RE Certifications Overview - What does this mean for a career?

Matthew Hemmerly 2 · February 2017

I'm in the process of going about getting the RE professional certification and was asked to provide an overview for senior management as to what this actually means for my career. Specifically in ways that will impact future salary negotiations and updating job responsibilities. Is there a resource out there from Blackbaud that goes a bit more in depth as to what this certification represents in terms of knowledge, how many individuals have these certifications, etc?

Melissa Rancour · February 2017

Matthew Hemmerly:

I'm in the process of going about getting the RE professional certification and was asked to provide an overview for senior management as to what this actually means for my career. Specifically in ways that will impact future salary negotiations and updating job responsibilities. Is there a resource out there from Blackbaud that goes a bit more in depth as to what this certification represents in terms of knowledge, how many individuals have these certifications, etc?

Hi Matthew,

Great question! In our Learn More About Raiser's Edge Certification blog, we discuss the value of the Raiser's Edge Professional Certification. Currently, the Raiser's Edge Professionally Certified group is a small elite group of individuals. We have heard from many of these individuals that becoming Professionally Certified has helped them gain respect at their organizations as well as helped them advance their careers. I look forward to being able to add your name to this elite group soon!

Melissa

Darrel Spacone bCRE · February 2017

Matthew Hemmerly:

I'm in the process of going about getting the RE professional certification and was asked to provide an overview for senior management as to what this actually means for my career. Specifically in ways that will impact future salary negotiations and updating job responsibilities. Is there a resource out there from Blackbaud that goes a bit more in depth as to what this certification represents in terms of knowledge, how many individuals have these certifications, etc?

Darrel Spacone bCRE · February 2017

Darrel Spacone, bCRE: It would be interesting to hear feedback from others who have either of the certifications. It does get me a phone interview until we start talking compensation and then they insult me. Do others have the same story? So far, I feel that this has benefitted me on a personal level more that a professional level. It hasn't gained me an extra dime, just personal satisfaction. Is that the way the industry treats their CFRE's?

Matthew Hemmerly:

I'm in the process of going about getting the RE professional certification and was asked to provide an overview for senior management as to what this actually means for my career. Specifically in ways that will impact future salary negotiations and updating job responsibilities. Is there a resource out there from Blackbaud that goes a bit more in depth as to what this certification represents in terms of knowledge, how many individuals have these certifications, etc?

Faith Murray · February 2017

So much depends on your industry and location when weighing the question. I have the Fundamentals, but not the Professional certification (next on my agenda). As far as updating job responsibilities, that will depend largely on how large your organization is and how your database work is tiered. I was DBA before I ever got my certification - my work proved my abilities. It looks very good on a resume, though, if you're looking for a new job, but whether you can negotiate more compensation probably depends on whether HR is doing the hiring, or whether an RE Database Administrator is selecting the preferred candidates. Years of experience probably means more to HR personnel, whereas a DBA knows that you can spend 5 years just doing address updates with no real extensive knowledge of the database system. Personally, I've never gotten a raise for increased education, just for added responsibilities and good job merits. However, greater knowledge of your job can be a leveraging tool for proving you're worthy of greater responsibilities, and thus greater compensation. Good luck!

Duane Waite 3 · August 2018

Hi Matthew,

Great question! In our Learn More About Raiser's Edge Certification blog, we discuss the value of the Raiser's Edge Professional Certification. Currently, the Raiser's Edge Professionally Certified group is a small elite group of individuals. We have heard from many of these individuals that becoming Professionally Certified has helped them gain respect at their organizations as well as helped them advance their careers. I look forward to being able to add your name to this elite group soon!

