Certifications

Professional certification demonstrates your commitment to professional growth, lifelong learning and passion for fundraising and philanthropy. Certification also signals to your organization, government, the public and others that you employ best professional practices and ethical standards.

AFP supports two important certifications for fundraising professionals:

• Certified Fund Raising Executive or CFRE. CFRE International manages the CFRE program. 
• Advanced Certified Fund Raising Executive or ACFRE. AFP manages the ACFRE program.

CFRE

What is the 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.

The Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential provides you with a recognizable demonstration of your personal and professional achievement and commitment.

Who administers/recognizes the CFRE?

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

Visit the CFRE website to learn more.

ACFRE

What is the ACFRE?

The Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive Program is administered by the ACFRE Professional Certification Board.

Certification as ACFRE requires successful completion of four stages of the process, which must be completed sequentially: a written application, a written examination, a portfolio review, and an oral peer review.

What criteria do I need to satisfy?

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

• 10 years of full-time professional fundraising experience with a certification like the CFRE, 
  Or
• 15 years of related professional experience with a certification, 
  Or
• 20 years professional experience without a certification,  
  And
• Adherence to AFP’s Code of Ethical Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights,
• Maintaining membership and active participation in a relevant professional organization (including volunteer service).

Visit the ACFRE website to learn more.