Certified Occupancy Specialist – Vouchers (COSV)

Course Overview

The Certified Occupancy Specialist – Vouchers (COSV) program provides essential voucher specialist training for professionals managing Section 8’s Housing Choice Voucher program and/or communities with Project-Based Vouchers. This certification is designed for both newcomers to the voucher programs and seasoned professionals.

Course Description

This comprehensive voucher specialist training covers all critical aspects of administering HUD’s voucher programs effectively and compliantly. COSV includes all chapters of the Housing Choice Voucher Guidebook released to date, chapters from the other guidebooks where a new chapter has not been made available, and essential HUD Notices not yet incorporated into the guidebook.

The COSV program delves into the core requirements of the voucher programs, including eligibility determination, income and rent calculations, HAP contracts, payment standards, and portability. Participants will gain a thorough understanding of HUD regulations and guidance pertinent to the role of a housing choice voucher specialist.

This training is vital for staff at Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) or private companies managing voucher programs. Whether you are new to the field or an experienced professional seeking updated knowledge, the COSV certification ensures you have the skills to manage your voucher program with precision.

What you’ll learn:

• Voucher Program Basics: Understand the fundamental regulations, administrative responsibilities, and ethical considerations for a voucher specialist.
• Eligibility & Application Processing: Master the detailed processes for determining applicant and participant eligibility for voucher programs program.
• Income & Rent Determination: Accurately calculate annual income, adjusted income, Total Tenant Payment (TTP), Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), and other rent-related calculations.
• Payment Standards & Voucher Issuance: Learn how to correctly apply payment standards, determine voucher size, and manage voucher issuance and extensions.
• Housing Search & Leasing: Understand the requirements for housing search, Request for Tenancy Approval (RFTA), inspections, and lease execution.
• HAP Contracts & Portability: Gain expertise in executing HAP contracts, managing ongoing occupancy, and your PHA’s portability regulations.
• Recertification & Terminations: Effectively manage annual and interim recertification processes and understand the grounds for voucher termination.

Why NCHM?

NCHM is the Gold Standard

NCHM’s COSV certification program delivers unparalleled quality and expertise in affordable housing, specifically for HUD’s voucher programs. Our focused voucher specialist training ensures participants receive dedicated attention, gain a comprehensive understanding of the material, and develop the confidence needed to excel as a  voucher 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 our specialized training for voucher program professionals.

One Stop For Training and Certification

NCHM offers an all-in-one solution for voucher program certification, including registration, voucher specialist training, and testing. Our streamlined process quickly integrates skilled housing choice voucher specialists into your team with less hassle and confusion.

All COSV courses are live online (4 hours daily, Mon-Thurs). Complete the exam within a week post-class and receive results the following Wednesday, achieving certification in about fifteen days.

Upcoming Courses