Top 11 Housing Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are an important part of the job market for housing coordinators, as they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Certifications can help housing coordinators stand out from other applicants, as it demonstrates that they have invested time and effort in learning about the profession and its best practices. Certifications also provide assurance to employers that the housing coordinator has relevant experience and is knowledgeable about industry standards. Finally, certifications may give housing coordinators access to higher-level jobs or positions with greater responsibility.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Housing Coordinators and explains how they can help to advance a housing coordinator's career.

What are Housing Coordinator Certifications?

Housing coordinator certification is a specialized credential that provides housing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage residential properties. This certification program is designed to help housing coordinators develop the skills they need to oversee all aspects of residential property management, including tenant relations, leasing and maintenance. Housing coordinators who have earned this certification can demonstrate their expertise in the field and may be more attractive to employers.

The certification program covers topics such as budgeting, tenant relations, legal issues related to rental agreements, fair housing laws, maintenance procedures and safety protocols. Additionally, housing coordinators must become familiar with software systems for managing rental properties. Those who earn the certification must complete all of the required coursework and pass an exam in order to receive their credentials.

By earning a housing coordinator certification, professionals can show potential employers that they have a comprehensive understanding of property management best practices and regulations. This credential can also give them an edge when competing for jobs or promotions within their organization. Additionally, having this certification may help housing coordinators keep up with industry changes and trends so that they are able to provide the best possible service to their tenants.

Pro Tip: Before pursuing a housing coordinator certification, make sure to research the requirements of the specific program you are interested in and ensure that you meet all qualifications. Additionally, be sure to understand the scope of the certification and what it will provide you with in terms of career opportunities and advancement.

Related: What does a Housing Coordinator do?

Top 11 Housing Coordinator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Housing Coordinators today.

1. Certified Apartment Manager (CAM)

Certified Apartment Manager (CAM) is a professional designation given to individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to manage rental properties. The certification is offered by the National Apartment Association (NAA).

To earn the CAM designation, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having at least two years of experience in property management or related fields, such as real estate or finance, and completing an approved course of study. The NAA offers an online course that meets these requirements. The course takes approximately 30 hours to complete and costs $395.

Once all eligibility requirements are met, applicants can register for the CAM exam. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes up to three hours to complete. It costs $150 to take the exam.

Upon passing the exam, applicants will receive their CAM certification from the NAA. They will also gain access to exclusive resources and discounts available only to certified apartment managers.

2. Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS)

Certified Occupancy Specialist (COS) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). It is designed to provide housing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage federally-assisted housing programs. The COS certification is intended for those who are responsible for administering, managing, or overseeing occupancy in public housing and other federally-assisted housing programs.

The COS certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an examination. The online course covers topics such as eligibility requirements, tenant selection criteria, rent calculation procedures, lease enforcement policies, tenant rights and responsibilities, fair housing laws, and more. The exam tests the student's knowledge of these topics.

The COS certification is valid for three years from the date it was awarded. To maintain the certification, individuals must complete at least 12 hours of continuing education credits every 36 months.

To get the COS certification, you must first register with NAHRO and pay a fee of $200. After completing the registration process, you will be able to access the online course materials and take the exam when you are ready. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your COS certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

3. National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) Certification

The National Affordable Housing Management Association (NAHMA) Certification is a program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the management of affordable housing. It is a voluntary certification process that provides property managers with the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to quality management practices and standards.

To obtain NAHMA Certification, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as proof of education or training, a copy of their current state license, and other relevant materials. Once the application has been submitted, NAHMA will review it and determine if the applicant meets all requirements for certification.

The entire process typically takes about six weeks from start to finish. Applicants should expect to receive notification within two weeks after submitting their application. If approved, they will be issued a certificate of completion and will be listed on the NAHMA website as a certified manager.

The cost for obtaining NAHMA Certification varies depending on the type of membership chosen by the applicant, but typically ranges from $200-$500 per year. This fee covers all aspects of the certification process including access to resources, education opportunities, and networking events.

4. Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP)

Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) is a certification program offered by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). It is designed to provide professionals in the housing industry with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage affordable housing programs.

The HCCP certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as affordable housing finance, compliance, and management. It takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete the course. Upon successful completion of the course, individuals will be eligible to take the HCCP exam.

The HCCP exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as affordable housing finance, compliance, and management. The exam takes about 2 hours to complete and must be taken at an approved testing center.

