Strong asset management is essential to preserving affordable housing for the long term.
In the affordable housing industry, asset management refers to the ongoing oversight of properties to ensure they remain financially healthy, physically sound, and aligned with their mission. It involves analyzing performance data, planning for capital needs, managing risk, and ensuring compliance across a portfolio. Effective asset management can help housing organizations extend the life of their properties, improve resident outcomes, and make better long-term decisions.
For years, housing professionals have trusted the Asset Management Specialist (AMS) certification, available on HAI Group Online Training, to build that foundation through self-paced, online learning.
Now, there’s a new way to earn your AMS certification: AMS+. Offered on our learning portal in partnership with the Consortium for Housing and Asset Management (CHAM), AMS+ adds structure, collaboration, and expert guidance through live, facilitator-led sessions and a built-in peer community.
Continue below to explore the AMS certification and AMS+, including what each program includes, how they differ, and which learning experience may be right for you.
AMS is a fully self-paced, online certification program designed to build practical, real-world asset management expertise for affordable housing professionals. Asset management in affordable housing goes far beyond overseeing day-to-day operations. It involves evaluating financial performance, analyzing operating budgets and cash flow, monitoring compliance with programs such as HUD and LIHTC, planning for long-term capital needs, and balancing mission-driven goals with financial sustainability.
Through AMS, learners develop the skills needed to interpret management reports, assess property and portfolio performance, identify risks, and make informed strategic decisions that preserve both the physical asset and its social mission. The program is ideal for independent learners who value flexibility while building a strong foundation in these critical competencies.
AMS provides a comprehensive curriculum that housing professionals across the country rely on to strengthen their knowledge and advance their careers.
AMS+ is the hybrid pathway to earning the same AMS certification. It combines the flexibility of on-demand coursework with live, facilitator-led virtual sessions and a built-in peer learning community.
Participants complete the same three AMS courses while also attending six live 90-minute sessions over four to five months. These sessions include discussion, case studies, and collaborative exercises that connect real-world challenges to classroom learning.
Each AMS+ learning community is made up of affordable housing professionals from across the country who share ideas, ask questions, and learn from one another’s experiences.
Both AMS and AMS+ lead to the same CHAM certification. The key difference lies in the learning experience. AMS is entirely self-paced and designed for learners who prefer to move independently through the coursework.
Structured timelines
Live, facilitator-led discussions
Peer collaboration
A dedicated Collaboration Space for ongoing discussion
If you thrive in a guided, community-focused environment and value accountability and interaction, AMS+ may be the right fit. If you prefer full flexibility and independent study, AMS offers the same comprehensive curriculum on your own schedule.
AMS+ is ideal for housing professionals who want both a nationally recognized credential and a collaborative learning experience, including:
Whether you are new to affordable housing or deepening your expertise, AMS+ provides structure, support, and connection while you earn your certification.
Registration for the Spring 2026 AMS+ Learning Communities is officially open!
Both learning communities follow the same curriculum and session schedule, so the only thing you need to decide is which meeting time works best for you. Learning Communities are intentionally kept small to encourage meaningful discussion and collaboration. Seats are filling quickly, and registration closes March 1.
If you are purchasing multiple seats, adjust the quantity during checkout and email the names of learners to onlinetraining@haigroup.com.
Housing providers interested in enrolling a full learning community can contact onlinetraining@haigroup.com to learn more.
If now is not the right time, join the AMS+ waitlist to receive early access to future learning communities. Waitlist members receive priority registration before it opens to the public, as well as updates on upcoming sessions and facilitators.
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).