Certifications

AFP offers a number of educational opportunities, especially for the experienced fundraising practitioner. These opportunities address both the practical skills and theoretical understanding required of advanced-level fundraisers. For more information, visit the CFRE International website.

CFRE

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. It also provides you with a recognizable demonstration of your personal and professional achievement and commitment.


CFRE Study Group

The CFRE study group is a seven-week study group hosted annually by the AFP DC Chapter. Sessions include subject areas from the CFRE test content outline and resource materials provided by CFRE.

Study Group Subject Areas:

Current and Prospective Donor Research  Securing the Gift  Relationship Building  Volunteer Involvement  Leadership and Management Ethics and Accountability  Planned Giving  Overall Test Taking Strategies for the CFRE

Once you are registered, you will be sent the syllabus, complete with the schedule of planned readings and speaker information, so that you can come prepared for the first session.

Who administers/recognizes the CFRE?

The CFRE Program is governed by the CFRE Professional Certification Board. The program and the board are 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 Institute 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

The Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive Program (ACFRE)

Certification as ACFRE requires successful completion of four stages of the process, which must be completed sequentially:

  1. a written application
  2. a written examination
  3. a portfolio review
  4. an oral peer review

What opportunities meet the ACFRE requirements?

Candidates for ACFRE Professional Certification should be aware that not all "advanced" or "senior executive" continuing education opportunities are acceptable for the ACFRE application process. To be eligible, such activities must address one or more specific topics in Advanced Organizational Management or Advanced Organizational Leadership, as described in the ACFRE Application and Guidelines.

What criteria do I need to satisfy?

Those interested in pursuing an ACFRE certification must meet the following criteria:

1) have at least 10 years of experience in professional fundraising, 2) currently have or hope to attain a leadership or managerial role in philanthropy, 3) want to expand their knowledge and understanding of fundraising history, philosophy, and theory beyond a basic level, and/or 4) have identified the ACFRE designation as a career objective.