The CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills essential for effective management within the housing sector.
It covers various topics, including housing law, policy, finance, and professional practice, alongside a wide range of optional units tailored for management-level professionals.
This qualification is regulated by: Ofqual, Qualifications Wales, CCEA (Northern Ireland).
What will you learn?
The qualification comprises four mandatory units totaling 24 credits, which you must complete, along with a selection of optional units tailored to your preferences and needs.
To be awarded the qualification, you must successfully complete a minimum of six units, totaling at least 36 credits, as follows:
- Four mandatory units (24 credits)
- Two optional units (minimum of 12 credits)
The unit aims to provide an understanding of how housing is financed across tenures and how it operates. The learner will understand how housing across tenures is funded and how this links to policy.
The unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of the legal system in relation to housing in the country in which they operate or may operate. It explores the law in relation to landlords and tenants and requires learners to examine the application of the law in relation to housing practice.
The unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of housing policy in the country in which they operate or may operate by exploring its historical development and the relationships between different policy making bodies and their policy-making processes. It also aims to develop a learners understanding of how policies are implemented.
The unit aims to give learners the understanding and skills to progress at management level in housing. It does so by helping them to become more ‘reflective practitioners’. It emphasises the importance of relating individual skills and performance to the effectiveness of the organisation as a whole and being proactive in their own professional development.
Two optional units must be selected, with a minimum of 12 credits.
Information on the optional units and pathways can be found in the qualification specification.
- Buildings, communities and the environment
- Customer service in housing
- Resident involvement in housing services
- Equality and diversity in housing
- Housing management services
- Housing need, demand and supply
- Delivering housing support services for health and well being
- Managing people and change
- Partnership working in housing
- Research skills for housing
- Strategies for promoting independent living and well being
- The framework for planning and development
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is designed for individuals currently in, or aspiring to, supervisory or management roles in housing.
CIH does not set entry requirements. Our CIH approved study centres may establish their own criteria to ensure learners' suitability for the qualification.
If may be beneficial if learners:
- are working in housing or a housing related industry, preferably at a supervisory or management level
- or have previously studied the CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice or a comparable qualification.
For further information on entry requirements, please contact your chosen study centre directly.
- The average total qualification time (TQT) is 360 hours.
- The average guided learning hours (GLH) are 90.
Please note that these figures may vary between learners and centres.
Qualification fees can vary depending on where, how and with which centre you choose to study.
For further information on fees, please contact your CIH approved study centre directly.
The qualification is assessed by CIH approved study centres. Centres can use a variety of methods, including tasks, portfolios, assignments, and professional discussions.
After completing this qualification, you may consider further qualifications, such as:
On completion of the qualification, you may wish to become a certified practitioner (CertCIH).
Choose how you study
CIH qualifications are delivered by our approved study centres. Centres will support you on your journey, working to the specification and the learning outcomes for each course.
