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PRESS RELEASE
First British Certified Fund Raising Executives
77% of the candidates passed the first CFRE exam held in the UK. Seventeen of the twenty-two candidates who were eligible to sit the exam held at the Charity Centre in June, completed the final step to become a 'Certified Fund Raising Executive' (CFRE).
Some of the most senior fundraising professionals in Britain today sat the four-hour paper, which tested their practical knowledge in all areas of fundraising. Only those who have five years fundraising experience need apply for the credential, which also requires candidates to demonstrate performance in raising funds; keeping up-to-date on professional practice as well as undertaking voluntary service. Having made it through, CFREs can't rest on their laurels - every three years they must be re-certified to keep the credential.
Robin Thomas, who recently sat the exam, explained that, “As a fundraising consultant travelling to clients all over the country, I have little time available to attend training courses that can take months, sometimes years to complete. I chose the CFRE because I could study in my own time, as well as complete the application and examination process in a matter of hours.” Another certificant, Caroline Hutt also commented that, “Getting the CFRE shows that you are among the best fundraising professionals in the world. I liked the fact that my CFRE would be recognised in the United States or even Canada or Australia.”
Some 4,500 fundraising professionals worldwide now hold the CFRE. Andrew Day, Chair of the Association of Fundraising Consultants which is responsible for bringing the credential to Britain, commented that, “We want to raise professional standards and the CFRE offered the best way for time-poor senior fundraisers to demonstrate that they are world class.”
The next CFRE exam will be conducted on 22nd October, with four further exam dates scheduled for 2005. For further information contact:
Andrew Day CFRE - Chair, Association of Fundraising Consultants
Morgean Hirt - Executive Director, CFRE International
Or visit the CFRE website
(September 2004)