Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) Training

Course Description

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.

This industry-renowned certification equips participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to navigate complex federal regulations governing eligibility, admission, occupancy, and rent calculation. Key topics include tenant selection, income verification, asset calculation, rent determination, lease requirements, and fair housing compliance. 

Achieving the COS designation demonstrates a high level of competency in HUD occupancy rules and procedures, ensuring compliance and effective management of affordable housing communities. It is ideal for site managers, occupancy specialists, property managers, compliance staff, and anyone involved in the day-to-day operations of federally assisted housing.

What you’ll learn:

• Compliance & Best Practices: Ensure overall property compliance with federal affordable housing regulations and implement best practices for effective management of HUD-assisted communities.
• Core Occupancy Requirements: Understand fundamental HUD occupancy requirements, including detailed eligibility criteria, compliant tenant screening, and selection processes.
• Fair Housing & Section 504: Apply Fair Housing Act principles and Section 504 regulations correctly throughout the occupancy cycle, from application to recertification.
• Income & Asset Determination: Master the accurate determination, calculation, and verification of various income sources and asset types according to current HUD guidelines and limitations.
• Adjusted Income & Deductions: Accurately calculate tenant allowances, deductions (like medical expenses or childcare), and determine adjusted income.
• Rent Calculation: Precisely calculate Total Tenant Payment (TTP), tenant rent portions, and utility allowances based on verified information.
• Verification Methods & EIV: Implement proper verification procedures for all reported information and effectively utilize the Enterprise Income Verification (EIV) system to ensure data integrity.
• Recertification Processes: Manage the requirements and processes for conducting timely and accurate annual and interim recertifications of tenant eligibility and income.
• Lease Requirements: Understand essential tenets, administration procedures, and compliance obligations related to the HUD Model Lease.

Why NCHM?

One Stop For Training and Certification

NCHM provides everything needed for Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) certification—registration, training, and testing—in one convenient spot, simplifying the process for individuals and employers.

This streamlined approach ensures staff receive top-tier training efficiently, minimizing frustration and quickly integrating valuable team members without bottlenecks. Get certified effectively with less time, hassle, and confusion.

The COS course runs 4 hours daily, Monday-Thursday*. Complete the online exam within a week post-class and receive results within 5-7 days of the exam’s close date, achieving certification in approximately sixteen days.

Enrollment and participation are easy. Unique to NCHM, COS classes feature both an instructor and a teaching assistant, allowing you to get questions answered instantly via message without interrupting the class flow. This structure promotes rapid and effective learning from the experts at NCHM.

*Some sessions may start Tuesday due to holidays.

NCHM is the Gold Standard

NCHM’s COS certification program delivers unparalleled quality and expertise in affordable housing. Our focused training approach ensures participants receive dedicated attention, gain a comprehensive understanding of the material, and develop the confidence needed to excel in their roles. We also provide an eHotline to all with an active NCHM certification, allowing for quick answers to any questions on the job.

Only Organization Created by the US Government to Provide Affordable Housing Training

As the sole organization initially established by the U.S. government specifically for affordable housing training, NCHM brings an unparalleled depth of knowledge and authority to its certification programs.

Upcoming Courses