Top 10 Director of Development Certifications

Certifications are important for a director of development in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the role. They provide potential employers with evidence that the individual is qualified to lead fundraising efforts and manage the development team. In addition, certifications can help distinguish a director of development from other applicants and can give them an edge when competing for positions. Certifications also show potential employers that the individual is committed to their profession and has taken steps to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Directors of Development and explain how they can help to enhance a Director of Development's career.

What are Director of Development Certifications?

Director of Development certification is a professional designation awarded to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and expertise necessary to lead the development of an organization or program. This certification demonstrates that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of development, including fundraising, marketing, community outreach and project management.

Having this certification can be beneficial in many ways. It can help an individual stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs in the field of development. Additionally, having this certification shows employers that the individual has the skills needed to effectively manage projects and develop successful strategies for fundraising and marketing. Furthermore, it can open doors to new opportunities within the industry as employers recognize this certification as a sign of experience and competency in development work. Finally, having Director of Development certification can provide credibility when working with partners and donors as they will feel confident that they are working with someone who knows what they are doing.

Pro Tip: When considering a Director of Development certification program, look for one that provides comprehensive training in fundraising and development strategies, as well as a strong focus on ethical practices. Additionally, ensure the program offers guidance on how to create successful grant proposals and cultivate relationships with potential donors.

Related: What does a Director of Development do?

Top 10 Director of Development Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Director of Developments today.

1. Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE)

The Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) is a professional certification offered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to manage successful fundraising programs. The CFRE credential is based on standards developed by the AFP and its International Board of Standards for Professional Practice in Fundraising.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least five years of paid, full-time fundraising experience within the last 10 years; completing a minimum of 75 hours of continuing education in fundraising; and passing a written examination. The exam covers topics such as donor relations, ethics, financial management, legal compliance, stewardship and volunteer management.

The process to become certified typically takes about six months from start to finish. Applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as transcripts or letters of reference. Once accepted into the program, applicants must register for and pass the CFRE examination. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CFRE certificate.

The cost to become certified varies depending on your membership status with AFP. Non-members pay $695 USD while members pay $495 USD. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 USD for all applicants regardless of membership status.

2. Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP)

Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of nonprofit management. The CNP credential is awarded by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, an organization dedicated to preparing and certifying professionals for leadership roles in the nonprofit sector.

The CNP certification process involves completing a series of courses and assessments designed to demonstrate mastery of core competencies related to nonprofit management. To become certified, applicants must complete six core courses, pass an online assessment, and submit a portfolio demonstrating their skills and experience. The courses cover topics such as strategic planning, financial management, fundraising, marketing, volunteer management, and board governance.

It typically takes three to four months to complete the CNP program. Applicants can choose from several different formats including self-paced online learning or instructor-led virtual classes.

The cost of the CNP program depends on which format you choose; self-paced online learning costs $1,295 while instructor-led virtual classes cost $2,395. Additional fees may apply for materials or other services.

3. Certified Grant Writer (CGW)

A Certified Grant Writer (CGW) is a professional who has been certified by the Grant Professionals Certification Institute (GPCI). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of grant professionals. It is a voluntary credential that demonstrates a commitment to ethical practice and continuing education in the field of grant writing.

To become a CGW, you must have at least two years of experience in grant writing or related fields, such as fundraising or nonprofit management. You must also complete an online application and pass an exam administered by GPCI. The exam covers topics such as grant writing techniques, research methods, proposal development, budgeting, and evaluation. The exam can be taken online or in person at designated testing centers.

It typically takes three to four months to complete the application process and take the exam. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CGW certification from GPCI within six weeks.

The cost for becoming a CGW varies depending on how you choose to take the exam. If you take it online, it costs $550; if you take it in person at a designated testing center, it costs $650.

4. Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP)

Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) is a professional certification for those working in the nonprofit accounting sector. It is designed to recognize individuals who have met the highest standards of professional knowledge and experience in the field of nonprofit accounting.

To become a CNAP, you must have at least three years of full-time experience in nonprofit accounting and meet other requirements such as passing an exam, completing continuing education courses, and meeting ethical standards. The exam covers topics such as budgeting, financial statements, internal controls, auditing and tax compliance.

