CFREs recertify every three years to maintain their credential. This demonstrates their commitment to continuous learning and staying current on ethical fundraising best practices.
Go to Your Recertification Application
The CFRE application works on a points system. Points are calculated based on requirements met within three categories.
Calculate Your Recertification Points
45 Points
Continuing education on fundraising topics (i.e., webinars, conferences), academic degrees, teaching fundraising topics, authoring on fundraising topics, and service learning through volunteer experiences.
30 Points
Your months of employment as a professional fundraiser.
40 Points
Your actual funds raised and/or communications and management projects as a professional fundraiser.
Each CFRE is responsible for knowing their certification expiration date and to complete the recertification application by the stipulated deadlines.
Log in to your My CFRE Account to view your next recertification deadline or look on your printed certificate.
Check Your Recertification Date
As soon as you become a CFRE, you're given access to your recertification application so you can easily keep track of your points over the next three years. Be sure to update your application as you go.
Update Your Application
Submit your recertification application on or before your certification expiration date.
You do not have to retake the CFRE Exam as part of the recertification process.
Recertify
Your recertification application is due on or before your certification expiration date, which can be found through your My CFRE Account and on your print certificate.
A late fee will be due for all recertification applications received after the certification expiration dates.
Recertification applications will not be accepted after these dates.
March 31
September 30
June 30
December 31
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Standard Fee
$540 USD
20% Discounted Fee
(for Members of Participating Organizations)
$342 USD
Late Recertification Application
$50 USD
Payment Submitted in Non-US Currency (checks only)
$35 USD
$100 USD
$150 USD
$300 USD
*Changing your form of payment after submission constitutes a refund and will incur the application processing fee.**Applies to withdrawal requests for applications that have already undergone the review process only.
To give you the best and fastest service by avoiding transactions that incur service fees, we encourage all applicants to:
Life events sometimes impact your ability to recertify on time. Special Circumstances Status may be available for qualifying situations.
Learn About Special Circumstances
CFRE Retired status is your way to stay connected to the CFRE community after you’ve retired from professional fundraising and are no longer eligible for CFRE certification.
Learn About Retirement Status
The CFRE Candidate Handbook is your comprehensive source for everything you need to know to successfully become a CFRE. Be sure to read it prior to submitting your application.
Download the Candidate Handbook