Melissa

Quick question for you: I took RE classes in 2014 before the training was restructured, so my transcript shows dozens of courses instead of the new course track. I believe that my coursework along with my four years experience as data integration analyst and DBA should serve me well when I take the exam (which I will next week). However, I could really use a study sheet that can tell me what is being covered on the exam so I can review. I thought I found one somewhere on the site but I can't find it now. Is there one available? Thanks! -- Duane

Claudia Sauers · August 2018

Interested in hearing what others have to say, I'm professionally certified, research point certification and have the nonprofit fundraising certification. While it brings me a bit of personal satisfaction and feel like it may be an edge up on getting an interview I don't think its nearly as well known as something like the CFRE.

Interested in hearing how this works out for you!

Jessica Harris 2 · August 2018

Melissa Rancour:

Matthew Hemmerly:

I'm in the process of going about getting the RE professional certification and was asked to provide an overview for senior management as to what this actually means for my career. Specifically in ways that will impact future salary negotiations and updating job responsibilities. Is there a resource out there from Blackbaud that goes a bit more in depth as to what this certification represents in terms of knowledge, how many individuals have these certifications, etc?

Hi Matthew,

Great question! In our Learn More About Raiser's Edge Certification blog, we discuss the value of the Raiser's Edge Professional Certification. Currently, the Raiser's Edge Professionally Certified group is a small elite group of individuals. We have heard from many of these individuals that becoming Professionally Certified has helped them gain respect at their organizations as well as helped them advance their careers. I look forward to being able to add your name to this elite group soon!

Melissa

How small is the Professional Group? Did the Master level exam go away? After completing the badges, does one get the Pro certification or is there yet another exam?

Just wondering

Claudia Sauers · August 2018

Melissa Rancour:

Matthew Hemmerly:

I'm in the process of going about getting the RE professional certification and was asked to provide an overview for senior management as to what this actually means for my career. Specifically in ways that will impact future salary negotiations and updating job responsibilities. Is there a resource out there from Blackbaud that goes a bit more in depth as to what this certification represents in terms of knowledge, how many individuals have these certifications, etc?

Hi Matthew,

Great question! In our Learn More About Raiser's Edge Certification blog, we discuss the value of the Raiser's Edge Professional Certification. Currently, the Raiser's Edge Professionally Certified group is a small elite group of individuals. We have heard from many of these individuals that becoming Professionally Certified has helped them gain respect at their organizations as well as helped them advance their careers. I look forward to being able to add your name to this elite group soon!

Melissa

Is there anywhere to find a complete listing of professionally certified?

Dariel Dixon 2 · August 2018

Jessica Harris:

Melissa Rancour:

Matthew Hemmerly:

I'm in the process of going about getting the RE professional certification and was asked to provide an overview for senior management as to what this actually means for my career. Specifically in ways that will impact future salary negotiations and updating job responsibilities. Is there a resource out there from Blackbaud that goes a bit more in depth as to what this certification represents in terms of knowledge, how many individuals have these certifications, etc?

Hi Matthew,

Great question! In our Learn More About Raiser's Edge Certification blog, we discuss the value of the Raiser's Edge Professional Certification. Currently, the Raiser's Edge Professionally Certified group is a small elite group of individuals. We have heard from many of these individuals that becoming Professionally Certified has helped them gain respect at their organizations as well as helped them advance their careers. I look forward to being able to add your name to this elite group soon!

Melissa

How small is the Professional Group? Did the Master level exam go away? After completing the badges, does one get the Pro certification or is there yet another exam?

Just wondering

The Master Level has been phased out. It was only around for a year I believe. There is a professional exam available after getting the badges.

There was initial plans for a community of bCRE individuals, but there has never been a list publicly released, however they do congratulate all the new recipients once a month.

I think the thing people need to remember is that the certifications are still very new. Most organizations and directors aren't too knowledgeable about the program, or what it means. (I don't really know what it means either, and I have one. LOL) I'm not sure if it will get you any more of a salary bump or anything, but it may help you to find a new gig. Not everyone out there has one, so it is desired. It does help more to prove your expertise to those you work with on a daily basis. I recommend going for it.

RE Certifications Overview - What does this mean for a career?

Comments

Categories