CIH is the home of professionalism within the housing sector and we’re also currently the only provider of housing qualifications in England. Part of our role is to ensure we provide the sector with the best possible training to improve standards for tenants.
Each nation has a slightly different approach to housing qualifications which you can read about below.
England
In 2023, the Social Housing Regulation Act received royal assent and became law. When details are confirmed, it will become mandatory for some housing roles in England to undertake qualifications.
When we have more information on the law, we will provide more information on our website.
Scotland
Letting agent qualifications
In Scotland, the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 requires some roles in a letting agency to hold a relevant qualification. Also, where necessary, to undertake additional training on letting agency work.
For sole traders, as well as themselves they must make sure any person directly involved with managing and supervising the day to day running of letting agency work are also qualified.
For companies, partners and other bodies, qualifications must be taken by the person holding the most senior position in the organisation’s management structure who is involved with letting work and any person who is directly involved with managing and supervising the day to day running of letting agency work.
Relevant qualifications are required to be at level 6 or above on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF). There are currently four programmes leading to qualifications that are considered acceptable:
- The LETWELL programme, delivered by Landlord Accreditation Scotland and CIH Scotland
- The Association of Residential Letting Agents Propertymark programme in Residential Letting and Property Management Scotland
- The Safeagent Foundation Lettings Course
- MRICS qualifications, where certain conditions have been met in relation to the qualification route, timing and competencies undertaken as part of the Assessment of Professional Competence (APC). Letting agents are required to re-apply for registration every three years and therefore to keep their qualifications and training up to date.
For more insight into the qualifications in Scotland and their impact on letting agencies you can read our report released in January 2023.
Social housing
In Scotland as in other nations currently, local authority and registered social landlord (RSL) staff are not required to undertake training or qualifications. However, performance is monitored annually using social housing provider’s Annual Return on the Charter (ARC) covering a wide range of indicators against the Scottish Social Housing Charter.
Additionally, social landlords are also required to submit an annual assurance statement to confirm that they are meeting all the required regulatory standards, including the standard which states that “the governing body and senior officers have the skills and knowledge they need to be effective.”
Read more about this regulatory framework regulation.
If you would like to know more about our available qualifications, you can view them by visiting our qualifications page.
Wales
It is not currently mandatory to have a qualification to work in housing in Wales. However, if you are in the private rented sector you need to register for the Rent Smart Wales Requirements under the Housing Act (Wales) 2014. With this it does mean undergoing training as part of this registration. Read more about this here.
View a full list of training courses here.
If you’re interested in becoming a qualified professional whether in any housing sector and would like to know more about our available qualifications, you can view them by visiting our qualifications page.
Northern Ireland
While there is currently no legal requirement for housing professionals in Northern Ireland to hold specific qualifications, there is a growing emphasis on skills development within the sector. Consumer Standard 2 of social housing regulation now mandates that housing associations have plans in place to enhance the knowledge, skills and competencies of their workforce.
Additionally, a review of the regulatory framework in 2023 recommended further consideration of mandatory professional standards, referencing the proposals in England.
Explore the qualifications we offer to support professional development in the housing sector:
Ireland
In Ireland, like many other countries it is not mandatory to undertake qualifications as a housing professional.
Ask someone how they got into housing and the most likely response will be ‘I fell into it’, likely due to a career change, job availability or moving from other support based careers. Recently the push for careers in the housing sector is more prominent and the number of people taking qualifications specifically in housing is rising.
Apprenticeships are a great alternative to starting a career without having to spend all your time in a classroom. It gives you on the job learning as well as some theory time to learn more about the sector and its regulation.
Become an apprentice
Apprenticeships are an opportunity to develop your knowledge, skills and behaviours and progress in your career. They provide a chance to work through a development programme, enabling you to gain the technical expertise, practical experience and broader skills needed to progress in your role and your future career.
The CIH EPAO are working with Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) Approved Apprenticeship Training providers.
Find apprenticeship training providers
Advantages of apprenticeships
For an organisation
- Customised training opportunities - you can tailor the training to your specific business needs, ensuring they learn the skills and knowledge relevant to your organisation.
