Description
The Certified Occupancy Specialist - Vouchers (COSV) course is a new certification that improves upon and replaces the Certified Voucher Specialist (CVS) program that NCHM has offered for two decades. In 2019, HUD’s Office of Public and Indian Housing began releasing new chapters of The Housing Choice Voucher Program Guidebook. Once all new chapters are released, this guidebook will replace the HUD Guidebook 7420.10G, which has not been updated since its release in April 2001.
COSV includes all chapters released to date, chapters from the former guidebook where a new chapter has not been made available, and essential HUD Notices not yet incorporated into the guidebook.
COSV is essential training for Public Housing Agency staff involved in determining initial and ongoing eligibility for the voucher program. This certification is designed for both newcomers to the Housing Choice Voucher Program and seasoned professionals.
The program is also beneficial to property owners who are interested in participating in the Housing Choice Voucher Program or are currently accepting vouchers. Through their attendance, owners will learn the core occupancy requirements and functions required to make informed decisions before and during their participation.
Please note: COSV is available online and taught over four consecutive days from 1 pm to 5 pm Eastern. The certification exam is completed online. Students have one week following completion of the class to take the online exam.
What you’ll learn:
- Income, asset, and adjusted income calculations
- Housing Choice and Project-Based Voucher rent calculations
- Verification and eligibility requirements
- Annual and interim reexamination requirements
- Applicable Civil Rights and Fair Housing obligations
How you’ll learn:
The COSV course manual incorporates chapters from the old HUD Handbook 7420.10G, chapters from the new Housing Choice Voucher Program Guidebook, and all relevant HUD Rules, Notices, and Memos.
Instruction is delivered through lectures and an integrated multimedia presentation. Extensive course materials, coordinated with the presentation, facilitate participants’ preparation for the online certification examination. Strong emphasis is placed on learning how to use the federal regulatory guidance materials for future success in managing the voucher programs.