Certified Occupancy Specialist

The Professional “Go-to” – It’s the most widely recognized certification for HUD occupancy

With changes coming virtually every year, keeping up with these HUD-mandated adjustments makes this course, and your certification, more valuable than ever. To be considered a true housing professional in this changing environment, NCHM’s Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) accreditation is a must.

Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) is a comprehensive study of HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing guidelines and regulations set forth in HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 and subsequent notices, including rent calculation, eligibility, verification, recertification, tenant screening, and Fair Housing.

Congress and HUD’s efforts to transform the affordable housing industry have resulted in a myriad of new rules, regulations, and standards.

NCHM’s COS, the most widely-sought HUD certification in the affordable housing industry, is the definitive training for compliance at properties subject to HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1.

Please note: COS is available both online and in the classroom. If taken online, the certification exam is also given online, and students have one week from the completion of the course to take the exam. If the course is taken in the classroom, the certification exam is administered on the third day.

What you’ll learn:

• Core occupancy requirements, including eligibility and tenant selection; 504/Fair Housing; assets and income determination and calculation; deductions and adjusted income; verification methods including EIV; and requirements for annual and interim recertifications.
• How to navigate the HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1, Change 4, and applicable notices.

NCHM’s COS Course Manual includes a complete copy of the HUD Handbook 4350.3 REV-1 and relevant additional notices and guidance already in effect but not yet integrated into the HUD Handbook.

How you’ll learn:

• Instruction is delivered through lecture and an integrated multimedia presentation. Extensive course materials, including handouts, quizzes and exercises facilitate participants’ preparation for the certification examination.

Upcoming Courses