As a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), you have proven your mastery of ethical, best practice fundraising.
Becoming a CFRE opens career doors and possibilities. Be in demand and get recognized as a fundraising leader working to the highest standards.
Starting your application is the first step.
Become a CFRE to:
1. Elevate Your Credibility
CFRE certification is an impartial, third-party endorsement of your knowledge and experience against international standards in philanthropy. In fact, 94% of CFREs say earning the credential enhanced their credibility with employers and clients.*
2. Advance Your Career
With 87% of CFREs reporting the credential has had an impact on providing enhanced professional opportunities, it is an investment that pays dividends.*
3. Prepare for Greater Job Responsibilities
Be confident you have the know-how to reach your targets. By passing the CFRE Exam, you demonstrate you possess a well-rounded body of knowledge to meet challenges head on.
4. Boost Your Skills and Knowledge
Becoming a CFRE requires training, study, and keeping up with changes. During your CFRE journey, you will discover where you are an expert and where to address fundraising knowledge gaps.
5. Secure Higher Pay
Many CFREs report the credential unlocks higher salary potential. In the U.S., on average, mid-career CFREs earn 5 – 16% more than their non-certified counterparts. In Canada, CFREs enjoy a 14% pay bump, versus those without the certification, on average.** In addition, CFREs are in high demand internationally.
6. Signify You Are a Dedicated Professional
It shows your peers, supervisors, and, in turn, donors your commitment to your chosen career and your ability to perform to set standards.
7. Enhance the Profession’s Image
The CFRE certification program grows, promotes, and develops certified professionals who serve as role models in the fundraising field.
8. Benefit Your Employer
The stronger your skills and confidence, the more readily you can surpass expectations.
9. Lift Your Self-Esteem
Cut through imposter syndrome while showing the world you are a capable professional. Have assurance your skill set will enable you to fundraise ethically and efficiently. That’s why 98% of CFREs say the sense of personal achievement provided by CFRE certification has been valuable to their career.*
10. Expand Your Network
With 7,700 CFREs worldwide, you will be part of a global network upholding confidence, ethics, and professionalism in fundraising.
*2023 CFRE Certificant Survey
**2023 AFP Compensation and Benefits Report
