A Guide to Nonprofit Certifications

Why Should Nonprofit Professionals Seek Certifications?

Investing in certifications demonstrates commitment to being a nonprofit professional and keeps them up to date with best practices and emerging trends. Certifications lend credibility by signaling to donors, stakeholders, and the community that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage and lead nonprofit organizations. They also contribute to career advancement by making professionals more competitive in the job market. Beyond personal growth, certifications offer valuable networking chances, adherence to industry standards, and a boost in confidence.

Below is a comprehensive guide to the leading certifications in the non profit world covering the basics you need to know to help decide which certification may be right for you.

Key Nonprofit Certifications 

CNP – Certified Nonprofit Professional
CFRE – Certified Fundraising Executive
MPA – Master of Public Administration
FAHP – The Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy
PMP – Project Management Professional
CSPG – Certified Specialist in Planned Giving
CFRM – The Certificate in Fundraising Management
ANP – Accredited Nonprofit Professional
CNTP – Certified Nonprofit Technology Professional
CNLM – Certified Nonprofit Leadership and Management
CNAP – Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional

Administered by CFRE International, the CFRE credential is a distinguished mark of achievement for fundraising professionals. It demonstrates your comprehensive understanding of essential fundraising principles and your commitment to the field, built on at least three years of professional experience. This prestigious certification underscores your mastery of core knowledge, adherence to ethical practices, and dedication to advancing philanthropy.

To earn the CFRE credential, candidates must meet rigorous education, experience, and performance criteria, followed by successfully passing a demanding exam. The CFRE credential not only enhances your skills but also provides increased recognition and credibility within the nonprofit sector.

Visit CFRE International to get this certification.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a graduate degree focusing on public policy, finance, communication, and management. This degree equips you for a career in public service, whether with government at various levels—local, state, or federal—or with nonprofit organizations. Typically, earning an MPA requires two years of full-time study, though part-time options may extend this timeframe. Many schools also offer online MPA programs, which can be completed in as little as 18 months or extended up to five years, depending on your pace and scheduling needs.

Certified professionals with an MPA bring advanced expertise in public policy, finance, and management, which enhances the nonprofit’s strategic decision-making and operational efficiency. Their in-depth knowledge can lead to better resource management, streamlined processes, and more effective program implementation. An MPA prepares professionals for leadership roles, equipping them to tackle complex challenges and drive the organization’s mission forward.

Visit Coursera’s MPA explainer to learn more.

This nonprofit certification is specifically for those who work in the Healthcare nonprofit sector. The Fellow of the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (FAHP) designation is a prestigious honor awarded to AHP members who have made significant contributions to the healthcare philanthropy field. Representing fewer than 2% of AHP members, this designation recognizes a career of exceptional achievement and professional excellence. Earning the FAHP signifies a high level of accomplishment and expertise, assuring the public that their donations are managed by a top-tier professional. On a resume, the AHP Fellow designation highlights to current and prospective employers that you have met a recognized standard of excellence and have reached the pinnacle of your profession.

Visit Association for Healthcare Philanthropy Certification to learn more about this certification.

The Project Management Professional (PMP)® certification is a prestigious and internationally recognized credential that assesses a candidate’s ability to manage project teams, processes, and organization priorities effectively. Administered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this certification has over one million holders worldwide. It is applicable to project managers in diverse fields, including healthcare, construction, information technology (IT), nonprofit, and business.

For nonprofit organizations, having an employee with a PMP certification can be particularly advantageous, as it demonstrates a high level of expertise in managing complex projects, optimizing resources, and achieving strategic goals, which are crucial for maximizing impact and efficiency in mission-driven initiatives.

Prerequisites 
35 hours of project management training, which means coursework that specifically addressed learning objectives in project management. This can be substituted with a Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)® certification.

36 months of experience leading projects if you have a four-year degree, or 60 months of experience leading projects if you have a high-school diploma or associate degree.

Visit Coursera’s PMP certification guide to get started.

In Fall 1994, the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies launched the Certified Specialist in Planned Giving (CSPG) to equip planned giving professionals and others involved in this process with essential knowledge and skills. Given the complexities and challenges in this field, staying updated with the latest techniques and strategies is necessary for success.

The CSPG is a flexible, multi-module curriculum. It consists of six modules that can be completed in sequence or taken individually as stand-alone courses. This certification enables you to demonstrate your expertise in planned giving, enhance your professional marketability, and expand your career advancement opportunities.

Visit American Institute for Philanthropic Studies to gain this certification.

The Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM) from the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy at Indiana University is a highly regarded credential tailored for fundraising professionals aiming to advance their expertise. This certification covers essential areas such as fundraising principles, donor relations, campaign management, and ethical standards in philanthropy. Participants will benefit from a thorough curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, equipping them to thrive in nonprofit development roles and effectively lead philanthropic initiatives.

For nonprofit employees, earning the CFRM is particularly advantageous as it provides a deep understanding of fundraising strategies and best practices, which are crucial for successful fundraising campaigns. This certification not only enhances an individual’s skill set but also boosts their credibility and marketability within the nonprofit sector. By achieving this credential, nonprofit professionals can drive more effective philanthropic efforts, improve donor engagement, and contribute to their organization’s growth and sustainability.

Prerequisites 
A bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience in fundraising or a related field

Completion of the required CFRM coursework through the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy

Understanding of basic fundraising principles and practices

Commitment to adhere to the ethical standards of fundraising as outlined by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP)

Payment of the certification fee

Completion of a final exam or project, if required by the program

Visit Teal’s certification explainer to learn more.

The Accredited Nonprofit Professional (ANP) certification, granted by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, recognizes individuals who have achieved proficiency in essential skills and knowledge for effective nonprofit leadership. This certification encompasses key areas such as fundraising, financial management, grant writing, and board governance.

Candidates must complete a series of courses and pass an assessment that evaluates their understanding of the material. The program typically takes six months to a year to complete, with costs varying based on the number of courses required.

The Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN) offers the Certified Nonprofit Technology Professional (CNTP) certification to recognize those skilled in nonprofit technology management. This certification spans various areas, such as security, networking, software development, project management, and data analysis.

The process to gain this certificate is: submit an online application, then pass an exam, and finally participate in a peer review interview.

Prerequisites 
A minimum of two years experience in nonprofit technology management or a related area

The Certified Nonprofit Leadership and Management (CNLM) certification equips nonprofit professionals with essential skills for successfully leading and managing organizations. The program covers key areas such as governance, financial management, fundraising, human resources, and legal compliance.

Offered online by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, the CNLM program is flexible, allowing participants to complete it in as little as six months or over the course of two years, based on their needs. Program costs vary depending on the number of courses selected.

The Certified Nonprofit Accounting Professional (CNAP) certification is tailored for professionals in nonprofit accounting. It acknowledges those who have demonstrated proficiency in financial reporting, budgeting, accounting principles, internal controls, and nonprofit-specific taxation.

Prerequisites 
At least two years of full-time experience in nonprofit accounting, auditing, or a combination of both.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, getting nonprofit certifications can really give your reputation a boost. By investing in certifications, nonprofit professionals can gain the tools and recognition needed to drive their organizations’ success and effectively contribute to their mission. Plus, it’s a great way to show you’re committed to staying sharp and ahead of the game. It’s like giving yourself a professional upgrade that makes a real difference, both in your career and for the causes you care about!