The CFRE Credential: What I Got Right, What I Got Wrong, and Why It Was Worth It

The CFRE Credential: What I Got Right, What I Got Wrong, and Why It Was Worth It

Of all my blog posts and TikTok videos, some of the most popular have been when I’ve talked about becoming a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE). Every time I share about it, I get a flood of DMs and emails with questions like:

• “How do I apply?”
• “What’s the exam really like?”
• “Is it actually worth the effort and cost?”

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So I decided it was time to pull everything together – my real-world experience applying, what I learned the hard way when I took the exam (spoiler: I failed the first time), and why I still believe the CFRE is one of the most valuable credentials in our profession.
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Here’s what I got right, what I got wrong, and why I’m so glad I did it.

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Step One: The Application Process is (Actually) User FriendlY

Here’s the good news: applying for the CFRE is easier than you think. You just go to www.cfre.org, create a login, and begin your application. Even if you don’t plan to apply right away, you can start tracking your experience and education in the system. It’s like a running professional development journal.

Pro tip: You don’t need those little CFRE credit certificates from every session. If the program was hosted by a reputable organization (AFP, CASE, Academic Impressions, etc.), just record the title, sponsor, and date. Bonus – recent changes mean that all your volunteer and service work now counts under “Education.”

You’ll also track:

• Professional practice (your years in the field)
• Professional performance (funds raised, management projects, communications efforts)

​For example, I received credit for a building campaign I directed – even though I didn’t personally ask every donor – because I managed the campaign from the ground up. For my management project, I submitted a policy document I drafted that improved how naming opportunities were documented and proposals were generated. It counted.

Once you’ve entered enough qualifying experience, the system will literally give you a green light in each section. That’s when you can pay the exam fee and move forward.

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Step Two: Don’t Make My Mistake with the ExaM

Here’s where I blew it.

I decided to take the CFRE exam cold. No prep. No studying. And even though I had 10+ years of experience… I failed by just a few points.

The CFRE exam isn’t just a knowledge test – it’s a judgment test.

It won’t ask: “Why should you start a donor relations program?”
It’ll ask: “What is the first step you should take to build a donor relations program?”

And several answers will be technically correct. You have to pick the best one, in the right sequence, based on what a seasoned, ethical professional should do.

After my initial disappointment (and, okay, a little self-pity), I registered again for the next testing window. I bought the AFP CFRE Review Guide (worth every penny), and I practiced with sample questions to get a feel for the exam’s structure.

If you’re preparing, my advice is this:

• Start 4-6 weeks before your exam date
• Focus on question style and scenario logic
• Don’t try to memorize everything – aim for comprehension across broad areas

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Why the CFRE Was Worth IT

Earning my CFRE made me a better advancement professional. Period.

But it also gave me something more – credibility, confidence, and clarity about what kind of fundraiser I want to be.

Here’s why I believe the CFRE is a valuable credential:

1. It signals real expertise.
Fundraising isn’t (yet) an academic discipline. The CFRE is shorthand that you know your stuff. It’s like a degree that speaks directly to your skillset and experience.

2. It shows your commitment to ethics.
The CFRE requires – and enforces – a high standard of fundraising ethics. That matters. It matters to your employer, to your donors, and to the reputation of the entire nonprofit sector.

3. It demonstrates your dedication to continual growth.
In a field that’s always evolving, this credential shows you’re serious about your craft. That you’re not just working hard – you’re working smart and staying sharp.

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Want to Earn CFRE Credits Right Now?

My new course, The Smart Start Fundraising System, offers 5 CFRE continuing education credits and gives you a complete, strategic system to build your annual fundraising plan.
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Whether you’re already certified and need credits, or you’re planning to apply soon, this course is a great way to invest in your professional development and build a plan you’ll actually follow.

Get the system and earn 5 CFRE credits now

And if you have questions about the CFRE process or exam – hit reply or leave a comment. I’d love to hear your story. Are you thinking about applying? What’s holding you back?

Let’s talk about it. 💬
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Cheers!

​PS - I hope you’ll continue the conversation by subscribing to Real Deal Fundraising. When you subscribe, you’ll get my e-newsletter, which includes the best articles on fundraising, productivity, and cool stuff every week. The whole thing is curated awesomeness as well as freebies like webinars, instructional videos, and whatever else I can put together to be helpful to you!

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