4 Tips for Getting Your Nonprofit CFRE Certification

As a nonprofit professional, advancing your career and establishing credibility in the field is always a priority. Earning your Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation is one of the best ways to do that. The CFRE credential is globally recognized as the gold standard in fundraising excellence, signaling competence, ethical fundraising practices, and a commitment to professional growth.

CFRE International, founded in 2001, is an independent nonprofit dedicated to setting professional fundraising standards through a rigorous certification process. Their goal is to ensure that fundraising professionals meet ethical and professional benchmarks through a combination of education, experience, and an exam. Many fundraisers consider this certification a career milestone that sets them apart in an increasingly competitive nonprofit sector.

When I moved to a new city a few years ago, I quickly noticed that many nonprofit job postings included the phrase “CFRE preferred.” Curious, I decided to pursue the certification. Now that I’ve earned it, I understand exactly why it carries so much weight. The CFRE exam is a practice-based assessment that covers six core knowledge areas. Candidates must demonstrate mastery of these areas, typically after at least five years of professional fundraising experience.

The test is challenging. Passing it requires preparation, strategy, and an in-depth understanding of nonprofit fundraising principles. However, once you pass, it becomes a defining credential that enhances your credibility and career trajectory. If you’re considering earning your CFRE, these four tips will help you succeed.

Start Your Application Now

The CFRE exam isn’t something you can just sign up for and take next month. Before you’re even eligible to sit for the test, you must complete an application that demonstrates your professional experience and education in fundraising. This process takes time—sometimes even years—so it’s important to start early.

Fortunately, CFRE International allows you to save your application as a work in progress on their website, so you can update it over time. This is particularly useful because it helps you recognize gaps in your experience and take proactive steps to fill them. Many fundraisers assume they have all the necessary qualifications, only to realize they need additional work in certain areas such as leadership, donor research, or volunteer involvement. Starting early allows you to document accomplishments and professional development efforts along the way.

• It helps you identify gaps in your experience and take proactive steps to gain missing skills.
• You’ll be able to track and document your professional growth over time, rather than rushing to recall past projects.
• Waiting until the last minute can cause unnecessary stress—starting early ensures a smoother application process.

When I applied, I had 15 years of experience as a nonprofit executive and five years of concurrent consulting work. Because of my broad experience, I met the application requirements, but I underestimated the difficulty of the exam itself. While I had years of hands-on experience, I quickly realized that structured study and strategic preparation were necessary to pass.

Personalize Your Study Plan

The CFRE exam covers six key knowledge domains:

• Relationship Building
• Securing the Gift
• Leadership and Management
• Current and Prospective Donor Research
• Ethics, Accountability, and Professionalism
• Volunteer Involvement

These areas are the foundation of ethical and effective fundraising, and CFRE International provides a detailed study guide that breaks these categories down further. Instead of reviewing the topics in the order they were provided, I rearranged them based on their proportionate weight on the exam. By doing this, I was able to focus more on the highest-scoring sections rather than spending equal time on every topic.

One of the most effective strategies for preparation is active learning. Instead of passively reading study materials, I:

• Summarized key concepts in my own words to reinforce understanding.
• Created flashcards to drill important terminology and concepts.
• Reviewed case studies to apply real-world examples to theoretical knowledge.
• Took practice tests to get familiar with the exam format and time constraints.

In addition to self-study, structured courses and training can significantly strengthen your knowledge base. Our Major Gifts Boot Camp and Planned Giving Boot Camp are excellent resources for fundraisers looking to enhance their expertise. These programs provide hands-on learning opportunities that align with many of the CFRE core knowledge areas, particularly in donor relationships, securing gifts, and planned giving strategies. Whether you’re preparing for the CFRE exam or simply looking to grow as a fundraiser, these boot camps offer practical insights that will help you advance your career.

Identify Your Weak Spots and Fill the Gaps

No matter how experienced you are, everyone has areas that require improvement. One of the most important aspects of preparing for the CFRE exam is identifying what you don’t know and taking steps to fill those gaps.

• I copied key phrases from the CFRE study guide and researched articles, case studies, and industry reports.
• I skimmed relevant nonprofit resources, including industry reports and white papers, to deepen my understanding.
• I compiled my notes into a personalized study document where I could organize new information in a way that made sense to me.

Despite my preparation, I missed a passing score by just six points on my first attempt. It was frustrating, but it also highlighted the importance of refining my study approach. I immediately scheduled a retake for the following month, thinking I only needed to gain six points. However, I soon realized that there was one more major factor I hadn’t accounted for.

Learn the ‘Canadian’ Language of Nonprofits

Although I live and work in the United States, I found myself rereading many CFRE exam questions to ensure I fully understood them. The reason? A significant portion of the nonprofit terminology used in the exam had a Canadian influence, which was unfamiliar to me.

To prepare for my retake, I read Strategic Fund Development by Simone P. Joyaux, ACFRE, a Canadian author whose work I already respected. This book is recommended by CFRE International because it covers major fundraising concepts in depth, using language that closely aligns with the exam’s terminology.

When I took the test again, I immediately noticed that the wording matched the style in Simone’s book. This time, my score improved by 95 points.

For fundraisers in the U.S., this is an important insight. While the CFRE is internationally recognized, it includes terminology and phrasing that may not always align with what American fundraisers are used to. Studying materials written by Canadian authors can be beneficial in bridging this gap.

Why Your CFRE Certification Matters

Many nonprofit professionals recognize that a CFRE is a symbol of competence, credibility, and commitment to professional fundraising. Earning the credential can open doors to new job opportunities, career advancement, and increased confidence in your abilities.

Shortly after earning my certification, I attended a seminar where participants were asked to share a recent success. I mentioned my CFRE credential, and a well-respected colleague immediately responded, “That’s not easy to get!” That moment reinforced the value of the certification. People in the nonprofit sector understand how rigorous the CFRE process is, and holding the credential signals that you are a serious professional.

If you’re serious about advancing your nonprofit career, start your CFRE application today. The process requires time and effort, but the long-term benefits are well worth it. Whether you’re preparing for the exam, looking to expand your expertise in major gifts and planned giving, or simply striving to become a more knowledgeable fundraiser, the right preparation will set you up for success.