How to Earn Your HCCP
The Housing Credit Certified Professional (HCCP) is a specialized credential for developers, property managers, asset managers, state housing agency professionals and others working in the affordable housing industry through the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. To earn the HCCP credential, candidates must complete a 10-hour LIHTC training course, typically through one of numerous HCCP distributors. Following this training, HCCP credential candidates must take and pass the HCCP exam — which is offered via a distributor — and also meet the other requirements noted below.
For questions, comments or concerns, please contact any member of the HCCP Board of Governors or the Technical Advisory Group.
- Successful completion of an in-person HCCP Exam ($225 fee; $125 for retakes) or the online live proctored HCCP Exam ($255 fee; $155 for retakes) or online proctored testing center HCCP exam sessions ($335 fee).
- Minimum of two years’ experience in the LIHTC industry. (Those who do not yet meet this requirement may consider themselves an HCCP candidate until reaching two years of experience.)
- Adherence to the HCCP Code of Ethics
NAHB staff and the HCCP Board of Governors are committed to maintaining and expanding the professional benefits of obtaining the HCCP credential. These benefits include:
- Receipt of a highly respected and recognized HCCP credential certifying that the candidate has mastered a broad and detailed body of knowledge related to the LIHTC program
- 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
- Inclusion in the HCCP section of the online Professionals With Home Building Credentials Directory
- A subscription to The Credential, a quarterly e-newsletter developed by the HCCP Board of Governors to provide HCCPs the latest LIHTC industry information
- Discounted or free registration to one-hour educational webinars offered quarterly. HCCPs who attend each webinar can fulfill their annual continuing education requirement.
- Access to the professional LinkedIn group for active HCCPs
- Access to LIHTC technical assistance through NAHB staff and the HCCP Board of Governors
Several distributor organizations across the United States are approved to offer the HCCP exam as NAHB Distributors. Most offer training in-person and online in conjunction with the exam. Separate fees apply for training offered by distributors, and candidates should contact them directly for additional information regarding training course offerings and schedules. The NAHB Facebook page provides a current list of upcoming HCCP courses offered by distributors.
View an upcoming schedule of in-person HCCP exams and exam retakes by visiting the NAHB Education Calendar and searching for “Housing Credit Certified Professional.” If there is not one listed or convenient, it means that there is not one currently scheduled. You will need to check back at a later time or reach out directly to a distributor near you.
Organizations interested in distributing the HCCP exam should contact Dean Schwanke at (800) 368-5242 x8392 to find out what is required.
Study for the HCCP exam by reviewing these sample HCCP questions.
Online exam and re-take exams results are typically processed within 10 business days.
Please note: HCCP candidates who took training previously with a distributor prior to an exam and are looking for a certificate of completion should contact the distributor directly.
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. The pass rate is subject to change based on the current exam version. Industry experience, coupled with a review of the content found in a training course, should help you prepare. Contact HCCP distributors to discuss their training program and scheduled HCCP exam.
Once a candidate has passed the HCCP exam, they must complete and submit the online HCCP Professional Profile and Application, or the print version, to the HCCP program administrator with application fees. Please note submittal via email and fax are not inclusive in the online application process. The HCCP application fee is $195 for NAHB members and $245 for non-members. If candidates do not complete this process within the three-year period following their successful passing of the HCCP exam, they will be required to retake the exam. Complete the online HCCP application.
