CFRE International announces its 2006 examination schedule which will give added access and availability to North American candidates for the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) examination.
 
Beginning in April 2006, candidates from Canada and the United States will be able to take the CFRE examination via computer at any one of over 300 proctored testing centres in North America.  Candidates will continue to apply to CFRE International for certification.  Once approved, each candidate will make his or her personal testing reservation either on-line or by using a toll-free telephone number.
 
In Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the exam will continue to be available in a paper-and-pencil format.
 
Candidates will be able test at any centre during the following three week testing windows:
 

• 15 April 2006 – 6 May 2006 – applications must be postmarked by 15 January 2006

 

• 24 June 2006 – 15 July 2006 – applications must be postmarked by 24 March 2006

 

• 26 August 2006 – 16 September 2006 – applications must be postmarked by 26 May 2006

 

• 21 October 2006 – 11  November 2006  –  applications must bepostmarked by 21 July 2006

 
Computer-based testing will provide greater access to the exam for a larger number of candidates in many more locations.  In addition, candidates will receive preliminary test results before leaving the testing centre.  These results will be followed up by a detailed score report which breaks down the candidate’s performance in each of the six areas covered by the exam.
 
            The application process will continue as follows:

• Candidates submit written application to CFRE International by the postmark deadline for consideration for a specific testing window
• Once approved, candidates are sent a unique test ID number and given reservation instructions for both the internet and a toll-free telephone number
• Candidates are notified of approval no later than 45 days before the start of the testing window
• Candidates log on to the website or call the toll-free number to make their own, personal testing reservation at the location of their choice.  Most testing centres are open six days a week from 8 AM – 10 PM, although hours may vary from centre to centre.  All candidates must make a reservation – walk-ins are not permitted.
• Candidates present photo identification at the testing centre and take the exam on a computer
• Candidates are given preliminary test results before leaving the testing centre
• At the close of the testing window, candidates testing in that window will be sent a detailed score report outlining their own performance on the exam across the six major areas tested

 
Changes to the certification process as a result of computer-based testing include:

• Application deadlines 90 days before the start of the testing window
• Applications postmarked after the deadline will automatically be considered for the next testing window
• Exam location changes or reservation cancellations must be made at least 72 hours before the current registration or the exam fee is forfeited (see cancellation policy for full details)
• Candidates do not need to declare testing location at the time of application, only desired testing window
• Candidates will very likely be testing with other individuals taking any number of other professional certification or licensure exams
• Increased security measures on-site at the testing centres.  Candidates authorised to test will be sent details of on-site policies

 
A complete list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the new computer-based testing programme are available on the CFRE International website at: http://www.pd-go.com/files/upload-7125.doc
 
An informational list of cities in which testing centres are located is available on the CFRE International website at: http://www.cfre.org/index.php?action=website-view&WebSiteID=34&WebPageID=7819 .  This list may not be complete and is subject to change.  Candidates who are authorised to test will be able to choose from a current and complete list at the time of reservation.
 
In Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom, the exam will continue to be available in a paper-and-pencil format.  Exam dates for those countries include:
 
Australia:

• 25 February 2006 (Sydney) - Applications must be postmarked by 25 December 2005

 

• 20 May 2006 – (most capital cities) Applications must be postmarked by 20 March 2006

 

• 11 August 2006 – (Sunset Cove, SA) Applications must be postmarked by 11 June 2006

 

• 14 October 2006 – (most capital cities) Applications must be postmarked by 14 August 2006

 
New Zealand:

• May 2006 (Wellington) – Applications must be postmarked in March 200

 

• October 2006 (Auckland) – Applications must be postmarked in August 2006

 
United Kingdom:

• 20 March 2006 (London) - Applications must be postmarked by 20 January 2006

 

• 22 May 2006 (Newcastle) - Applications must be postmarked by 22 March 2006

 

• 12 June 2006 (London) - Applications must be postmarked by 12 April 2006

 

• 20 September 2006 (London) - Applications must be postmarked by 20 July 2006 

 

• 12 December 2006 (London) - Applications must be postmarked by 12 October 2006

 
Complete exam information and applications can be found at www.cfre.org