The cost for taking the HCCP exam is $450 for NAHB members and $550 for non-members. This fee includes the cost of taking the online course as well as any applicable proctoring fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center.

In order to become certified as a Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP), individuals must pass both the online course and the HCCP exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once certified, individuals must renew their certification every three years by completing 12 hours of continuing education credits related to affordable housing finance, compliance, and management.

5. Fair Housing Compliance Professional (FHCP)

Fair Housing Compliance Professional (FHCP) is a certification program designed to provide housing professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure compliance with fair housing laws. The program is administered by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and consists of an online course, an in-person exam, and an annual renewal fee.

The online course covers topics such as fair housing law, discrimination prevention, complaint resolution, and enforcement procedures. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the course and can be done at your own pace.

Once you have completed the online course, you must pass a proctored exam that tests your knowledge of fair housing law. The exam takes about 2 hours to complete and is offered throughout the year at various locations across the United States.

The cost for the FHCP certification is $295 for NAR members and $395 for non-members. This fee includes access to the online course materials, the proctored exam, and annual renewal fees.

Overall, becoming a Fair Housing Compliance Professional can help you gain valuable knowledge on how to comply with fair housing laws while also providing you with an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to ethical business practices in real estate.

6. Certified Property Manager (CPM)

Certified Property Manager (CPM) is a professional designation awarded by the Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM). It is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the property management profession. The CPM certification is designed for experienced real estate professionals who manage residential, commercial, or industrial properties.

To obtain the CPM designation, applicants must complete a rigorous examination process and meet certain educational requirements. The exam includes topics such as financial analysis, legal issues, marketing and leasing techniques, tenant relations, risk management, and more. Applicants are also required to have at least three years of full-time experience managing real estate properties or portfolios.

The process of obtaining the CPM designation typically takes about two years to complete. During this time, applicants must complete the required coursework and pass all three parts of the CPM exam with a score of at least 70%. Once all requirements are met, applicants can submit their application for review and receive their official CPM certificate.

The cost of obtaining the CPM designation varies depending on which courses you take and where you take them from. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 to obtain your CPM certification. This cost includes tuition fees for courses taken through IREM or other accredited institutions as well as any applicable testing fees or other associated costs.

7. National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) Certification

The National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) Certification is a professional designation that recognizes property managers who have achieved a high level of expertise in the residential property management field. The certification is designed to provide property managers with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage residential properties.

To obtain the NARPM Certification, applicants must complete an application process which includes submitting documentation of their experience, education, and training in residential property management. They must also pass an exam that covers topics such as tenant relations, legal issues, marketing, maintenance and repair, budgeting and financial management.

The NARPM Certification typically takes about six months to complete. Applicants should plan on spending at least 30 hours studying for the exam and completing the application process.

The cost to apply for the NARPM Certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of NARPM. For members, it costs $250 to apply for the certification; for non-members, it costs $500. There may also be additional fees associated with obtaining required documents or taking the exam.

8. Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA)

Certified Assisted Living Administrator (CALA) is a professional certification program that focuses on the management of assisted living facilities. It is designed to provide administrators with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage and operate an assisted living facility in accordance with applicable regulations.

The CALA certification program is administered by the National Association of Long Term Care Administrator Boards (NAB). The program consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical experience requirement. The written exam covers topics such as business operations, legal issues, financial management, resident care, staff training and development, and quality assurance.

To become certified as a CALA, applicants must have at least two years of full-time experience in an assisted living facility or related field within the past five years. They must also have completed at least 40 hours of continuing education in long-term care administration within the past three years.

In order to take the CALA exam, applicants must submit an application form along with documentation verifying their experience and continuing education requirements. Once approved for testing, applicants must register for and pass the exam within one year from their approval date.

The cost to take the CALA exam varies depending on where you live; however, it typically costs around $400-$500 USD plus any applicable taxes or fees.

9. Senior Housing Professional Designation (SHPD)

The Senior Housing Professional Designation (SHPD) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of senior housing. This designation is offered by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC).

In order to receive the SHPD, individuals must complete an online course, which consists of eight modules covering topics such as understanding senior housing markets, financing senior housing projects, and managing and operating senior housing properties. The course takes approximately 10 hours to complete.

To get the SHPD designation, individuals must pass an exam administered by NIC. The exam consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of senior housing. The exam fee is $250. Once individuals pass the exam, they will be awarded the SHPD designation and be listed on NIC's website as a Certified Senior Housing Professional.

