Certified Occupancy Specialist Advanced (COSA) Training

Course Overview

Our Certified Occupancy Specialist Advanced Training (COSA) is designed for experienced professionals seeking to master complex and nuanced HUD occupancy topics. COS training by NCHM has been the gold-standard in the housing industry for decades, and COS Advanced (COSA) takes it one step further, focusing on evaluation and analysis of compliance data and processes, electronic submission of data, and problem resolution.

Course Description

The Certified Occupancy Specialist Advanced Training (COSA) builds upon the foundational knowledge of the COS certification, delving into intricate and challenging aspects of HUD’s Multifamily Housing guidelines. This program is specifically for seasoned occupancy specialists who encounter complex situations.

COSA focuses on deciphering ambiguous regulations, resolving conflicting guidance, and applying advanced problem-solving techniques to unique resident circumstances. It explores the gray areas of HUD policy, ensuring participants can navigate difficult cases with confidence and accuracy.

This advanced training is ideal for individuals who have already mastered core occupancy principles and are ready to deepen their expertise. Successful completion of the Certified Occupancy Specialist Advanced training signifies a superior level of understanding in managing intricate compliance issues.

What you’ll learn:

• Advanced Income & Asset Analysis: Master the intricacies of calculating income from complex sources and evaluating challenging asset scenarios.
• Complex Eligibility Determinations: Confidently navigate convoluted eligibility cases, including mixed-family status and intricate student rule applications.
• Interpreting Ambiguous HUD Guidance: Develop skills in analyzing and applying HUD notices, FAQs, and conflicting guidance to real-world situations.
• Advanced Recertification Challenges: Address complex interim and annual recertification issues, including discrepancies and non-compliance.
• Fair Housing Nuances: Gain a deeper understanding of complex Fair Housing and Section 504 implications in advanced occupancy situations.
• Problem-Solving Complex Cases: Learn techniques for dissecting and resolving unique and challenging tenant scenarios not explicitly covered in standard guidance.
• Advanced EIV Discrepancy Resolution: Master the advanced techniques for investigating and resolving complex EIV discrepancies.

Why NCHM?

NCHM is the Gold Standard

NCHM’s Certified Occupancy Specialist Advanced training (COSA) program delivers unparalleled quality and expertise in affordable housing. Our focused, advanced training approach ensures participants receive dedicated attention, gain a comprehensive understanding of complex material, and develop the confidence needed to excel in the most demanding roles. 

We also provide an eHotline to all with an active NCHM certification, allowing for quick answers to any questions on the job, especially valuable for complex COSA-level inquiries.

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, including our Certified Occupancy Specialist Advanced training.

One Stop For Training and Certification

NCHM provides everything needed for Certified Occupancy Specialist Advanced Training (COSA) certification—registration, training, and testing—in one convenient spot, simplifying the process for individuals and employers seeking advanced qualifications. This streamlined approach ensures experienced staff receive top-tier advanced training efficiently, minimizing frustration and enhancing their capacity to handle complex compliance without bottlenecks. 

All NCHM courses are live online. The COSA course runs 4 hours daily, Monday-Wednesday. Complete the online exam within a week post-class and receive results the following Wednesday, achieving your advanced certification in approximately sixteen days. Enrollment and participation are easy.

Upcoming Courses