Initial Certification

Becoming a CFRE shows you're committed to the highest standards in ethical, best-practice fundraising through third-party validation of your knowledge, skills, and practice.

Your employer, board, donors, and clients can safely put their trust in you.

Start Your Application for Free

Fundraising professionals collaborating

Initial Certification Requirements

The CFRE application works on a points system. Points are calculated based on requirements met within three categories.

Education

80 Points

Continuing education on fundraising topics (i.e., webinars, conferences), academic degrees, teaching fundraising topics, authoring on fundraising topics, and service learning through volunteer experiences.

Professional Practice

36 Points

Your months of employment as a professional fundraiser.

Professional Performance

55 Points

Your actual funds raised and/or communications and management projects as a professional fundraiser.

Calculate Your Initial Certification Points

Points must be earned within 5 years of when you submit your application to qualify. The only exception is points from academic degrees, which never expire.

Steps to Initial CFRE Certification

Start Your Application

Get started by opening an application and entering your Education, Professional Practice, and Professional Performance experience to see where you fall within each requirement. The application will automatically calculate your points for you.

Go to Your Application

Submit Your Application

The application is a great way to keep track of your points as you progress through the process, and can be easily updated at any time.

Once you meet the points requirements, submit your application with payment.

Submit Your Application

Pass the CFRE Exam

Once your application is approved, you'll receive a confirmation email with instructions to schedule your CFRE Exam date.

You have up to one year to sit for your exam from the date your application is approved.

About the Exam

Exam Accommodations

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. For candidates with disabilities or impairments, CFRE International shall endeavor to make reasonable accommodations. Please make accommodations requests before submitting your application.

Fees for Initial Certification

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Fees

Initial Certification

Exam Re-Take

Standard Fee

$875 USD

$375 USD

20% Discounted Fee
(for Members of Participating Organizations)

$700 USD

$375 USD (no discount)

Initial Certification fee includes application review and taking the Exam at a Pearson test center. After becoming a CFRE, you will receive a CFRE digital badge and printed certificate mailed to you at no additional charge.

Additional Services

Fees

Payment Submitted in Non-US Currency (checks only)

$50 USD

ATT Reissue Fee

$35 USD

ATT Reactivation Fee

$100 USD

Extension Fee

$150 USD

Application Processing Fee*

$50 USD

Withdrawal Fee**

$300 USD

*Changing your form of payment after submission constitutes a refund and will incur the application processing fee.
**Applies to withdrawal requests for applications that have already undergone the review process only.

Tips to Avoid Additional Service Fees

To give you the best and fastest service by avoiding transactions that incur service fees, we encourage all applicants to:

  • Pay online via credit or debit card.
  • Ensure funds submitted are in US currency (if paying by check).

CFRE Candidate Handbook

The CFRE Candidate Handbook is your comprehensive source for everything you need to know to successfully become a CFRE. Be sure to read it prior to submitting your application.


Download the Candidate Handbook