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Preparation GuideBLACKBAUD CertifiCAtion in tHe rAiSer’S eDGe

ASSoCiAte LeVeL

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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Overview

About the Questions

Sample Questions

Competencies

Recommended Training

Formats

Overview

Gift Records

Constituent Records

User Options

Wording

Navigation

Batch

Action Records

COnTenT

bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

Back to content pageOveRview

bCRE offers three levels of certification: Associate, Professional, and Master. This is a progressive program where knowledge of

The Raiser’s Edge builds with each level. The Associate level focuses on navigation, data entry, record management, and optional

modules in The Raiser’s Edge. Question formats include true/false and multiple choice. Many questions require analyzing scenarios

using examples that may require at least six months to one year functional experience. You may access The Raiser’s Edge software

while taking the test, but the examples used in questions do not necessarily exist in the sample database.

Questions assume knowledge of default settings, defined (intended) use of fields and processes, and descriptions used in the

Help system and User Guides. For example, the Help system describes the fund record as the “financial purpose,” an important

accounting requirement for nonprofit organization revenue. Similarly, Help system definitions for campaign and appeal might be

tested rather than testing your organization’s use of those fields. The Associate level is recommended for all users to develop a

fundamental understanding of record management to maintain data integrity.

The Associate exam includes:

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Navigation options in The Raiser’s Edge

Using Help anduser guides

Using Favorites

User options for the above

listed records and optional

modules

The purpose of the following Raiser’s Edge modules listed in the navigation bar:

All data entry options for the following Record types:

•RE:Alum•RE:Volunteer•RE:Event•RE:Memberr

•Constituents•Gifts•Actions

•Reports•Mail Batch•Admin

•Config•RE:Search•RE:Tribute•RE:PlannedGiftTracker

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•Home Page•Records•Query

•Export

•Dashboard •Help

•Gift Batch

•Constituent Batch

All data entry options associated with the following optional modules:

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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In general, any options associated with the navigation bar, menus, data entry, and user options could be covered in the exam.

Examples listed below should help guide preparation, but are not intended to identify every possible option.

Constituent, Gift, and Action Records

Proficiency navigating the modules and pages inside The Raiser’s Edge shell, including using menus to navigate

General understanding of the purpose and use of the following Raiser’s Edge modules listed in the navigation bar:

• Home page, records, query, export, reports, mail, batch, admin, config, dashboard, help

Proficiency managing favorites on the home page and the favorites menu, including:

• Proficiency managing functional favorites from user options

• Proficiency managing all favorites using the organize favorites menu

• Proficiency creating favorites from records and parameter files

• Proficiency creating favorite links from internet URLs and external files

Proficiency using help pages and user guides, including the glossary

• General understanding of help terminology and definitions used to describe record information

• General understanding of features and functionality detailed in the user guides associated with navigation and records

Proficiency with all constituent, gift, and action record options and related records, including:

• Searching for records and all options in the Search window

• Adding and opening records

• Menu options

• Tabs, action bar options, and associated fields

• Fields, including names, purpose, default required fields, field data types, primary fields, and use of function keys

• Managing all record information. Examples of advanced field management include:

» For constituents, understanding the intended purpose and use of Bio 1 checkboxes and special fields such as

aliases, solicit codes, and constituent codes.

COmPeTenCieS

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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» For actions, understanding the intended purpose and use of the action type, solicitors, and reminders

» General understanding of the importance of how field use impacts processing. Examples include:

› Multiple addresses

› Primary fields and relationships

› Head of household

› Soft crediting

› Matching gifts

› Organization contacts

• Table values associated with fields, including how to edit from records using (F7)

Proficiency with data entry, record linking, and options between record types, including:

• Constituents

• Addresses and address sharing, including preferred, business, and alternate

• All relationship record types and options

• Notes

• Media

• Actions

• Gifts, including all gift types, applying, and linking

• Campaign, funds, appeals (selecting in other records, not creating)

• Assigned appeals (when linked to constituents)

• Optional module additions

» RE:Alum

» RE:Event

» RE:Member

» RE:PlannedGiftTracker

» RE:Search

» RE:Tribute

» RE:Volunteer

NOT included: Assigned solicitors, constituent solicitor goals and

assignments, and fund relationships

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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Batch

Proficiency with all gift and constituent batch options and related records, including:

• Understanding the sequence of creating, validating, and committing records from a batch

• Creating new batches and editing existing batches

• Batch setup options, including the purpose, use, and data entry of:

» Batch header tab fields and options

» Fields tab selection options

» Defaults tab field options

• Menu options

• Constituent window options and editing

• Validate and commit records

• Reports available from within a batch

User Options

Proficiency defining user options on the following tabs:

• General

• Home

• Records

• Batch

• Color

ABOUT The QUeSTiOnS

Formats

Certification tests use the following question formats:

