Housing that is physically and financially sustainable can change lives and improve neighborhoods. The shortage of affordable housing and the fierce competition for funds have been national challenges for many decades and the current economic crisis has exacerbated the problems in many locales. Effective response requires skills in project management and in-depth knowledge of the many public and private financial resources.

Candidates

This program is particularly appropriate for: 

• Nonprofit housing developers
• For-profit affordable housing developers
• Local, state and federal government housing representatives
• Board members and staff of community development organizations

How to Earn a Professional Certificate

Individuals seeking to earn a professional certificate in affordable housing must:

• Submit a professional certificate program enrollment form 
• Complete all coursework, practical exercises and tests within a three year period of enrollment
• Pass the final exam/practicum

It is possible to complete all program requirements in as few as three institutes. With prior approval by training division staff, candidates may receive credit for relevant courses taken no more than two years prior to enrollment in the certificate program.

For answers to questions, call 800-438-5547 or email nwcertificates@nw.org. The Affordable Housing Professional Certificate Programs require nine courses to complete. There are three required courses; three courses that specialize in either Funding and Finance or Project Management, and an additional three “elective” courses. When participants complete their chosen program, they will have a comprehensive understanding of the affordable housing arena, and be capable of applying current theory and best practices.

Each of the required courses (below) for both certificate programs must be followed by a final test: 

• An Overview of Affordable Housing Development (AH101) or The Basic Steps of the Affordable Housing Development Process (AH102)
• Real Estate Finance Nuts and Bolts (AH121)
• Rental Housing Development Finance (AH221)

Funding and Finance Certificate 

Required courses:

Select three courses from the list below.  

• Using the CDBG Program (AH111)
• Using the HOME Program (AH113)
• Using the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program (AH115)
• Using the New Markets Tax Credit Program (AH116)
• Using the National Housing Trust Fund (AH118)
• How to Maintain Compliance in LIHTC Projects (AH211)
• Understanding Underwriting: Successful Loans for Nonprofit Developers (AH224)
• How to Structure Your Deal: Making It a Reality (AH225)
• Creative Project Financing Strategies (AH226) or Creative Project Financing Strategies (AH226vc)
• Using Bonds to Finance Affordable Housing Development (AH227)
• Budget Basics: Decoding the Mysteries of the Pro Forma (AH271)

Elective courses:

Select three additional courses for the Affordable Housing course catalog. 

Project Management Certificate 

Required courses:

Select three courses from the list below. 

• Pre-Development: The 10 Feasibility Questions You Need to Answer (AH132)
• The Developer's Toolkit (AH134)
• Successful Housing Development: Assembling the Best Project Team (AH136)
• Location, Location, Location: Sitting Affordable Housing in Your Community (AH139)
• Designing Affordable Housing: From Project Concept to Blueprint (AH142)
• Sustainable and Green Design in Affordable Housing (AH235)
• Creating Partnerships to Advance Affordable Housing (AH240)
• Building Multifamily Housing Part I: Project-Managing the Development Process (CP231)
• Building Multifamily Housing Part II: Project-Managing the Design Process (CP234)
• Building Multifamily Housing Part III: Project-Managing the Construction Process (CP237)

Elective courses:

Select three additional courses from the Affordable Housing course catalog.

Online Testing

Candidates must take the online tests for the applicable required courses. Learn more about online testing for professional certificate program courses.