CNP study guide
CNP · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The Certified Nonprofit Professional (CNP) is presented here as a professional credential for people who lead, manage, or support nonprofit organizations - executive directors, program managers, development staff, board members, and career-changers moving into the sector. The five content areas used throughout this study material are Nonprofit Leadership and Governance; Fundraising and Resource Development; Financial Management and Accountability; Program Planning, Evaluation, and Impact; and Ethics, Legal Compliance, and Community Engagement. The CNP study guide has 5 sections and about 1,832 words.
01Domain 1: Nonprofit Leadership and Governance
Nonprofit Leadership and Governance covers how a 501(c)(3) board exercises legal authority and keeps the organization mission-centered. Expect questions on fiduciary duties, board and officer roles, bylaws, committees, and the boundary between governance and management.
369 words, about 2 min02Domain 2: Fundraising and Resource Development
Fundraising and Resource Development tests the donor cycle, gift vehicles, restricted giving, ethical standards, and how fundraising fits the annual plan. Donor cycle: identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward.
372 words, about 2 min03Domain 3: Financial Management and Accountability
Financial Management and Accountability tests whether you can read nonprofit financial statements, apply fund accounting, design internal controls, and explain Form 990 and audit requirements. GAAP for nonprofits (FASB ASC 958): statements include the statement of financial position, statement of activities, statement of functional expenses, and statement of cash flows.
380 words, about 2 min04Domain 4: Program Planning, Evaluation, and Impact
Program Planning, Evaluation, and Impact tests logic models, needs assessment, SMART objectives, process and outcome evaluation, and how to report credible impact. Logic model: inputs → activities → outputs → short-term outcomes → intermediate outcomes → impact.
347 words, about 2 min05Domain 5: Ethics, Legal Compliance, and Community Engagement
Ethics, Legal Compliance, and Community Engagement tests 501(c)(3) rules, lobbying and political limits, state charitable registration, ethics codes, and authentic community engagement. 501(c)(3) requirements: organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes; no private inurement (benefit to insiders); no substantial lobbying; absolutely no political campaign intervention for or against candidates.
364 words, about 2 min