1. True/False

2. Multiple Choice - Select one answer

3. Multiple Choice - Select one or more answers

4. Click the image area

ABOUT The QUeSTiOnS

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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Back to content pagewording

Certification test questions follow these guidelines:

1. Capitalization of settings (every word):

a. Modules: Query, Reports, etc.

b. Record Types: Constituent, Gifts, etc., when referring to specific records or groups of records

c. Field names and descriptions

d. Record field name example: Last name

e. Test example: Last Name

f. Tab names, buttons, column headings, menu options: Bio 1, Business, Date To, Relationship Tree, etc.

g. Report categories and names: Analytical Reports, Comparative Report

h. Other settings: Query Format

i. Example: True/False. The Comparative Report includes the Constituent Name field and the option to display the

Primary Addressee as the Name.

2. Quotation marks for multi-word capitalization: If a setting name or description uses three or more words, quotation marks

surround the wording to avoid confusion.

a. Example: True/False. The Constituent Bio 1 tab includes the checkbox “Has No Valid Addresses.”

3. Grammatical accuracy: Question syntax follows grammar rules, not necessarily conversational style.

a. Active voice vs. passive voice: Most questions describe the subject taking action rather than being acted upon.

i. Active voice example: “How would Sally define her User Options for Records to include…?”

ii. Passive voice example: “How would User Options for Records be defined by Sally to include…?”

b. Passive voice used to avoid “You” questions. Generally, but not always, avoid addressing the test taker as “you”

when not using a scenario.

i. “You” example: “How would you…?”

ii. Test example: “How would User Options for Records be defined to…?”

c. Use of “only”.

i. Incorrect example: “If Melissa wanted to only include Constituents…” because the question implies Melissa is

exclusively including Constituents and not using any other functions or settings.

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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ii. Correct example: ”If Melissa wanted to include only Constituents…” when Melissa chooses to include

Constituents, she wants to exclusively include Constituents in addition to any other functions or settings.

4. Use of “can/could,” “must,” and “should.” The test focuses on the intended use of The Raiser’s Edge and unrestricted

access to features, unless including specific limits.

a. “Can/could” means an unrestricted user has the ability or option to perform the task.

i. Example: “When entering a Spouse Non-Constituent Relationship record using the Spouse button on Bio1,

Joan can use which function key to automatically copy the Constituent’s Last Name into the Spouse record?”

Answer: F3

b. “Must” means The Raiser’s Edge requires information or a process.

i. Example: “True/False. In order to Save a new report parameter file, Harry must include both a Report Name

and Description.” Answer: False

c. “Should” means the intended use of the setting or functionality as described in help or user guides.

i. Example: “Which field, available as a filter in all reports, should categorize the relationships Constituents have

with your organization?” Answer: Constituent Codes

5. Analysis vs. memorized information: Test questions focus on analyzing use of The Raiser’s Edge, not just determining if

test takers can repeat information found on records or parameter files.

SAmPle QUeSTiOnS

These sample questions will give you an idea of the types of questions you might encounter in the examination.

1. Which of the following items can you view or access on the home page? (Select all that apply.)

a. A list of tasks, such as phone calls or meetings, assigned to you

b. Links to the constituent records for your board members

c. A report of new, repeat, increased, decreased, and recovered donors

d. A link to a parameter file that will generate daily gift acknowledgement letters

2. True or False: In the Batch Setup, John created a Pay Method Default Value of Personal Check, leaving the

column visible. When entering data in the Data Entry window, he cannot change the Pay Method value on Row #9

from Personal Check to Business Check.

a. True

b. False

VIEW ANSWERS AT THE END OF THIS “SAMPLE QUESTIONS” SECTION!SAmPle QUeSTiOnS

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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3. When creating a new constituent record, Melanie can press the function key F3 to copy Roger’s first name into the

Nickname field.

a. True

b. False

4. Where can you access information about an organization’s matching gift policy?

a. On the Org 1 tab

b. On the Org 2 tab

c. On the Gifts tab

d. On the Matching Gifts tab

5. Which of the following might you find in the aliases area on a constituent record? (Select all that apply.)

a. An alternate company name

b. Middle name

c. A former last name for an individual

d. Pseudonym or pen name

e. A nickname for an individual

6. Which tab lets you indicate that two constituents participated in giving a single gift?

a. Miscellaneous tab

b. Soft Credit tab

c. Matching Gifts tab

d. Split Gift tab

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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7. Which program module(s) are primarily used to extract data? (Select all that apply.)

a. Records

b. Reports

c. Mail

d. Batch

e. Export

8. True or False: Home page favorites can link to webpage URLs located outside The Raiser’s Edge.

a. True

b. False

9. Which field is always required on a gift record regardless of any special configuration?

a. Campaign

b. Fund

c. Appeal

d. Solicitors

10. To commit a constituent batch, you must enter a minimum of how many rows in the batch?

a. 0

b. 1

c. 2

d. 5

e. 10

1)A, B, C & D 2)B 3)A 4)A 5)A, C & D 6)B 7)B,C & E 8)A 9)B 10)B

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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ReCOmmended TRAininGRamping up your Raiser’s Edge knowledge to earn your bCRE is easy with Blackbaud Training. Whether you only need to brush up

on a single task or competency or you are just getting started building your Raiser’s Edge knowledge, we offer flexible

training options so you can pick from a mix of on-demand videos, instructor-led online classes, and regional

classroom events.

