Nonprofit Fundraising Certifications
Earn the letters that prove you can raise money
Exam-based professional certifications for fundraisers. Built by practitioners, priced for real nonprofit budgets, and earned by passing an exam, not by showing up.
3
Certifications enrolling now
75
Questions per exam
3
Exam attempts included
$199
Starting price
Three Credentials Enrolling Now
Every certification is earned by exam. Each includes a practice exam, three attempts, and no time limit. Pick the one that matches the work you do today.
Enrolling now
Where most fundraisers start
Certified Nonprofit Fundraising Professional
The core credential for anyone who raises money. Seven domains cover the full fundraising cycle, from finding and asking donors to thanking and keeping them, with ethics throughout.
Exam
75 questions
Passing score
70%
Prerequisites
None
Valid for
Lifetime
$199
New
For fundraisers using AI
Certified Nonprofit AI Fundraiser
Proves you can use AI to research prospects, draft and personalize appeals, and work faster, while protecting donor privacy and the trust your organization depends on.
Exam
75 questions
Passing score
75%
Prerequisites
None
Valid for
2 years
$249
Enrolling now
For digital fundraisers
Certified Nonprofit Digital Marketer
Donation pages, email, social media, paid ads, and analytics. For the person responsible for raising money online.
Exam
75 questions
Passing score
70%
Prerequisites
None
Valid for
Lifetime
$199
A Certification Pathway, Not a One-Off Exam
Start with a professional certification, grow into leadership, and work toward the Master designation. More credentials open through 2027.
Professional
Core credentials in a specific area of fundraising.
CNGW
Certified Nonprofit Grant Writer
Next to launch
CNEM
Certified Nonprofit Email Marketer
Coming soon
CNSF
Certified Nonprofit Small Shop Fundraiser
Coming soon
CNDP
Certified Nonprofit Donor Psychology Professional
Coming soon
Leadership
For experienced fundraisers and executives who lead the work.
CNDD
Certified Nonprofit Development Director
Coming soon
CNEF
Certified Nonprofit Executive Fundraiser
Coming soon
Master
The highest designation we award.
MCNF
Master Certified Nonprofit Fundraiser
Coming soon
Specialist credentials with shorter exams in focused topics, such as monthly giving and major gifts, are also in development.
Get Notified at LaunchCompare the Certifications
All three are exam-based, open with no prerequisites, and include three attempts with no time limit.
| Credential | Best for | Exam | Passing score | Prerequisites | Valid for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNFP Fundraising Professional | Anyone new to fundraising or learned on the job | 75 questions, multiple choice | 70% | None | Lifetime | $199 |
| CNAF AI Fundraiser | Fundraisers and communicators adopting AI tools | 75 questions, multiple choice | 75% | None | 2 years | $249 |
| CNDM Digital Marketer | Staff who own online giving and digital campaigns | 75 questions, multiple choice | 70% | None | Lifetime | $199 |
How Certification Works
Four steps from enrollment to the letters after your name.
-
Step 1
Choose your certification
Pick the credential that matches your role and goals today.
-
Step 2
Prepare
Work through the study materials and take the practice exam to find the areas to review.
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Step 3
Take the exam online
Sit for the exam from anywhere, with no time limit. Three attempts are included.
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Step 4
Use your letters
Add the credential to your email signature, resume, and LinkedIn profile.
Questions Fundraisers Ask
Which certification should I start with?
Most people start with the CNFP. It covers the whole fundraising cycle and has no prerequisites. If you mostly raise money online, the CNDM is a strong first choice. If you want to use AI well and responsibly, start with the CNAF.
How is this different from the CFRE?
The CFRE is an established credential for experienced fundraisers. It requires documented professional experience and ongoing recertification. Our certifications are exam-based, affordable, and focused on specific skills, so you can prove what you know now, whether or not you pursue the CFRE later.
Is this a course or a certification?
A certification. You earn the credential by passing an exam. Study materials help you prepare, but watching videos alone never earns the letters.
What if I don’t pass on the first try?
Every purchase includes three attempts. Review your results, study the areas you missed, and try again. There is no time limit on any attempt.
Do the certifications expire?
The CNFP and CNDM are lifetime credentials. The CNAF is valid for two years because AI tools and practices change quickly.
When will the other certifications open?
The CNGW (Certified Nonprofit Grant Writer) is next, and the rest of the pathway follows through 2027. Join the launch list below to hear first.
Put the Letters After Your Name
Start with the CNFP today, or join the launch list to hear first when the next certification opens.
Get launch updates
Be the first to know when each new certification opens.