Hire a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) or not?

What are you getting when you hire someone that has successfully completed the certification process?

Earning the CFRE is a mark of distinction
that separates you from other fundraising professionals who have
yet to take this important career enhancing step. It indicates that you
have a strong commitment to the fundraising profession, you seek opportunities
to develop your skills and expertise, you take pride in serving
the philanthropic community and you hold yourself to the highest ethical principles.

Excepted from the CFRE 2009 Annual report

In 2009, 603 new candidates applied for certification, 474 were awarded the distinction. As of the end of 2009 there were a total of 5,137 Certified Fundraising Executives.

The process itself consists of documenting educational and practical experience. Then there is the "test". Two-hundred-twenty-five multiple choice questions from various areas of development. This is an international test so it is important to have a broad view of fundraising practices. The most important part of becoming a CFRE is studying for the test. No matter where the candidate's expertise may lie, the reading list guides the candidate to his/her weaker areas and allows him/her to create knowledge in an area of fundraising that he/she may not have been familiar with.

The benefits to the employer are many. My most creative time as a fundraiser was while I prepared for the test. Latching on to a CFRE study group or networking with other CFRE's will only make for a stronger fund raiser.