We offer three training subscription levels to fit all budget sizes and training needs. Or, if you just need a refresher, you can buy by

the class for just $80/hour.

Check out the recommended training below. Blackbaud Learn customers can just click the training title to register for a class

today. Don’t have a Blackbaud Learn subscription? Want to know more? Call 800.443.9441 to get additional information.

Overview

How to Add a Favorite in The Raiser’s Edge

Introduction to and Overview of The Raiser’s Edge®

Program Basics Guide

Understanding Record Types in The Raiser’s Edge

Organizing Favorites on Your Home Page in The Raiser’s Edge

navigation

Finding Essential Data and Navigating Constituent Records

Navigation in The Raiser’s Edge

Searching for a Constituent on the Home Page in The Raiser’s Edge

Constituent Records

Managing Constituent Biographical Information in The Raiser’s Edge

Managing Constituent Contact Information in The Raiser’s Edge

Managing Constituent Relationship Records in The Raiser’s Edge

Tracking Constituent Attributes, Notes, and Media in The Raiser’s Edge

Adding a Financial Institution Relationship in The Raiser’s Edge

instructor-led online classes

PDFs, job aides, and user guides

On demand videos *Only available with Learn subscription

ReCOmmended TRAininG

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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Adding an Action to a Constituent Record in The Raiser’s Edge

Adding Notes to Constituent Records in The Raiser’s Edge

Constituent Data Entry Guide

Creating a Constituent Record for an Individual in The Raiser’s Edge

Creating a Constituent Record for an Organization in The Raiser’s Edge

Creating an Individual Relationship in The Raiser’s Edge

Creating an Organization Relationship in The Raiser’s Edge

Creating Education Relationships in The Raiser’s Edge

Entering Matching Gift Information on an Organization Record in The Raiser’s Edge

Entering Spouse Information for a Constituent in The Raiser’s Edge

Frequently User Raiser’s Edge Terms in Constituent Records

Basics of Constituent Records in The Raiser’s Edge

Modifying Addressees and Salutations in The Raiser’s Edge

Modifying Constituent Codes in The Raiser’s Edge

Searching for a Constituent in The Raiser’s Edge

Tracking Constituent Information Using Attributes in The Raiser’s Edge

Tracking Gifts to Other Organizations in The Raiser’s Edge

Updating a Constituent Address in The Raiser’s Edge

Updating a Deceased Constituent’s Record in The Raiser’s Edge

Viewing the Relationship Tree in The Raiser’s Edge

Action Records

Managing Actions in The Raiser’s Edge

Adding an Action to a Constituent Record in The Raiser’s Edge

instructor-led online classes

PDFs, job aides, and user guides

On demand videos *Only available with Learn subscription

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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Back to content pageGift Records

Gift Records Guide

Managing Cash and Gift-in-Kind Gifts in The Raiser’s Edge

Managing Pledge Gifts in The Raiser’s Edge

Managing Recurring Gifts in The Raiser’s Edge

Managing Stock and Property Gifts in The Raiser’s Edge

Planned Gift Entry Using RE:PlannedGiftTracker™ in The Raiser’s Edge

Adjusting a Gift in The Raiser’s Edge

Basics of Gift Records in The Raiser’s Edge

Creating a Gift Record in The Raiser’s Edge

Entering a Pledge Payment in The Raiser’s Edge

Frequently Used Raiser’s Edge Terms in Gift Records

Introduction to Gift Records in The Raiser’s Edge

Linking a Gift to a Proposal using RE:Search™ in The Raiser’s Edge

Managing Planned Gifts in The Raiser’s Edge

Batch

Batch Guide

Batch Quick Reference

Constituent Batch in The Raiser’s Edge

Gift Batch in The Raiser’s Edge

Recurring Gift Batch in The Raiser’s Edge

Learning the Basics of Batch in The Raiser’s Edge

Entering Constituents in Batch in The Raiser’s Edge

Entering Gifts in a Batch in The Raiser’s Edge instructor-led online classes

PDFs, job aides, and user guides

On demand videos *Only available with Learn subscription

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bCRE Preparation Guide — Associate Level

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Back to content pageUser Options

Setting Your Default Tab on Records in The Raiser’s Edge

Optional modules

Events Gifts Guide

Membership Gifts Guide

Planned Gift Tracking Guide

Proposal Gifts Guide

Tribute Gifts Guide