The CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing aims to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills in housing practice required to deliver effective housing services at a management level.
It covers various topics, including housing law, policy, professional practice and customer focus in housing, alongside a wide range of optional units tailored for management-level professionals.
This qualification is regulated by: Ofqual, Qualifications Wales, and accredited by CCEA Regulation
What will you learn?
The qualification comprises four mandatory units totalling 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, totalling at least 36 credits, as follows:
- Four mandatory units (24 credits)
- Two optional units (minimum of 12 credits)
This unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of the legal and regulatory system that underpins the delivery of housing services.
It explores key landlord and tenant legislation including equality and diversity requirements, and how the law must be applied in practice.
The unit aims to provide learners with an understanding of the history of housing policy, who is involved in policy-making, and how policies are influenced and developed.
The learner will also gain an understanding of how policy impacts on practice.
This unit aims to provide an understanding of the importance of good customer service, and meeting the needs of a diverse range of housing customers including those who are experiencing vulnerability.
It covers the fundamentals of customer service, how to capture and use feedback to improve services, and the importance of effective communication.
Learners will understand the importance of developing and delivering services that meet the needs of a diverse range of housing customers.
This unit aims to provide the opportunity to reflect on what professionalism means in a housing context, including the key skills and behaviours that housing professionals must demonstrate.
It also examines the importance of exercising professional judgement and continuing professional development, along with an opportunity to create a professional development plan.
Two optional units (12 credits) must be selected from the list below, more information on these can be found in the qualification specification:
- Delivering services to support health and wellbeing in housing
- Finance in housing
- Housing development
- Housing management
- Housing need, demand and supply
- Managing people, teams and change
- Partnership working in housing
- Research skills for housing
- Resident involvement in housing
- Strategies for delivering independent living services
- Sustainability in housing
Who is this qualification for?
This qualification is designed for learners who:
- are in or aspiring to a supervisory or management role in housing
- may already have a level 3 qualification, or a qualification in housing
- and/or experience of working in housing or a related sector, preferably at a supervisory/management level
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:
- experience working in housing or a housing-related sector, preferably at a supervisory or management level
- achieved the CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice or a comparable qualification
- completed a management qualification
- completed a housing qualification or a qualification from a related sector.
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.
The qualification aims to support employment or progression within senior housing management occupational roles such as:
- Housing services manager
- Resident involvement manager
- Supported housing manager
- Lettings manager
- Property/ housing manager.
You may also wish to progress onto further learning such as:
These learning progression routes can provide the opportunity to gain CIH Chartered Member status.
As a learner you may be eligible to gain access to CIH membership at a concessionary rate.
On completion of the qualification you may wish to become a CIH 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.