The SHPD is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education courses or taking another examination.

10. Tax Credit Compliance Professional Designation (TCCP)

The Tax Credit Compliance Professional (TCCP) designation is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who specialize in the field of tax credit compliance. It is offered by the National Association of Tax Credit Compliance Professionals (NATCCP).

The TCCP designation is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of federal, state, and local tax credit programs. This includes an understanding of the regulations governing these programs as well as an understanding of how to properly administer them. The goal of the program is to ensure that all professionals involved in administering tax credits are knowledgeable about their responsibilities and can effectively manage their clients’ compliance needs.

The TCCP program consists of two parts: an online course and a final exam. The online course covers topics such as federal tax credits, state and local credits, compliance requirements, and best practices for managing client accounts. The final exam tests your knowledge on these topics and requires you to demonstrate your ability to apply this knowledge in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the TCCP program depending on how much time you dedicate to studying for the exam. To get started, you must first register with NATCCP and pay a fee of $495 USD. Once registered, you will be given access to the online course materials which include videos, webinars, quizzes, practice exams, study guides, and other resources. After successfully completing the online coursework and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your official TCCP certification from NATCCP.

11. Certified Resident Manager Program (CRMP)

The Certified Resident Manager Program (CRMP) is a specialized certification program designed to provide managers of residential rental properties with the knowledge and skills they need to effectively manage their properties. The program was developed by the National Apartment Association Education Institute (NAAEI) in partnership with the National Multi Housing Council (NMHC).

The CRMP program consists of five courses, each focusing on a different aspect of managing rental properties. The courses cover topics such as tenant relations, legal issues, financial management, marketing and leasing, and maintenance operations. To complete the program, participants must pass a comprehensive exam at the end of each course.

It typically takes about six months to complete the entire CRMP program. Participants can take one or more courses at their own pace and in any order they choose. However, it is recommended that participants complete all five courses within a year for maximum benefit from the program.

To get started in the CRMP program, individuals must first register online through NAAEI’s website. After registering, participants will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to access their course materials and exams.

The cost of the CRMP program varies depending on whether you are an NAAEI member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,200 for all five courses; for non-members it costs $1,500 for all five courses. In addition to this fee there may be additional fees associated with taking exams or purchasing additional materials needed for completing certain courses.

Do You Really Need a Housing Coordinator Certificate?

The short answer to this question is that it depends. If you are looking to work in the housing industry, a housing coordinator certificate could be beneficial. It could help to set you apart from other job applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the field. The certificate can also serve as a way to show potential employers that you have the skills and knowledge necessary for the position.

However, if you already have experience in the housing industry, then a housing coordinator certificate may not be necessary. In this case, employers may be more interested in seeing your past work experience and accomplishments. They will likely want to know what you can bring to the table in terms of knowledge and expertise. Your resume should reflect any relevant experience or training that you have had related to working in the housing industry.

In general, it is important to consider all of your options when deciding whether or not a housing coordinator certificate is right for you. Think about what type of job you are applying for and whether or not having a certification would make a difference in your chances of getting hired. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if having a housing coordinator certificate will help enhance your career prospects or if other qualifications are more important for landing the job.

Related: Housing Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Housing Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Housing Coordinator Certification?

A Housing Coordinator Certification is a certification that demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage housing operations in both public and private sectors. It provides recognition of the individual's expertise in areas such as tenant relations, property management, budgeting, maintenance, and legal compliance.

2. How do I obtain a Housing Coordinator Certification?

In order to obtain a Housing Coordinator Certification, you must meet eligibility requirements and complete an approved program of study or training that includes coursework in topics such as tenant relations, property management, budgeting, maintenance, and legal compliance. You must also pass an examination to receive the certification.

3. What are the benefits of having a Housing Coordinator Certification?

Having a Housing Coordinator Certification can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in housing management and related fields. It can also provide you with the credibility needed to be successful in your career by demonstrating your level of expertise in this field.

4. How long does it take to get certified?

The amount of time needed to obtain certification depends on the program or course of study chosen and individual learning styles. Generally speaking, it may take several months or more for completion of all requirements for certification.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements after obtaining my certification?

Yes, most certifications require continuing education credits each year in order to maintain certification status. This ensures that certified professionals stay up-to-date on current trends and best practices within the industry so they can continue providing quality services to their clients or employers.