CFRE Exam

Prepare with confidence: Information, resources, and tips as you prepare for the CFRE Exam.

Download the Test Content Outline

About the CFRE Exam

CFRE Exam questions are based on the activities fundraisers do every day and framed against the broader context of best practices in ethical fundraising that have been tested and measured within the international fundraising community.

CFRE International continuously reviews and revises the CFRE Exam to maintain validity and reliability. This larger body of knowledge is researched by a professional testing agency using a detailed survey called a job analysis. New forms of the exam are released regularly to reflect current best practices and protect exam integrity.

Exam Format

  • Computer-based exam
  • 200 multiple choice questions
  • 4 choices per question
  • 4 hours total to sit for the exam
  • 10-minute break between two sections of the exam

Exam Schedule

You have 4 hours total to sit for the exam, with an optional 10‑minute break in between 2 sections of 100 questions each.

  • After the break, you cannot return to Section 1.
  • Skipping the break still means no return to Section 1.
  • Breaks longer than 10 minutes are deducted from your time in Section 2.

Scoring

The exam uses a scaled score, with scores ranging between 200–800. A score of 500 or above is required to pass.

175 questions count toward your score. 25 are pretest items that do not count.

More About Scoring

Receiving Your Results

Within 48 hours of finishing the exam, Pearson VUE will send you an email with your exam results, including a pass/fail score report with a breakdown of your performance by knowledge domain.

More About Results

Exam Knowledge Domains

The exam covers six knowledge domains. Review the test content outline to see tasks and key knowledge areas within each domain.

Download the Test Content Outline

Domain Percentage
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%

Exam Prep Resources

Candidates should plan to study at least 40 – 80 hours before sitting for the exam.

Reviewing these prep tools and/or purchasing prep materials is not required to sit for the CFRE Exam and does not guarantee a passing score.

CFRE Exam Study Plan Template

Create a study plan that's customized to your study habits and schedule.

Download the Template

Glossary of Terms

Review common fundraising terminology.

Download the Glossary

Resource Reading List

Suggested publications provide information on current, commonly accepted fundraising practices.

View the Reading List

Practice Exam

Build your confidence with a customizable Practice Exam experience.

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CFRE Exam Compass Study Guide

Published by CFRE International, the CFRE Exam Compass Study Guide is the only official guide to navigating the CFRE Exam.

Order the Study Guide

Study Groups

Participating in a study group can be a helpful way to prepare for the CFRE Exam. 

Find a Study Group

Taking the CFRE Exam

You have two options for taking the CFRE Exam:

Pearson VUE Testing Center

Find a Pearson VUE Test Center (locations globally) near you to take the exam in person.

You must take the exam in person if you cannot meet the requirements of the OnVUE virtual exam.

OnVUE

With Pearson VUE’s secure online proctoring platform, OnVUE, you can sit for the exam from your home or office.

Computer System Requirements

OnVUE Setup and Check-In

Tips on Taking the OnVUE Exam

Which Option Is Right for You?

There arebenefits and considerations for each testing method.

If you need a special accommodation, such as extra time (or more than one break) due to a medical condition, you will need to take the exam in person at a Pearson VUE test center.

  Restroom Breaks Photo ID Required Time to Take Exam Special Accommodations Monitored by Proctor Access to Phone and/or Materials

In-Person at a Test Center

Permitted

Yes

 4 Hours

 Yes

Yes

 No

Virtually at Home or Office

One Permitted

Yes

 4 Hours

 No

Yes

 No

Questions About Online Proctoring?

Contact Pearson VUE Customer Service