. The guide lists the concepts related to the domains, along with space for you to assess your knowledge. Working through the guide will prepare you to take the test not only by directing you to the knowledge you need to master, but also by providing the strategy needed to answer exam questions.

7. Utilize the CFRE Practice Exam. A 30- or 60-day subscription provides you with unlimited access to over 300 practice questions. Setting aside time to take the entire exam at once will reveal the domains where more study is needed. Use the test strategy described in the Compass Guide and note challenging questions and review them after you take the test.

8. Create a plan and give yourself adequate time to study for the exam. Many people study between 40 and 80 hours in preparation for the exam. A study plan will help you remain focused.

9. Read the recommended materials. Many of the recommended resources from CFRE’s Resource Reading List will become part of your fundraising library.

10. Take AFP’s CFRE Refresher Course or purchase the Participant Manual. Many find the manual a comprehensive and beneficial study tool.

11. Believe in yourself. You’re already a capable fundraiser if you’ve qualified to sit for the CFRE exam. You’ve worked to achieve excellence in your profession through continued learning, demonstrated a commitment to professionalism through professional practice, and applied your knowledge by raising funds and completing communication and management projects. Passing the exam is just the next step.

The True Value of CFRE

Becoming a CFRE is more than adding letters after your name. It’s a commitment to the highest standards of the fundraising profession, ethical practices, and continuous learning.

For me, obtaining CFRE certification represents a professional milestone that has enhanced both my confidence and skills. Now, I am committed to applying the knowledge I have gained and maintaining my CFRE credential through continuing education and service to the fundraising community.

If you’re thinking about pursuing your CFRE credential, I encourage you to take that first step and start your application today. The journey will be challenging, but the professional growth you’ll experience along the way will increase your fundraising expertise.

This blog post reflects a personal experience with the CFRE certification. Other experiences may vary. Please verify information about CFRE requirements, exam content, and preparation strategies through official CFRE International resources at CFRE.org.