Are You Certified?

Since December 1992, I have proudly held the Certified Fund Raising Executive certification from CFRE International. Prior to 1992, I already had experience as a fundraising professional for several years. That said, I felt a need to be certified because I knew CFRE International supported and encouraged fundraising professionals to aspire to the highest standards of professional competence and ethical practice in serving the public sector.

Nonprofit executives truly hold the public trust, and your reputation and the institutional reputation mean everything. We ask for time, talent and treasure from many, and they need to believe and have faith in our ability to be honest in our dealings. I studied for and passed the CFRE exam in Chicago. I had also been in the profession for more than five years, which is a requirement to take the CFRE exam.

I was motivated to obtain the CFRE because I knew professionals with CFRE certification earned 17 percent more than their noncertified counterparts. I learned that having a CFRE can increase credibility, improve career opportunities, develop skills and knowledge, and enhance one's professional image. The certification reflects achievement, fosters peer recognition and enriches self-esteem.

More than 5,300 professionals currently hold this certification. There is also an advanced certified fundraising executive certification (ACFRE), held by approximately 100 professionals. The bearer of the ACFRE designation possesses senior-level fundraising knowledge, skills as well as leadership, management and professional standards. Each year, hundreds of CFRE and ACFRE professionals receive critical, real-time continuing education that prepares them for today's changing world of international philanthropy.

I am in full support of continuing education and certification. The Association of Fundraising Professionals has an international membership of more than 30,000 members. The organization fosters development and growth of fundraising professionals and promotes high ethical standards and education in the fundraising profession. The Association for Healthcare Philanthropy is also an international organization with 5,000 members that represent more than 2,200 health care facilities. This organization also provides continuing education and training to an array of professionals on a daily basis. Both organizations provide a much-needed service and are very well-respected in the profession.