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| Start date | Application closing date | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 July 2025 | 07 July 2025 | 11 months | £1800 | Enrol online |
| 29 September 2025 | 15 September 2025 | 11 months | £1800 | Enrol online |
| 24 November 2025 | 10 November 2025 | 11 months | £1800 | Enrol online |
| 02 February 2026 | 19 January 2026 | 11 months | £1800 | Enrol online |
| 30 March 2026 | 16 March 2026 | 11 months | £1800 | Enrol online |
What is the Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice?
The Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice is a vocational qualification for frontline practitioners, of an equivalent standard to an A-level, which will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of a range of key areas in delivering housing services.
Qualifications at this level will enable you to be an effective housing practitioner and will provide you with a broader understanding of how your organisation and others in the housing industry work.
On completion of this qualification, you will be eligible for CIH Certified Practitioner CertCIH status. The pathway indicated on your certificate will reflect the combination of units you studied.
Successful completion of this qualification will prepare you for the Level 4 Certificate in Housing, and is the first step on the route towards CIH Chartered Membership CIHCM.
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is suitable for anyone working in either a paid or voluntary capacity in housing.
The qualification is also suitable for anyone that has completed the CIH Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice or an equivalent level 2 or higher qualification.
Experience requirements:
- Learners must be working in housing or housing related industry in a frontline capacity.
- To be eligible you must have completed either:
- CIH Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice
- an equivalent Level 2 or higher qualification.
If you have not completed the level 2 or equivalent qualifications you may still be eligible but you must be working in housing or housing related industry.
Learners must also meet the following criteria:
- Are 18+ (please note that this is a Housing Academy stipulation for all learners)
- Are confident in using IT and have access to a computer.
- Have the potential and opportunity to gain the qualification.
- Are aware that this qualification will be assignment based as the Housing Academy’s chosen method of assessment and that other Centres may be approved for other assessment methodologies.
- Are aware that they must demonstrate an understanding of all the Learning Outcomes to achieve each unit of study within the qualification.
Level 3 descriptors
Please read the following level 3 descriptors that indicate the level you must be working at to achieve the qualification and are confident that you are able to meet these requirements:
Knowledge descriptor
- You have factual, procedural, and theoretical knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work to complete tasks and address problems that while well-defines, may be complex and non-routine.
- You can interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas
- You are aware of different perspectives or approaches within the area of study or work.
Skills descriptor
- You can identify, select and use appropriate cognitive and practical skills, methods and procedures to address problems that while well-defined, may be complex and non-routine.
- You can use appropriate investigation to inform actions.
- You can review how effective methods and actions have been.
How long does it take?
- Approximately 37-48 weeks, with an average of eight hours study a week.
What will you learn?
You will study a total of eight units:
- five core units
- three units from a choice of three options.
Please note: Option two and three units are not available for online plus learners.
These five mandatory units provide essential underpinning knowledge for working in housing organisations
The housing system
- Know the different ways that individuals access the housing market
- Understand the role of the main providers of housing
- Understand the features of the housing market
- Understand how the government intervenes in the housing system
Professional practice skills for housing
- Understand the key skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the housing professional
- Understand ethics in the context of professional practice in housing
- Understand equality, diversity and inclusion in the context of professional practice in housing
- Be able to assess own professional performance and development
Occupancy, tenure and lettings
- Understand types of occupancy and tenure
- Understand different types of tenancy
- Understand different approaches to allocation and lettings
Rental income management
- Understand the importance of rental income management
- Understand good practice in effective income management
- Understand the legal framework for arrears management
Dealing with anti-social behaviour in housing
- Understand what anti-social behaviour means in a housing context
- Understand the statutory and non-statutory interventions available to tackle anti-social behaviour
- Understand approaches to tackling and preventing anti-social behaviour in housing
Delivery of housing services
- Know the main types of housing providers nationally and the services they deliver
- Know the agencies that work with housing providers to deliver services
- Understand how housing providers are regulated
- Understand how housing providers can improve the services they deliver
Involving housing service users
- Understand why service user involvement is important in a range of housing-related settings
- Understand the opportunities for service user involvement in housing
- Understand how to maximise the impact of service user involvement in a specific context
Sustainable communities
- Understand what a sustainable community is
- Understand the political, social and economic context of sustainable communities
- Understand how sustainable communities can be developed
Please note: Option two units are not available for online plus learners.
Housing repairs and maintenance services
- Understand the approaches to delivering a responsive repairs service.
- Understand the approaches to delivering long term asset management programmes.
- Understand the relationship between the client and contractor roles in the delivery of repairs.
Customer service in housing
- Understand the role of customer service in housing
- Understand how to communicate effectively with the housing customer
- Understand the role of customer feedback in housing
Managing leasehold housing services
- Know the legal and regulatory framework for leasehold housing management.
- Understand the features of the leasehold housing sector.
- Know how to consult on, and calculate leasehold housing service charges.
Please note: Option three units are not available for online plus learners.
Housing repairs and maintenance services
- Understand the approaches to delivering a responsive repairs service.
