Updated Test Content Outline FAQs

Using the results of the Job Task Analysis research, the CFRE exam is designed as a practice-based exam that assesses candidate mastery of the six core knowledge domains required for individuals at the five-year level of professional fundraising experience.

The Test Content Outline defines those knowledge domains, the percentage of the total exam questions dedicated to each domain, and a breakdown of the tasks and key knowledge areas covered within the domain as a reference for candidates preparing to write the CFRE exam.

Prior to this latest revision, the last Test Content Outline revision was based on the Job Task Analysis survey conducted in 2015. Typically, the Job Task Analysis survey is conducted every five years but was delayed two years in this instance due to the pandemic.

The CFRE exam will reflect the updated Test Content Outline effective with the January 15 – March 15, 2023, testing window.

The Job Task Analysis did not find major shifts in the field of fundraising. However, several key additions were made. These include further acknowledgement of the importance of diversity, equity, inclusion, and access principles in addition to crowdfunding and several other updates.

In-line with the prior Test Content Outline, roughly half the exam’s questions come from the Securing the Gift and Relationship Building domains. There was a slight downward trend in Volunteer Involvement questions. There was a minor uptick in Leadership and Management questions as well as Current and Prospective Donor Research questions. As before, 10 percent of questions come from the Ethics, Accountability, and Professionalism domain.

The table below shows the breakdown of the knowledge domains and the percentage of exam questions dedicated to each effective January 1, 2023.

Domain	Percentage of Exam
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%

Given the minor adjustments to the Test Content Outline, candidates for the CFRE who used the prior Test Content Outline to prepare for the exam should have no difficulties with the exam form that follows the new Test Content Outline. For any forward-going study, it is recommended to use the updated Test Content Outline.

Yes, the updated Candidate Handbook is available and it aligns with the updated Test Content Outline. While similar to the prior version, candidates testing from 2023 onwards should refer to the updated handbook.

The Resource Reading List has been streamlined from 14 books to eight. It is recommended that candidates read one to three books that address any gaps in their fundraising knowledge.

The following books were retired:

• Developing Major Gifts (2006) by Laura Fredericks;
• Strategic Fund Development (2011) by Simone Joyaux;
• Prospect Research (2^nd ed.) (2007) by Cecilia Hogan;
• Internet Management for Nonprofits (2010) by Ted Hart, et al.; and
• Achieving Excellence in Fundraising (3^rd ed.) (2010) by Eugene R. Tempel, Timothy L Seiler, and Eva E. Aldrich.

The following books are on the current list:

• Keep Your Donors (2008) by Tom Ahern and Simone Joyaux;
• Beyond Fund Raising (2nd ed.) (2005) by Kay Sprinkel Grace;
• Donor-Centered Planned Gift Marketing (2011) by Michael J. Rosen;
• Capital Campaigns: Strategies That Work 4th Edition (2016) by Andrea Kihlstedt;
• Ethical Fundraising (2008) by Janice Gow Pettey;
• Fundraising Basics: A Complete Guide: 3rd Edition (2009) by Barbara L. Ciconte and Jeanne Jacob;
• Excellence in Fundraising in Canada (2011) by Guy Mallabone; and
• Achieving Excellence in Fundraising 5^th edition (2022) by Genevieve G. Shaker, Eugene R. Tempel, et al.