22 Apr 2026
Housing qualifications explained: The detail
Wherever you are in your housing journey, there’s a CIH qualification that’s perfect for you. We offer qualifications from Level Two through to Level Five, so let’s break down the ins and outs of each level below.
Level two
Level Two qualifications are for those with little to no professional experience in housing. You might be just starting out working in the industry, or you might be a tenant, resident, or board member trying to boost your housing sector knowledge. Whatever your reason for undertaking a qualification, Level Two is the best place to begin.
As it’s often the first step in a learner’s housing journey, our Level Two qualifications have fairly broad entry requirements. With the exception of the CIH Level 2 Award in Letting and Managing Residential Property which is only for those working in letting or managing residential property or an associated industry, we simply require you to demonstrate the potential to complete your chosen qualification and to understand its learning outcomes. Throughout your time studying, you’ll need to use the skills you learn to complete well-defined tasks and solve straight forward problems.
| CIH Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice | CIH Level 2 Award in Letting and Managing Residential Property | |
| Available study methods | Online and Online Plus | Online |
| Purpose | To give you a basic understanding of housing | To provide a general introduction to letting and managing residential property |
| Extra entry requirements* | None | You work in letting and/or managing residential property or an associated industry |
| Approximate length of study | 16 weeks | 12 weeks |
*These are described as extra requirements as they sit alongside the typical Level Two qualification entry requirements for the CIH Housing Academy
Level Three
If you’re already working in housing but want to take your skills and knowledge to the next level, enrolling in a Level Three CIH qualification is the logical next step to take. While it’s a big commitment, your studies will help you gain a new and invaluable outlook on your career. It’ll also have a positive impact on everyone you work with!
As our Level Three qualifications offer more specialised subject knowledge, their entry requirements vary -- although you’ll definitely need to be working in the housing sector and hold a relevant Level Two qualification. During your studies, you’ll be able to use factual, procedural, and theoretical knowledge from your industry experience to solve problems that are complex and non-routine. It will also be important for you to consider a range of perspectives, and to review how effective your chosen actions are.
| CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice | CIH Level 3 Certificate in Letting and Managing Residential Property | CIH Level 3 Certificate in Providing Homelessness Services | |
| Available study methods | Online and Online Plus | Online | Online and Online Plus |
| Purpose | To provide knowledge and understanding of key areas in delivering housing services | To enable you to perform your role at a high standard, providing excellent tenant service and understanding housing legislation | To provide the knowledge and understanding to support homeless people at an operational level |
| Extra entry requirements* | You must work in housing or a housing related industry in a frontline capacity and hold a CIH Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice or an equivalent qualification | You must work in a front-line role in residential letting or a property related sector or hold a CIH Level 2 Award in Letting and Managing Residential Property or an equivalent qualification | You must be a practitioner working in housing or the homelessness sector and hold a CIH Level 2 Certificate in Housing Practice or an equivalent qualification |
| Approximate length of study | 11 months | 30 weeks | 20 weeks |
*These are described as extra requirements as they sit alongside the typical Level Three qualification entry requirements for the CIH Housing Academy
Level Four
A Level Four qualification will go into greater depth on the contextual and specialised knowledge a housing professional needs. It will give your career and confidence a boost, and you’ll have peace of mind as all our Level Four qualifications are compliant with the competence and conduct regulations.
Much like Level Three qualifications, individual entry requirements vary at Level Four. You need to hold a relevant Level Three housing qualification and be currently working at a management or supervisory level in the housing sector, but it’s best to check through the individual qualification pages to be sure of your eligibility. These qualifications are a little longer than previous levels and will involve using your practical, theoretical and technical knowledge to solve complex and non-routine problems. You need good understanding of your field of work, as well as an awareness of different perspectives. Self-analysis and adaptability are essential – you’ll need to bring together all of your current and learned knowledge to complete a Level Four qualification.
| CIH Level 4 Certificate in Housing | CIH Level 4 Certificate in Managing Housing Maintenance | CIH Level 4 Housing Management and Service Delivery | |
| Available study methods | Online and Online Plus | Online and Online Plus | Currently a pilot |
| Purpose | To equip you with advanced technical knowledge in housing practice at a management level | To provide you with the knowledge required to manage a housing maintenance service | To provide the knowledge, understanding, and skills required to manage a housing service effectively at a senior level. |
| Extra entry requirements* | You must work in housing (preferably at a management or supervisory level) and hold a CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice or an equivalent qualification. | You must work in housing (preferably at a management or supervisory level) and hold a CIH Level 3 Certificate in Housing Practice or an equivalent qualification. |
You must work in a senior management role in England, in social housing or for a housing service provider. The learner must also hold either:
|
| Approximate length of study | 12 months | 12 months | 6 months |
*These are described as extra requirements as they sit alongside the typical Level Four qualification entry requirements for the CIH Housing Academy
Level Five
For those who want to demonstrate highly expert knowledge and skills, a CIH Level Five qualification is the perfect fit. Our well-rounded syllabus covers ethical practice, leadership and management, strategic business planning, housing in context, managing partner relationships, customer focused housing, and professionalism. Completing this qualification will make you eligible for chartered membership CIHCM status, cementing you as a strong and capable force within the housing industry.
To complete a CIH Level 5 Diploma in Housing, you must have worked at a supervisory of management level in housing for preferably two years or more. Of course, you’ll also need to hold a CIH Level 4 Certificate or an equivalent qualification. During the course of your studies, you’ll use your practical, theoretical and technical knowledge to solve broad and complex problems, analysing your responses and building on potential improvements. Your subject knowledge should be superb, and you should be able to understand and use different perspectives to your advantage. Over 13 months (or less if you choose our new fast track option), you’ll combine all of your skills and effort into gaining this acclaimed qualification – you can do it!