- Understand the approaches to delivering long term asset management programmes.
- Understand the relationship between the client and contractor roles in the delivery of repairs.
Customer service in housing
- Understand the role of customer service in housing
- Understand how to communicate effectively with the housing customer
- Understand the role of customer feedback in housing
Managing empty properties
- Understand the context for managing empty properties
- Understand how housing organisations manage empty properties
How to apply
You can apply to study this qualification by selecting a start date from the table at the top of this page and completing our online application form.
You will be asked to provide evidence of your qualifications and/or your experience of working in the housing sector as part of the application process.
You will be asked to select a payment option during the application process.
Individuals or purchasers (making the booking on an individual’s behalf) booking onto all courses are required to pay their full fees within seven days of receipt of the invoice or prior to the start date* of the course.
Payment can be made by credit or debit card.
Failure to complete payment prior to the start date may mean that your course date will need to be changed or services stopped.
*The start date is the day of the advertised closing date for applications.
If payment for fees is to be made by the individual’s organisation, a purchase order is required.
It is the individual’s responsibility to provide this to CIH at the time of booking so please ensure you have this to hand before you begin your application.
What can I expect as a CIH Housing Academy learner?
We will support you throughout your qualification, offering guidance when personal or work-related problems arise that may affect your studies.
- At the beginning of the qualification you will be provided with a brief introduction to the qualification and information on how it is delivered, structured and assessed.
- You will be allocated an academic tutor who will offer you support throughout your qualification.
- You can contact your tutor through ‘messenger’ when logged in to our online learning platform, My Housing Academy.
- Your tutor will mark your assignments and give you feedback as well as providing you with advice and support on any academic issues.
- You will be able to communicate and share ideas with other students via My Housing Academy.
CIH membership included for eligible Housing Academy learners
CIH offer a concessionary learner membership that can be purchased by learners undertaking a CIH qualification*. This discounted rate provides access to all standard member benefits.
If you choose to study with The CIH Housing Academy eligible learners will receive a year’s learner membership worth £80 when studying a full qualification at level 3.
When you register with The Housing Academy, we will automatically transfer your details to the CIH membership team who will confirm if you are eligible to receive this special offer and will be in touch with how to access the membership package.
Although not an essential requirement to complete your qualification, CIH membership provides a wealth of resources, services and networking opportunities that will enhance your learning experience and benefit your professional development long into the future.
*Eligibility criteria apply.
Online plus combines all the benefits of online study with the addition of five face-to-face learning days or a comparable number of virtual tutor-led sessions. These virtual sessions offer the opportunity to interact and share knowledge with other learners and tutors but still benefit from studying around work and life commitments.
| Start date | Application closing date | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 29 September 2025 | 15 September 2025 | 11 months | £2175 | Enrol online |
| 24 November 2025 | 10 November 2025 | 11 months | £2175 | Enrol online |
| 30 March 2026 | 16 March 2026 | 11 months | £2175 | Enrol online |
What is the Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice?
The Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice is a vocational qualification for frontline practitioners, of an equivalent standard to an A-level, which will provide you with the knowledge and understanding of a range of key areas in delivering housing services.
Qualifications at this level will enable you to be an effective housing practitioner and will provide you with a broader understanding of how your organisation and others in the housing industry work.
On completion of this qualification, you will be eligible for CIH Certified Practitioner CertCIH status. The pathway indicated on your certificate will reflect the combination of units you studied.
Successful completion of this qualification will prepare you for the Level 4 Certificate in Housing, and is the first step on the route towards CIH Chartered Membership CIHCM.
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is suitable for anyone working in either a paid or voluntary capacity in housing.
The qualification is also suitable for anyone that has completed the CIH Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice or an equivalent level 2 or higher qualification.
Experience requirements:
- Learners must be working in housing or housing related industry in a frontline capacity.
- To be eligible you must have completed either:
- CIH Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice
- an equivalent Level 2 or higher qualification.
If you have not completed the level 2 or equivalent qualifications you may still be eligible but you must be working in housing or housing related industry.
Learners must also meet the following criteria:
- Are 18+ (please note that this is a Housing Academy stipulation for all learners)
- Are confident in using IT and have access to a computer.
- Have the potential and opportunity to gain the qualification.
- Are aware that this qualification will be assignment based as the Housing Academy’s chosen method of assessment and that other Centres may be approved for other assessment methodologies.
- Are aware that they must demonstrate an understanding of all the Learning Outcomes to achieve each unit of study within the qualification.
Level 3 descriptors
Please read the following level 3 descriptors that indicate the level you must be working at to achieve the qualification and are confident that you are able to meet these requirements:
Knowledge descriptor
- You have factual, procedural, and theoretical knowledge and understanding of a subject or field of work to complete tasks and address problems that while well-defines, may be complex and non-routine.
- You can interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas
- You are aware of different perspectives or approaches within the area of study or work.
Skills descriptor
- You can identify, select and use appropriate cognitive and practical skills, methods and procedures to address problems that while well-defined, may be complex and non-routine.
