NAHP Certification

What is the National Affordable Housing Professional (NAHP™)?
NAHP is the only professional certification program with stringent requirements dedicated solely to recognizing and promoting achievement of the highest possible standards in affordable housing management.

The fees associated with securing the NAHP certification have been authorized as eligible to be paid from project expenses by HUD.

Specifically, the expense must meet the applicable requirements of HUD Handbook 4381.5, REV-1, paragraph 2-15; the expense must be for “front-line” staff. NAHP costs for “Main Office” management personnel cannot be paid from the project account. Funds for NAHP expenses must be budgeted and approved by the Field Office. Allowable costs are limited to actual, reasonable expenses for registration, certification, transportation, meals and lodging. However, the NAHP annual renewal fee is not an eligible project expense.

Developed by the National Affordable Housing Management Association, the program is available to industry professionals at the following levels:

Who should seek the NAHP designation?
Any person actively engaged in affordable housing, who is committed to the advancement of professional property management and the constant improvement of his or her own management skills, should seek the NAHP designation. The NAHP certification program achieves these goals by requiring continuing education and participation in the industry.

Why should you acquire the NAHP certification?

Networking opportunities with other professionals in the specialized field of affordable housing; and,
Affiliation with an organization committed to the constant improvement and sharpening of your management skills.

How long does it take to earn the NAHP certification?
All Applications for Certification must be approved by NAHMA's Certification Review Board at regularly scheduled meetings held three times each year. Every certified NAHP will receive a certificate and lapel pin. You will be able to use the NAHP designation on letterhead and business cards to mark your accomplishment. Also, each NAHP will be listed in the annual NAHP national directory along with your peers.

Requirements for Certification

Professional Level:
The NAHP certification is comprised of education, work experience and adherence to the NAHP Code of Professional Conduct. All criteria must be met before the Candidate can become certified.

Education: The education component consists of successful completion of course work in the following areas: occupancy, fair housing and basic apartment management.

The accepted courses are:

*For Candidates who specialize in low income housing tax credit properties, you may acquire the NAHMA Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM) certification in lieu of the CPO.

Please see our Education Calendar for upcoming CPO course offerings.

Experience: All Candidates must accumulate a minimum of two years of experience in affordable housing functioning as a Site Manager, Assistant Manger, Occupancy Specialist, Leasing Consultant, or equivalent position(s). All work and industry experience must be documented in the NAHP Application for Certification. (Résumés will not be accepted in lieu of this documentation.)

The year following certification, each NAHP will be invoiced an annual $109 renewal fee and will be responsible for submitting documentation of 7 (seven) hours of continuing education annually.

NAHP Professional Application

Executive Level:
The NAHP-e certification is comprised of work experience and adherence to the NAHP Code of Professional Conduct. The following criteria must be met before the Candidate can become certified.

Experience: The NAHP-e candidate must have at least 5 years of experience in the affordable housing industry functioning as an active owner, CEO, managing agent, asset manager, or multi-site supervisor overseeing two or more active properties, or a position with equivalent executive-level responsibilities. You will be eligible for this credential once you have submitted an application (and fee) and you are in good standing with, and be recommended by, your local, state, or regional AHMA.

The year following certification, each NAHP-e will be invoiced an annual $135 renewal fee and will be responsible for submitting self-certification documentation of 10 (ten) hours of continuing education annually.

NAHP Executive Application

Continuing Education
Continuing education is at the core of the NAHP® certification. Constant changes in governmental rules and procedures necessitate a continuing effort by professional managers to remain current in all aspects of property and/or asset management. One continuing education unit (CEU) is equal to one hour of instruction/training. In order for an event to be considered as an eligible CEU, it must possess a published agenda and/or a specific topic area. Workshops, seminars and technical sessions can be used for continuing education if the event meets the above criteria. Events that are in conjunction with a trade show or association/organization event, may be eligible based on the description above. Mere attendance at a trade show or board meeting does not constitute continuing education. You may acquire all of the CEUs in a full-day event, or by accumulating the hours from various events that may be sponsored in a half-day or session format.

Code of Professional Conduct
This Code of Professional Conduct sets forth the principles that each NAHP® and/or Executive Council Member shall at all times observe.

Fee Schedule

Professional Level Application for Certification $ 100.00
Professional Level Renewal $ 109.00
Executive Level Application for Certification $ 180.00
Executive Level Renewal $ 135.00

An application for NAHP candidacy is available from NAHMA.

To require a professional or executive application for certification. Please contact midatlantiv.ahma@verizon.net