Preparing for the CFRE Exam should be viewed as an opportunity to sharpen your skills and immerse yourself in learning about best practices in ethical fundraising.
CFRE offers a variety of study aids to help you prepare for the exam.
CFRE Exam Compass Study Guide – Published by CFRE International, this study guide covers the need-to-know information so you can lose the exam jitters and focus on ramping up your knowledge. Available in print and digital formats.
Practice Exam – Available by subscription for 30 or 90 days, this tool will help you identify areas where you should focus your study. Please note that no question on the practice exam appears on the actual CFRE Certification Exam.
Test Content Outline – All candidates are highly encouraged to review this outline to see all topics addressed in the CFRE exam. Candidates should focus their study on the areas they are least familiar with.
Resource Reading List – This list of books covers content areas within the Test Content Outline. CFRE Candidates do not need to read every book on this list.
Study Groups – View a list of current study groups or submit information about your own study group.
CFRE Exam Study Plan Template – Use this PDF to help formulate your study plan and determine what you need to study.
Glossary – View a list of commonly used terms in fundraising.
Many candidates use a variety of other materials as well to prepare for the exam. There is no one right way to prepare and each person should create an individualized study plan.
