Certified Occupancy Specialist – Public Housing (COSP) Training

Course Overview

The Certified Occupancy Specialist – Public Housing (COSP) program provides comprehensive public housing manager training for those both new and experienced in public housing. We equip you with in-depth knowledge of HUD’s Public Housing Occupancy Guidebook (PHOG) and related notices for compliant and efficient program management. This certification has been the industry-standard for occupancy training and certification since 1981, essential for any public housing specialist.

Course Description

Our COSP certification is tailored specifically for professionals working with the public housing program, offering critical expertise into HUD’s guidelines and regulations. This course is essential for anyone seeking to ensure compliance and effective administration.

COSP is based on the HUD Public Housing Occupancy Guidebook (PHOG) and includes all of the many relevant notices issued since then, ensuring that you are completely up-to-date with all HUD requirements. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of eligibility criteria, tenant selection, income and rent calculations, admissions, and continued occupancy requirements specific to the low-income public housing program.

Whether you are a public housing specialist, a manager, or compliance personnel, COSP ensures you have the most up-to-date information for managing public housing programs accurately and efficiently.

What you’ll learn:

• Public Housing Program Fundamentals: Understand the core regulations, policies, and procedures outlined in HUD’s Public Housing Occupancy Guidebook (PHOG).
• Eligibility & Admissions: Master the criteria for determining applicant eligibility, tenant selection, and managing waiting lists according to HUD standards.
• Income & Rent Calculations: Accurately calculate annual income, adjusted income, and tenant rents.
• Leasing & Occupancy: Learn the requirements for lease agreements, resident rights and responsibilities, and managing continued occupancy.
• Recertification & Compliance: Effectively manage annual and interim recertification processes and ensure ongoing compliance with HUD regulations for public housing.
• ACOP Understanding: Grasp the development and implementation of the Admissions and Continued Occupancy Policy (ACOP).
• Community Service and Self-Sufficiency Requirements: Discover the ways public housing participants can fulfill their required CSSR obligations and who is exempt from the responsibility.
• Grievance Procedures: Understand the proper handling of resident grievances as outlined by HUD.

Why NCHM?

NCHM is the Gold Standard

NCHM’s certification programs deliver 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 as a public housing specialist. 

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, including specialized public housing manager training.

One Stop For Training and Certification

NCHM provides everything needed for public housing manager 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 new team members without bottlenecks. Get certified as a public housing specialist effectively with less time, hassle, and confusion. 

Enrollment and participation are easy with all NCHM courses live online. Complete the online exam within a week post-class and receive results the following Wednesday, achieving your public housing manager certification in approximately fifteen days.

Upcoming Courses