The Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) is a specialized designation for developers, property managers, asset managers and others working in the affordable housing industry through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.
Requirements for achieving the HCCP designation
Successful completion of the HCCP Exam ($175 fee; $100 for retakes)
Minimum of two years' experience in the LIHTC industry by graduation; those who fail to meet this requirement may apply for HCCP-Candidate status until reaching two years of experience.
NAHB staff and the HCCP Board of Governors are committed to maintaining and expanding the professional benefits of obtaining the HCCP designation, which include:
A congratulatory welcome kit, including a plaque, HCCP lapel pin, HCCP ribbon and sample press release for your company to use internally or for local media recognition
A subscription to The Credential, a quarterly e-newsletter developed by the HCCP Board of Governors to bring HCCPs the latest tax credit industry information
Discounted registration to one-hour educational webinars offered quarterly. HCCPs that attend each webinar fulfill their annual continuing education requirement
Opportunity to attend the annual reception and networking event honoring the HCCP of the Year
Access to the professional LinkedIn group exclusively for active HCCPs
Access to LIHTC technical assistance through NAHB staff and the HCCP Board of Governors
Organizations interested in distributing the HCCP exam should contact Carmel McGuire at 202-266-8207 to find out what is required.
Preparing for the HCCP Exam
The HCCP exam is designed for current LIHTC practitioners. It covers development, compliance and management issues and is a comprehensive, multiple-choice exam with a “best answer” format. The exam is proctored over 2.5 hours. You must answer at least 51 of the 75 questions correctly to pass. Industry experience, coupled with a review of the content found in a training course, should help you prepare. View the HCCP Candidate Information Guide and Sample Exam Questions for the list of testable subject areas and other tips for helping you pass the exam. Contact HCCP distributors to discuss their training program and scheduled HCCP exam.
Obtaining the HCCP Designation
Once you have passed the HCCP exam, you must submit your completed HCCP Professional Profile and Application and the application fee of $175 for NAHB members or $200 for non-members to the HCCP Program Administrator. If you do not complete this process within the three-year period, you will be required to retake the exam.Complete the online HCCP application.
Maintaining the HCCP Designation
In order to maintain your HCCP designation in good standing, you must complete four hours of LIHTC-related continuing education (CE) each year and submit your CE form with the annual renewal fee ($175 for members or $235 for non-members). HCCPs and HCCP-Candidates will receive their renewal invoice via email. If your contact information has changed, please update it using the online form.
Need a Renewal Invoice? Call the Professional Designations Helpline at 800-368-5242 x8154.
Participating in HCCP Events
The HCCP Board of Governors host quarterly webinars. Each one counts for one hour of continuing education. The schedule and registration information is available at this link.
The Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) is a specialized designation for developers, property managers, asset managers and others working in the affordable housing industry through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program.
Taking the HCCP Exam
Preparing for the HCCP Exam
Obtaining the HCCP Designation
Maintaining the HCCP Designation
Participating in HCCP Events
