The designations do not guarantee employment, advancement, or job security. They do declare to colleagues, employers, donors, and prospects that the fundraiser has a level of personal competency and professional achievement that is standardized for the field. Increasingly, job announcements list CFRE credentials as required or preferred.
Knowing and doing, of course, are two different things. An accomplished doer can go through a lifetime of fundraising successes without being a CFRE. That said, two separate salary surveys conducted in 2000 show that certified fundraisers earned an average 17% more than non-certified fundraisers. Certification also brings an internationally recognized credential, a sense of accomplishment and of commitment, and the promise of greater professional successes and career advancements.
The CFREICB was founded by the AFP and the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy, which had separate certification programs. Seven other leading philanthropic associations have added their support. These nine represent a diversity of healthcare, religious, higher education, youth, and community service organizations.
Candidates for certification must complete an application that surveys their education, professional practice, professional performance, and service to community organizations and professional associations. The application must be reviewed and approved before candidates sit for the examination. The examination tests in six areas of basic knowledge: prospect identification, solicitation, donor relations, volunteerism, management, and stewardship.
Candidates must be recertified every three years in order to keep their credentials.
For more information, including downloadable application form, downloadable candidate handbook, examination dates and sites, and fee schedule, visit http://www.cfre.org.
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