CFRE Exam

Prepare with confidence: Information, resources, and tips as you prepare for the CFRE Exam.

Download the Test Content Outline

About      Knowledge Domains      Study Resources      Testing Dates      Locations    

About the CFRE Exam

CFRE Exam questions are based on the activities fundraisers do every day and framed against the broader context of best practices in ethical fundraising that have been tested and measured within the international fundraising community.

CFRE International continuously reviews and revises the CFRE Exam to maintain validity and reliability. This larger body of knowledge is researched by a professional testing agency using a detailed survey called a Job Task Analysis. New forms of the exam are released regularly to reflect current best practices and protect exam integrity.

Exam Format

  • Computer-based exam
  • 200 multiple choice questions
  • 4 choices per question
  • 4 hours total to sit for the exam
  • 10-minute break between two sections of the exam

Exam Schedule

You have 4 hours total to sit for the exam, with an optional 10‑minute break in between 2 sections of 100 questions each.

  • After the break, you cannot return to Section 1.
  • If you skip the break, you cannot return to Section 1.
  • Breaks longer than 10 minutes are deducted from your time in Section 2.

Scoring

The exam uses a scaled score, with scores ranging between 200–800. A score of 500 or above is required to pass.

175 questions count toward your score. 25 are pretest items that do not count.

More About Scoring

Receiving Your Results

Within 48 hours of finishing the exam, Pearson will send you an email with your exam results, including a pass/fail score report with a breakdown of your performance by knowledge domain.

More About Results

Exam Knowledge Domains

The exam covers six knowledge domains. Review the test content outline to see tasks and key knowledge areas within each domain.

Download the Test Content Outline

Domain Percentage
Current and Prospective Donor Research 15%
Securing the Gift 22%
Relationship Building 29%

Volunteer Involvement

  6%

Leadership and Management

  18%

Ethics, Accountability, and Professionalism

  10%

Study Resources

Candidates should plan to study at least 40 – 80 hours before sitting for the exam.

Reviewing these prep tools and/or purchasing prep materials is not required to sit for the CFRE Exam and does not guarantee a passing score.

CFRE Exam Study Plan Template

Create a study plan that's customized to your study habits and schedule.

Download the Template

Glossary of Terms

Review common fundraising terminology.

Download the Glossary

Resource Reading List

Suggested publications provide information on current, commonly accepted fundraising practices.

View the Reading List

Practice Exam

Build your confidence with a customizable Practice Exam experience.

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CFRE Exam Compass Study Guide

Published by CFRE International, the CFRE Exam Compass Study Guide is the only official guide to navigating the CFRE Exam.

Order the Study Guide

Study Groups

Participating in a study group can be a helpful way to prepare for the CFRE Exam. 

Find a Study Group

Testing Dates

Annual Testing Windows

Testing Dates

Application Deadline

#1

January 15 - March 15

January 20

#2

April 15 - June 15

April 15

#3

July 15 - September 15

July 15

#4

October 1 - November 30

October 1

Taking the CFRE Exam

After careful consideration, CFRE International has decided to temporarily discontinue online remote proctoring of the CFRE Exam as we investigate increased challenges with this mode of testing.  While online remote proctoring is temporarily discontinued, in-person testing at a Pearson Test Center continues to be available. 

Our commitment to you remains: Ensure a consistent, secure, and equitable testing environment for all candidates, necessary for maintaining the integrity of the CFRE Exam.  

Read More

Pearson Testing Center

Find a Pearson Test Center (locations globally) near you to take the exam in person.

CFRE International is committed to ensuring that all eligible candidates with disabilities or impairments, regardless of country of residence, are given the opportunity to meet certification requirements. Read our special accommodations policy for details.