The process to become a CNAP typically takes six months to one year depending on how quickly you complete the necessary steps. You will need to register with the National Association of Certified Nonprofit Accountants (NACNA), pay a fee, submit documentation of your experience, take an online or paper-based exam and pass it with a score of 70% or higher. Additionally, you will need to complete two continuing education courses every two years in order to maintain your certification.

The cost for becoming a CNAP varies depending on where you live but typically ranges from $300-$500 USD including registration fees and exam fees.

5. Certified Nonprofit Technology Professional (CNTP)

Certified Nonprofit Technology Professional (CNTP) is a certification program developed by the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in nonprofit technology management. The CNTP certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing and leading technology initiatives within a nonprofit organization.

The CNTP program consists of two parts: an online assessment and a practical application project. The online assessment tests a candidate’s knowledge of nonprofit technology topics such as security, fundraising, data management, communications, and more. The practical application project requires candidates to develop and implement a technology plan for a real-world nonprofit organization.

The entire process takes approximately six months to complete. Candidates must first register for the program and pay the registration fee of $500 USD. This fee covers the cost of the online assessment and access to study materials. Once registered, candidates have six months to complete both parts of the program before their registration expires.

Once both parts are completed successfully, candidates will be awarded the Certified Nonprofit Technology Professional credential. This credential is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education requirements every three years.

6. Certified Nonprofit Marketing Professional (CNMP)

Certified Nonprofit Marketing Professional (CNMP) is a professional certification program designed to help nonprofit professionals gain the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to become successful in their field. It is offered through the American Marketing Association (AMA).

The CNMP program consists of three levels: Certified Nonprofit Marketer (CNM), Advanced Certified Nonprofit Marketer (ACNM), and Master Certified Nonprofit Marketer (MCNM). Each level requires completion of specific courses and exams. The courses cover topics such as marketing strategy, fundraising, communications, digital marketing, analytics, and more.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CNMP program depending on how quickly you can complete each course and exam. To get certified you must first apply for the program online through the AMA website. Once accepted into the program you will be given access to all of the course materials needed to complete each level of certification.

The cost for the CNMP program varies depending on which level you are seeking certification for. The cost for the Certified Nonprofit Marketer (CNM) is $1,295; Advanced Certified Nonprofit Marketer (ACNM) is $2,495; and Master Certified Nonprofit Marketer (MCNM) is $3,995.

7. Certified Nonprofit Leadership Executive (CNLE)

Certified Nonprofit Leadership Executive (CNLE) is a certification program offered by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (NLA). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of experienced nonprofit leaders. The CNLE certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the core competencies necessary for successful nonprofit leadership.

The CNLE program consists of four courses that cover topics such as mission and vision development, strategic planning, fundraising, financial management, board governance, and volunteer management. Each course includes an online assessment that must be completed in order to receive credit for the course. Upon completion of all four courses, participants can apply for the CNLE certification.

The program typically takes about six months to complete if taken at a full-time pace. However, there is also an option to take the courses part-time over a longer period of time.

To get started with the CNLE program, individuals should visit the NLA website and register for an account. They will then need to select which courses they would like to take and pay any associated fees. After completing all four courses and passing their assessments, participants can submit their application for CNLE certification.

The cost of the CNLE program varies depending on whether you are taking it part-time or full-time and what type of payment plan you choose. Generally speaking, taking all four courses part-time costs between $2,000-$3,000 USD while taking them full-time costs around $1,500 USD.

8. Advanced Fundraising Certificate Program (AFCP)

The Advanced Fundraising Certificate Program (AFCP) is an online certificate program offered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). It is designed to provide fundraising professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of successful fundraising. The program consists of four courses, each focusing on a different aspect of fundraising: Fundraising Essentials, Major Gift Fundraising, Planned Giving and Donor Relations. Each course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete.

To get the AFCP, you must first register for the program and pay a fee of $495 USD. After registering, you will be given access to the four courses in the program. You must complete all four courses within one year from the date of registration in order to receive your certificate. Upon successful completion of all four courses, you will receive your AFCP certificate and be eligible for AFP membership at a discounted rate.

9. Certified Philanthropy Executive (CPE)

Certified Philanthropy Executive (CPE) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of excellence in philanthropic leadership. The CPE program is administered by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).

