CRFE Certification

Demonstrate Your Professional Achievement

AFP Chicago works to preserve public trust by upholding the highest standards of performance and ethics for our profession. We are an approved provider of continuing education credits for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential – a clear demonstration of your professional achievement and personal commitment to your work.

Earn & Track Your Continuing Education Credits

Your full participation in AFP Chicago educational programs can translate into credits for initial certification as well as recertification. When you receive and maintain your certification, you are responsible for tracking your credits. For your convenience, you can download CFRE tracking form here.

2024 CFRE Tracking Form

Get Expert Help

AFP Global offers a comprehensive course to help prepare for the CFRE exam – which is administered and governed by CFRE International, a global nonprofit in which our parent organization, AFP International, is a collaborative and active participant.

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.

Examination

Candidates must achieve the passing score on a standardized written examination consisting of 225 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 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.

For more information on the CFRE designation please visit www.cfre.org