CEFL Certification Program Registration

Join the 2026 CEFL Cohort!

The Certificate in Education Foundation Leadership, CEFL, is the professional standard and is the only certification program designed exclusively for education foundation leaders and executives. This program provides foundation leaders with specific skills and knowledge required to lead and manage an education foundation, regardless of size.

The CEFL Certification Program is offered online in an asynchronous format that is self-paced with weekly deadlines. Optional weekly check-ins over Zoom provide a space to connect in real time with instructors and peers from across the country.

Each course is four weeks; the certificate can be completed in about six months. There is a "Flex" week between each course. This allows students the flexibility to work ahead, catch up on any missed work, or just enjoy some time off.

This six-course program is ideal for education foundation leaders, foundation staff, and board members who are passionate about the advancement of the industry, their foundation, and their professional growth.

Prerequisite

You must be a member in good standing with the NAEF and maintain active membership to retain certification.

Registration Fee

Full program registration and for course CEFL 101 closes on April 20, 2026. You can also choose to register and pay by course.

• Full Tuition - $3,000 

• Individual course - $555/each 

We must receive payment in advance of the course start date to provide you with access to the online learning platform.

Course Calendar

The six-course session begins April 20 and concludes November 16, 2026. Enrolled students may access course materials beginning April 20th; courses being on April 27th.

Access our CEFL Certification web page