To become a Certified Philanthropy Executive, individuals must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having at least five years of experience in fundraising or related fields, as well as a bachelor's degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university. In addition, individuals must also demonstrate knowledge of ethical fundraising practices and have completed 60 hours of continuing education in the field within the last five years.

The CPE exam consists of two parts: a written portion and an oral interview. The written portion covers topics such as fundraising principles and strategies, donor relations, resource development, financial management, and legal issues. The oral interview assesses applicants’ ability to think critically about philanthropy-related issues and their understanding of ethical fundraising practices.

The cost for taking the CPE exam is $450 for AFP members and $550 for non-members. It typically takes three to four months to complete the process from start to finish. Once certified, individuals are required to maintain their certification by completing 30 hours of continuing education every three years.

10. Association of Fundraising Professionals Certification Program (AFP-CPP).

The Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Certification Program (AFP-CPP) is a comprehensive certification program that provides fundraising professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their field. It is designed to recognize experienced fundraisers who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their profession.

The AFP-CPP consists of five components: an online self-assessment, a written exam, an oral interview, a portfolio review, and professional development activities. To become certified, applicants must complete all five components within three years.

The self-assessment tests applicants’ knowledge of fundraising principles and practices. The written exam covers topics such as donor relations, proposal writing, budgeting, and ethics. The oral interview is conducted by two AFP members who evaluate the applicant’s communication skills and ability to think critically about fundraising issues. During the portfolio review, applicants must demonstrate their understanding of current trends in fundraising through examples of their work. Finally, applicants must complete at least 20 hours of professional development activities related to fundraising over the course of three years in order to remain certified.

The cost for the AFP-CPP varies depending on whether or not you are an AFP member. For non-members, it costs $1,250 for all five components; for members it costs $750 for all five components.

Overall, obtaining the AFP-CPP is a rigorous process that requires dedication and hard work but can provide invaluable benefits for those who seek it out.

Do You Really Need a Director of Development Certificate?

The answer to this question depends largely on the individual's career aspirations and goals. For those who already have experience in the field of development, a Director of Development certificate may not be necessary. However, for those who are just starting out or looking to move up in their career, a Director of Development certificate can provide a solid foundation for success.

A Director of Development certificate is an excellent way to gain specialized knowledge and skills that are often required for advancement in the field. Those with a certification will be able to demonstrate their expertise and understanding of the principles and best practices related to the job, as well as their ability to manage projects and work with teams. Additionally, having a certification will make them more attractive to potential employers since it shows that they have taken the initiative to further their education and training.

In addition to providing credentials, a Director of Development certificate can also be used as an opportunity for networking with other professionals in the field. This could lead to valuable connections that may open doors for future employment opportunities or collaborations. It is also beneficial because it can help individuals stay current on industry trends and technology advancements which can help them remain competitive in the job market.

Overall, whether or not someone needs a Director of Development certificate depends on their specific goals and ambitions. Those who are serious about advancing their career should consider obtaining one as it can open doors for professional growth and provide them with valuable industry knowledge.

Related: Director of Development Resume Examples

FAQs About Director of Development Certifications

1. What is a Director of Development Certification?

A Director of Development Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated proficiency in the field of development, including fundraising and philanthropy. It is awarded by the National Society of Fundraising Professionals (NSFP) and requires extensive experience, education and training in the development field.

2. What are the eligibility requirements for Director of Development Certification?

To be eligible for certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in fundraising or philanthropy, as well as a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution. In addition, applicants must complete 15 hours of continuing education every three years to maintain their certification status.

3. How do I apply for Director of Development Certification?

Applicants must submit an application form to NSFP along with documentation verifying their qualifications and experience. Additional materials such as letters of recommendation may also be required depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. Once accepted by NSFP, applicants must pass an exam in order to become certified.

4. How much does it cost to get certified as a Director of Development?

The initial fee for certification is $275 USD plus any additional fees associated with obtaining the necessary documents or materials required for application review. There is also an annual renewal fee of $50 USD to maintain certification status.

5. What are some benefits of having a Director of Development Certification?

Having a Director of Development Certification demonstrates that you possess advanced knowledge and expertise in fundraising and philanthropy, which can give you a competitive edge when applying for jobs or promotions within the industry. Additionally, it can help increase your credibility when working with donors and other stakeholders in the development field.