Building a successful career in the public and affordable housing industry requires ongoing learning and adaptation. Yet balancing professional development with job demands can be challenging. That’s where online, self-paced courses can make a difference.
Whether you're new to the industry or aiming to advance your housing career, these flexible courses fit into your schedule—anytime, anywhere. They provide opportunities to sharpen your skills, earn certifications, and expand your knowledge base.
Ready to make progress in your career? Explore these ten courses designed to help you succeed in the housing industry.
1. New Employee Orientation for Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher
This course offers a structured introduction to the fundamentals of public housing and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. Designed for new housing professionals, it covers key roles, processes, and regulations to help you feel confident and prepared in your position. Whether you're a housing clerk, specialist, receptionist, or inspector, you'll gain valuable insights into how housing agencies operate and what it takes to succeed.
What you'll learn:
- The roles of HUD, PHAs, and other government entities in public housing and HCV programs
- Key program documents and HUD references
- The occupancy cycle for both public housing and HCV programs
- Civil rights and fair housing responsibilities
- Best practices for navigating your new role as a housing professional
2. Customer Service in Housing
Providing exceptional customer service is essential for anyone in housing-related roles. This course teaches you how to effectively engage with applicants and participants, particularly in the Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher programs. You'll gain practical strategies to create positive experiences and build strong relationships with those you serve.
What you'll learn:
- How to improve customer service at key points of contact in housing programs
- Strategies to identify and remove barriers to effective service delivery
- How to assess and enhance your agency’s customer service policies
- Techniques to confidently manage upset customers, including those with disabilities
- How to foster a positive and supportive customer service environment
3. CHAM - Nuts and Bolts of Asset Management
This course equips new and transitioning asset managers with the skills to manage affordable housing portfolios successfully. You'll learn how to analyze portfolios, evaluate financial performance, and ensure long-term sustainability.
What you'll learn:
- How to manage properties effectively throughout their life cycle
- How to track key performance indicators like vacancy rates and debt service coverage ratios
- How to distinguish between property management and asset management
- How to read and apply financial reports to improve decision-making
- How to use clear reporting to keep stakeholders informed
- How to plan predevelopment projects and assess feasibility confidently
4. Housing Choice Voucher Specialist Certification
This certification course equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively administer the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. You'll gain a thorough understanding of HUD regulations and learn how to apply them in practice. The course covers key responsibilities such as determining family eligibility, managing occupancy, and calculating rent accurately. Upon successful completion, you'll earn an HCV Specialist Certification, demonstrating your expertise in program administration.
What you'll learn:
- Key rules, relationships, and references for the HCV program
- Principles of fair housing and reasonable accommodation
- Eligibility factors, including waitlist management and final determinations
- The full occupancy cycle, from voucher issuance to lease termination
- Steps for accurately calculating HCV rent and subsidy
5. Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
Maintaining safe, well-maintained housing is a key responsibility in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. This certification course prepares housing agency inspectors and operations managers to conduct thorough HQS inspections for both vacant and occupied units. You'll learn how to assess units against HUD's minimum standards, complete inspection forms accurately, and apply lead-based paint regulations. Earning this certification demonstrates your expertise in ensuring housing quality and compliance.
What you'll learn:
- How to conduct HQS inspections and determine unit pass/fail status
- Proper completion of HQS inspection forms
- How to develop higher reasonable standards for HQS with HUD approval
- Lead-based paint regulations and their impact on the HCV program
- The role of HQS-related SEMAP indicators in PHA performance
6. NSPIRE for Public Housing and NSPIRE for Housing Choice Voucher Certifications
HUD’s National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE) establish clear guidelines for maintaining safe, well-maintained housing. These two certification courses offer specialized training tailored to either public housing or the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program.
- NSPIRE for Public Housing Certification is designed for those inspecting public housing properties managed by housing agencies.
- NSPIRE for HCV Certification (NSPIRE-V) is for inspectors evaluating privately owned rental units under the HCV program to ensure they meet HUD's standards.
