How to Apply
The entire ACFRE program must be completed within two (2) years of the date that the ACFRE Certification Board accepts an application. A candidate may request one one-year extension to his/her calendar at any time during the process. Upon completion of the four sequential components outlined below, the ACFRE Certification Board confers upon candidates the designation of Advanced Certified Fundraising Executive (ACFRE).
Eligibility
Practice Requirements
- Currently working in the fundraising profession
- Minimum of 10 years of full-time professional experience in fundraising (or an
- equivalent combination of broader professional experience)
Education Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience)
- 15 contact hours of senior-level management AND 15 contact hours of senior-
- level leadership seminars/courses (within last five years)
- 10 hours of ethics courses (within last five years)
Professional Requirements
- Hold a CFRE, FAHP, IADF, or have at least 20 years of full-time professional
- experience in fundraising
- Adhere to AFP’s Code of Ethical Standards and the Donor Bill of Rights
- Maintain membership and active participation in a relevant professional
- organization (including volunteer service)
Video: In Conversation with ACFRE’s: The Credentialing Process (AFP ICON 2021)
Listen in as five development professionals share how they became ACFREs. Through conversation and storytelling you will become familiar with the requirements of the ACFRE credentialing process, as well as learn tips and insights from their personal experiences.
Four Stage ACFRE Process
This is a brief overview of the credentialing process. For additional detail, please download the materials below.
*Please note: If you feel you are qualified for the ACFRE but you don’t exactly meet the eligibility requirements, please send a letter of inquiry prior to submitting an application.
Stage 1: Application
- Demonstrate basic eligibility: advanced leadership, management, and ethics coursework, volunteer service, and ethical decision-making experience.
- Share active involvement in both the philanthropic sector (e.g., board service) and the fundraising profession (e.g., mentoring).
Stage 2: Portfolio
- Submit materials documenting professional performance from the past five years.
- Showcase personal contributions to fundraising projects and strategies, illustrating how your work has advanced philanthropic goals.
Stage 3: Written Exam
- Answer essay questions demonstrating depth and breadth of fundraising knowledge.
- Highlight your ability to develop logical arguments, communicate effectively in writing, and apply best practices.
Stage 4: Oral Review
- Present your expertise in a panel review focusing on fundraising ethics, management, leadership, and planning.
- Demonstrate strategic thinking and in-depth knowledge, particularly in two specialty areas.
Fees
Total cost to obtain the ACFRE credential is $1,600 USD. The fee for each stage of the ACFRE process is $400, there are four stages. After AFP has confirmed receipt of your completed application, you will mail a check for $400 USD. Make check out to: Association of Fundraising Professionals, memo: ACFRE Application Fee. Any ACFRE candidate who successfully completes the application phase of the ACFRE process is eligible to ask the ACFRE Board to waive the fee for any ensuing phases (portfolio, written and/or oral exam). Retake fees for any stage are $400 and are the responsibility of the candidate.
The End Result
“The credentialing process changes the candidate,” said C. Vernon Snyder, ACFRE, during the January ACFRE board meeting. The process can help you have a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses as a fundraiser, give you the opportunity to invest in your professional development, and allow you to take personal responsibility for your career progression. Regardless of the outcome of your ACFRE journey, you will have moments of introspection, frustration, great disappointment and great joy. At the end, the board hopes that your commitment to your career, to the philanthropic sector, and to supporting your colleagues through lifelong learning, mentoring, and volunteer leadership will be stronger than ever.