- You can use appropriate investigation to inform actions.
- You can review how effective methods and actions have been.
How long does it take?
- Approximately 37-48 weeks, with an average of eight hours study a week.
What will you learn?
You will study a total of eight units:
- five core units
- three units from a choice of three options.
Please note: Option two and three units are not available for online plus learners.
These five mandatory units provide essential underpinning knowledge for working in housing organisations
The housing system
- Know the different ways that individuals access the housing market
- Understand the role of the main providers of housing
- Understand the features of the housing market
- Understand how the government intervenes in the housing system
Professional practice skills for housing
- Understand the key skills, knowledge and behaviours required for the housing professional
- Understand ethics in the context of professional practice in housing
- Understand equality, diversity and inclusion in the context of professional practice in housing
- Be able to assess own professional performance and development
Occupancy, tenure and lettings
- Understand types of occupancy and tenure
- Understand different types of tenancy
- Understand different approaches to allocation and lettings
Rental income management
- Understand the importance of rental income management
- Understand good practice in effective income management
- Understand the legal framework for arrears management
Dealing with anti-social behaviour in housing
- Understand what anti-social behaviour means in a housing context
- Understand the statutory and non-statutory interventions available to tackle anti-social behaviour
- Understand approaches to tackling and preventing anti-social behaviour in housing
Delivery of housing services
- Know the main types of housing providers nationally and the services they deliver
- Know the agencies that work with housing providers to deliver services
- Understand how housing providers are regulated
- Understand how housing providers can improve the services they deliver
Involving housing service users
- Understand why service user involvement is important in a range of housing-related settings
- Understand the opportunities for service user involvement in housing
- Understand how to maximise the impact of service user involvement in a specific context
Sustainable communities
- Understand what a sustainable community is
- Understand the political, social and economic context of sustainable communities
- Understand how sustainable communities can be developed
Please note: Option two units are not available for online plus learners.
Housing repairs and maintenance services
- Understand the approaches to delivering a responsive repairs service.
- Understand the approaches to delivering long term asset management programmes.
- Understand the relationship between the client and contractor roles in the delivery of repairs.
Customer service in housing
- Understand the role of customer service in housing
- Understand how to communicate effectively with the housing customer
- Understand the role of customer feedback in housing
Managing leasehold housing services
- Know the legal and regulatory framework for leasehold housing management.
- Understand the features of the leasehold housing sector.
- Know how to consult on, and calculate leasehold housing service charges.
Please note: Option three units are not available for online plus learners.
Housing repairs and maintenance services
- Understand the approaches to delivering a responsive repairs service.
- Understand the approaches to delivering long term asset management programmes.
- Understand the relationship between the client and contractor roles in the delivery of repairs.
Customer service in housing
- Understand the role of customer service in housing
- Understand how to communicate effectively with the housing customer
- Understand the role of customer feedback in housing
Managing empty properties
- Understand the context for managing empty properties
- Understand how housing organisations manage empty properties
How to apply
You can apply to study this qualification by selecting a start date from the table at the top of this page and completing our online application form.
You will be asked to provide evidence of your qualifications and/or your experience of working in the housing sector as part of the application process.
You will be asked to select a payment option during the application process.
Individuals or purchasers (making the booking on an individual’s behalf) booking onto all courses are required to pay their full fees within seven days of receipt of the invoice or prior to the start date* of the course.
Payment can be made by credit or debit card.
Failure to complete payment prior to the start date may mean that your course date will need to be changed or services stopped.
*The start date is the day of the advertised closing date for applications.
If payment for fees is to be made by the individual’s organisation, a purchase order is required.
It is the individual’s responsibility to provide this to CIH at the time of booking so please ensure you have this to hand before you begin your application.
What can I expect as a CIH Housing Academy learner?
We will support you throughout your qualification, offering guidance when personal or work-related problems arise that may affect your studies.
- At the beginning of the qualification you will be provided with a brief introduction to the qualification and information on how it is delivered, structured and assessed.
- You will be allocated an academic tutor who will offer you support throughout your qualification.
- You can contact your tutor through ‘messenger’ when logged in to our online learning platform, My Housing Academy.
- Your tutor will mark your assignments and give you feedback as well as providing you with advice and support on any academic issues.
- You will be able to communicate and share ideas with other students via My Housing Academy.
CIH membership included for eligible Housing Academy learners
CIH offer a concessionary learner membership that can be purchased by learners undertaking a CIH qualification*. This discounted rate provides access to all standard member benefits.
If you choose to study with The CIH Housing Academy eligible learners will receive a year’s learner membership worth £80 when studying a full qualification at level 3.
When you register with The Housing Academy, we will automatically transfer your details to the CIH membership team who will confirm if you are eligible to receive this special offer and will be in touch with how to access the membership package.
Although not an essential requirement to complete your qualification, CIH membership provides a wealth of resources, services and networking opportunities that will enhance your learning experience and benefit your professional development long into the future.
*Eligibility criteria apply.