Both courses cover NSPIRE’s three inspectable areas, inspection frequency, scoring methodology, and real-world application of NSPIRE standards. Completing either course certifies you as an NSPIRE inspector, equipping you with the skills to uphold HUD’s latest housing quality guidelines.
What you'll learn in each course:
- NSPIRE for Public Housing: Focuses on inspections for public housing developments managed by PHAs
- NSPIRE for HCV (NSPIRE-V): Focuses on inspections of privately owned units under the HCV program
- Key differences between NSPIRE and Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
- How to identify and address health and safety violations under NSPIRE
- How to read and apply NSPIRE standards in inspections
- The scoring methodology and how it impacts inspection frequency
- How to use NSPIRE software to conduct inspections effectively
7. Fundamentals of Management
Whether you're new to a management role or refining your leadership approach, this course offers practical strategies to help you guide your team effectively. You'll learn how to balance managing and leading, provide constructive feedback, and use delegation to empower employees and improve performance.
What you'll learn:
- How your role as a manager influences team and organizational success
- The difference between management and leadership—and when to apply each
- How to deliver feedback that empowers employees and clarifies expectations
- The risks of delegation and how to delegate effectively
- Strategies to use delegation as a tool for team growth and development
8. Housing Education Series
This learning series is ideal for those looking to build a strong foundation in affordable housing. Whether you're new to the industry or expanding your knowledge, this series covers essential topics to help you navigate housing programs and policies with confidence.
What you'll learn:
- Key principles of affordable housing programs
- Roles and responsibilities of housing professionals
- Compliance requirements and industry best practices
- Strategies for effective housing management and service delivery
9. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Workplace
Creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and included is essential. This course equips you with the tools to promote inclusivity by addressing microaggressions, recognizing unconscious bias, and applying inclusive practices.
What you'll learn:
- How to define diversity, equity, and inclusion
- The impact of a diverse workplace on team dynamics and business success
- How to identify and address microaggressions and unconscious bias
- Practical techniques to foster an inclusive and supportive work environment
10. Bonus: Stay Ahead with the NSPIRE-V & HQS Certification Bundle
As a special offering, HAI Group provides a bundled training package designed to help inspectors stay ahead in the evolving housing inspection landscape. The NSPIRE-V & HQS Certification Bundle delivers comprehensive training on both Housing Quality Standards (HQS) and NSPIRE for Housing Choice Vouchers (NSPIRE-V), ensuring you're prepared to meet both current and future inspection requirements.
This bundle is ideal for inspectors transitioning between HQS and NSPIRE protocols, providing the knowledge and certifications needed to stay compliant and excel in the field.
Ready to enhance your inspection skills and stay compliant with the latest standards? Explore the NSPIRE-V & HQS Certification Bundle and start your training today!
Advancing your career in housing can be simple and flexible. These courses allow you to expand your knowledge, earn valuable certifications, and position yourself for success in the industry. Ready to grow your skills? Explore our courses today and take your housing career to the next level.
Curious if online training is right for your organization? Check out our blog: Online vs. In-Person Training at https://blog.haigroup.com/skip-the-travel-keep-the-learning-why-online-training-works.
Already an HAI Group policyholder? Contact our Online Training team to get started.
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This article is for general information only. HAI Group® makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy or applicability of this information for any particular use or circumstance. Your use of this information is at your own discretion and risk. HAI Group® and any author or contributor identified herein assume no responsibility for your use of this information. You should consult with your attorney or subject matter advisor before adopting any risk management strategy or policy.
HAI Group® is a marketing name used to refer to insurers, a producer, and related service providers affiliated through a common mission, management, and governance. Property-casualty insurance and related services are written or provided by Housing Authority Property Insurance, A Mutual Company; Housing Enterprise Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Specialty Insurance Company, Inc.; Housing Investment Group, Inc.; and Housing Insurance Services (DBA Housing Insurance Agency Services in NY and MI).