- Fresh perspective - apprentices often bring new ideas, which can lead to innovation and improved processes that you may not have considered previously.
- Skilled workforce development - by investing in apprenticeships, you're contributing to the development of a skilled workforce, which has wider benefits for the housing sector.
- Cost-effective colleagues – the standard wage for an apprentice is much lower than experienced workers as they are still in education, making them a cost-effective option for organisations looking to recruit and train.
- Loyalty and retention – studies have shown that around 65 per cent of apprentices stay within the company they trained with, this reduces turnover and recruitment costs.
- Succession planning - apprenticeships trained correctly can be a great resource for developing future leaders within the housing sector.
- Reduced skills gap - hiring apprentices will help bridge the skills gap as you train them with the skills they need.
- Improved productivity - as apprentices gain experience, they can contribute to increased productivity and efficiency as they continue to prove and develop themselves.
- Diversity and inclusion - apprenticeships can help create a more diverse workplace, as they often attract a wide range of candidates, including those from underrepresented groups and not always from younger age groups.
- Compliance with regulations - with incoming regulation in the housing sector for gaining qualifications bringing on apprentices can encourage them to continue their studies to further qualifications to stay within the sector.
Overall, hiring an apprentice can bring some valuable opportunities for an organisation including cost saving and skills and ideas to promote business growth. Contact your local training provider for more information on taking an apprentice.
For the candidate
- On-the-job learning - apprenticeships offer a chance to learn a career with a more practical, real-world experience, which can be more effective than traditional classroom education.
- Relevant skills - you'll gain industry-specific skills, making you a valuable asset to the housing sector.
- Earn while you learn - apprentices receive a wage, so it’s a great option to continue your development, whilst also avoiding student debt.
- Job security - around 65 per cent of apprenticeships lead to full time employment, providing you with job security and a clear career path.
- Faster career progression - apprenticeships often have faster career advancement as you'll be building specific skills and experience from the start of your career.
- Network building - you'll have the opportunity to establish professional connections in housing, which can be invaluable for future career opportunities.
- Increased earnings - apprenticeships typically lead to higher earning potential over time compared to starting in entry-level positions without specialised training.
- Industry recognition – the housing sector highly values apprenticeships, and the qualifications you gain can be widely recognised and respected.
- Diverse career options – The housing sector offers a varied programme of apprenticeships, providing you with a range of career options, from construction and trades to marketing and administration.
- Personal growth - beyond professional development, apprenticeships can help you develop essential life skills like teamwork, time management, and problem-solving.
In summary, apprenticeships offer a unique path to acquiring valuable skills, earning a living, and building a strong foundation for a successful and fulfilling career. They are a smart choice for those who prefer a practical, hands-on approach to learning and want to enter the workforce with confidence. Contact your local training provider for more information on becoming an apprentice.
Choose a level that works for you
Apprenticeship courses vary in length, based on the level you are looking to work towards. Apprenticeships aren’t only for school leavers, they are suitable for anyone aged 16 or over. There are different entry criteria depending on the apprenticeship level you are applying for, but basic requirements are GCSEs in English and Maths.
Here are the current apprenticeship levels you can work towards:
- Level 2, equivalent to GCSE
- Level 3, equivalent to A-Level
- Level 4 and 5, equivalent to a Foundation Degree
- Level 6 and 7, equivalent to a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
Apprenticeship myths
As we know there are many misconceptions around apprentices (both in taking them onboard if you are an organisation or taking on as a learner) we have come up with some important information when considering an apprenticeship in housing.
- Apprenticeships have no scope for progression
Fact - around 65 per cent of apprentices are hired on a permanent basis by their employer after their programme has finished. From those who remain in the same company, a third receive a promotion in their first year.
- Apprenticeships are only for manual trade jobs
Fact - apprenticeships aren't just for those working in manual trades. There are over 600 different apprenticeships, so no matter what career you're interested in, there's likely to be an apprenticeship for you. The housing sector is varied in the jobs available and so many different programmes will be available in the sector.
- Apprenticeships are for those who do not perform academically
Fact - apprenticeships are a fantastic opportunity for all kinds of people looking to expand their knowledge and upgrade their skills, getting stuck right into the job.
